NBA Playoffs 2022: Denver Vs Memphis
The First Four GamesGame 1: Nuggets Avoid Mile High Meltdown
The Nuggets were lucky to escape with a 102-93 win against the Grizzlies in game one. The game was seemingly won by Denver as they went in leading by 28 at the start of the 4th, but their offense became lazy and stagnant. They even let it get within 5 at one stage, sending fear into the Pepsi center crowd.
LeBron James scored 29 points to lead the Nuggets, but the telling stat of the night was the fact that he was goose-egged in the final quarter. Taylor MacKenzie added 22, while Dwight Howard was one rebound away from a double-double with 14 points and 9 rebounds. The Performer of the Game went to the all-round ability of Borislav Perko, who notched off another triple-double with 10 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists.
As expected, the Memphis backcourt got most of the point, led by Darrell Flanagan, who himself almost had a double-double with 24 points and 9 rebounds. Guards Tyler Jones and Dave Russell both added 19 each, while Tommy Stevenson put up 12 points.
The Nuggets were comprehensive in the first three quarters, but complacency crept into their game and the Grizzlies out-scored them 39-20 in the 4th. Even though they were happy with the win, it was a performance that was sure to leave George Karl fuming.
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MEM@DEN
DEN: 102 (James 29, MacKenzie 22, Howard 14)
MEM: 93 (Flanagan 24, Jones 19, Russell 19)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Borislav Perko [DEN] 10 points 10 rebounds 10 assists 1 block 3 steals
Rebounds
DEN: Perko 10
MEM: Good 13
Assists
DEN: Perko 10
MEM: Russell 4
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Game 2: Grizzlies Even The Series
Memphis carried on their 4th quarter momentum from game 1 to beat the Denver Nuggets by 93-88 in game 2. It was a shared effort by the Grizzlies, as they had 5 players in double digits. Once again they were led by Darrell Flanagan, who scored 19. Tyler Jones and Dave Russell both contributed 17 each. Tommy Stevenson had a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds, while Memphis' Borislav Perko came off the bench with 12 points
It was a bittersweet night for Taylor MacKenzie. He personally had a huge night with 40 points, but unfortunately he had little help, with both Cody Campbell (12 points, 8 rebounds) and LeBron James (12 points, 8 assists) the only other notable contributors on the offensive end.
The Grizzlies came out of the gates early as they went to a 24-15 lead at the end of the first. It was a game of scoring runs, as the Nuggets had the best of the second (36-22 for the quarter), but they were trumped by the Grizzlies in the second half.
The series is now in the balance as it heads to Memphis.
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MEM@DEN
MEM: 93 (Flanagan 19, Jones 17, Russell 17)
DEN: 88 (MacKenzie 40, Campbell 12, James 12)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Taylor MacKenzie 40 points 4 rebounds 2 steals
Rebounds
MEM: Stevenson 13
DEN: Campbell, Howard, Perko 8
Assists
MEM: Jones 5
DEN: James 8
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Game 3: Nuggets Savage Grizzlies
After losing game 2, the Nuggets hit back emphatically with a 94-68 win in Memphis. After having a quiet playoffs, Duncan Werner came off the bench with 28 points to lead the Nuggets. However, Dwight Howard was named as the Nuggets best, as he had 22 points and 14 rebounds. Taylor MacKenzie added 17, while Borislav Perko was more understated with 10 points, 8 rebounds and 6 assists.
Memphis were a farcry from the team that beat the Nuggets in game 2. It was a massive come down for them as Dave Russell and Borislav Perko both top scored 16. Tommy Stevenson (13 points, 10 rebounds) and Tyler Jones (11 points) both added double digits as well, but they were unable to create many opportunities close to the basket.
The Grizzlies still have a chance to pick up the split in Memphis, but the Nuggets now have all the momentum.
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DEN@MEM
DEN: 94 (Werner 28, Howard 22, MacKenzie 17)
MEM: 68 (Perko 16, Russell 16, Stevenson 13)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Dwight Howard 22 points 14 rebounds 3 assists 1 steal
Rebounds
DEN: Howard 14
MEM: Good, Stevenson 10
Assists
DEN: James, Perko 6
MEM: Russell 5
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Game 4: Denver Hold On and Go to 3-1
In another up-and-down affair, the Nuggets were able to hold on for a 96-93 win in game 4. All five starters for the Nuggets scored double figures, with Taylor MacKenzie leading the way with 19. Dwight Howard was once again the best player on the court, this time with 16 points, 10 rebounds, 5 assists and 5 blocks. LeBron James (15) and Borislav Perko (12 points, 10 assists) both had meaningful contributions, while Duncan Werner got 11 points off the bench. Cody Campbell was 2 rebounds off a double-double with 10 points and 8 rebounds.
With the exception of Tommy Stevenson, the Grizzlies starting 5 all scored in double digits as well, led by Tyler Jones (23). Dave Russell kept up his consistent scoring with 19 and Nicklas Good finally got in the offensive action with 14 points and 9 rebounds. Darrell Flanagan had a better game with 14, while Borislav Perko provided a spark once again off the bench with 13 points and 6 assists.
It was the story of two halves; Memphis had the better of the first (50-43), but Denver were able to take control. The Grizzlies had a last-ditch effort in the final minute, but it was in vain as Denver held on.
The series is now heads back to Denver, where the Nuggets have the opportunity to advance to the Western Conference Finals.
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DEN@MEM
DEN: 96 (MacKenzie 19, Howard 16, James 15)
MEM: 93 (Jones 23, Russell 19, Flanagan 14)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Dwight Howard 16 points 10 rebounds 5 assists 5 blocks 1 steal
Rebounds
DEN: Howard 10
MEM: Stevenson 12
Assists
DEN: Perko 10
MEM: Perko 6
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There you go... I can finally say that Borislav Perko truly led both teams in one statistical category
The conclusion will be up sometime tomorrow probably.
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