Nikola Jokić's Buzzer-Beater Miracle Lifts Denver Nuggets To Stunning Victory Over Warriors In Thriller

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokić 

In the final moments of a tied game against the Warriors, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone strategically positioned Nikola Jokić as the safety valve for an inbound pass.

With primary options unavailable, Aaron Gordon delivered the ball to Jokić, who, with three seconds left, dribbled across half-court and unleashed a 40-foot shot over Kevon Looney, banking it in as the buzzer sounded. This miraculous shot secured a breathtaking 130-127 victory for the Nuggets, who had trailed by 18 points in the fourth quarter but closed with a remarkable 25-4 run.

Jokić's stellar performance included 34 points, 10 assists, and nine rebounds, while tying the game at 127 with a crucial jumper. Coach Malone praised Jokić for executing the play to perfection, emphasizing the incredible plays great players make.

Photo: Instagram/Nikola Jokić 

Jokić, humble in his approach, mentioned he was simply trying to get a bit closer and throw it to the basket, considering it the easiest option available. The defending champion Nuggets extended their impressive streak, winning 11 of their last 13 games and securing a sixth consecutive road victory.

Despite the Warriors' efforts, they fell to a 1-3 start on their seven-game homestand, adding to their struggles in maintaining double-digit leads this season. Aaron Gordon contributed significantly with 30 points for Denver, while Jamal Murray added 25.

On the Warriors' side, Stephen Curry led with 30 points, and Klay Thompson contributed 24. Jokić's confidence in critical moments, as noted by Nuggets forward Peyton Watson, proves vital for the team.


Watson highlighted Jokić's poise and even-keeled demeanor, emphasizing how it positively impacts the team's collective composure. The game showcased the Nuggets' resilience, particularly in response to Golden State's dominant third quarter.

Despite trailing by double digits early in the second half, the Nuggets took a 70-63 lead into halftime, shooting an impressive 62% from the field. Coach Malone expressed pride in his team's response, stating that maintaining composure in the face of adversity, especially on the road, was a commendable feat.

The absence of Draymond Green, suspended indefinitely, and Gary Payton II's extended absence due to a strained hamstring presented additional challenges for the Warriors. Green's anticipated return and Payton's re-evaluation in three weeks will impact the team moving forward. (Source: The Guardian)

Read Next: Steph Curry's Historic Milestone: NBA Record Surpassed In Nuggets-Warriors Showdown

Comments

Post a Comment

Trending Now

London Boxer Sherif Lawal Dies After Collapsing In Ring During Professional Debut

Image
Photo: Instagram/Sherif Lawal London-based boxer Sherif Lawal tragically passed away after collapsing in the ring during his professional debut on Sunday.  The 29-year-old was knocked down by Portuguese opponent Malam Varela in the fourth round of their middleweight bout at Harrow Leisure Centre.  Lawal received immediate treatment from paramedics at the scene and was rushed to the hospital but was later pronounced dead.  Photo: Instagram/Sherif Lawal The British Boxing Board of Control expressed their condolences to Lawal's family, stating, "Condolences to the family of Sherif Lawal following his tragic passing."  Warren Boxing Management, Lawal's representatives, also offered their sympathies, saying, "We would like to send our condolences to all of Sherif’s family, friends, coaches and all those close to him at this tragic time.” Read Next: Jayson Tatum Equals Michael Jordan In Playoff Milestone! Source: BBC Sports  
Read More

Kambosos Jr. Vs. Garcia: Feud Escalates To Street Fight Challenge!

Image
Photo: Instagram/George Kambosos Jr. In the latest twist to the boxing saga, George Kambosos Jr. has thrown down the gauntlet to Ryan Garcia , labeling him a "cheating dog" and challenging him to a street brawl.  This fiery exchange comes hot on the heels of Kambosos's defeat to Vasyl Lomachenko , where he missed his shot at the IBF lightweight title.  Garcia's taunts post-fight sparked the feud, with Kambosos hitting back hard, accusing Garcia of past doping and weigh-in failures.  Photo: Instagram/George Kambosos Jr. The challenge to a street fight adds fuel to the fire, leaving fans wondering if Garcia will accept.  Despite the setback, Kambosos Jr. eyes future matchups, but his clash with Garcia could reshape his path in the ring.  George Kambosos firing back at Ryan Garcia today… pic.twitter.com/Fgpb2mQlOd — Michael Benson (@MichaelBensonn) May 12, 2024 With tensions running high, the lightweight division braces for explosive times ahead. Read Next: Rising
Read More

Shohei Ohtani Surprises 13-Year-Old Fan With Unforgettable First Pitch Experience

Image
Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani There’s nothing quite like the smile on a young fan’s face when they meet their favorite player. That smile was multiplied by a thousand when Shohei Ohtani walked into 13-year-old Albert's hospital room. Thursday was Ohtani’s bobblehead night, and before the game, the Dodgers superstar surprised Albert, a pediatric patient at UCLA Mattel Children’s Hospital. Albert's reaction was priceless when Ohtani entered the room. He looked like he couldn’t believe it was real, similar to Elly De La Cruz ’s disbelief when he met Ohtani at second base last season. “Nervous?” Ohtani asked after shaking Albert’s hand. He then gave the teen a signed jersey and dropped the biggest surprise of all: Albert would be throwing out the ceremonial first pitch, with Ohtani catching. Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani Albert was speechless, a reaction that surprised one of his family members. “I’ve never seen him this quiet before. He’s so quiet,” they said. Ohtani had one mo
Read More

Timberwolves' Gobert Fined $75K For Referee Gesture In Playoff Clash

Image
Photo: Instagram/Rudy Gobert Minnesota Timberwolves' big man, Rudy Gobert , found himself in hot water after flashing a cash sign at NBA referees during Game 4 of their playoff series against the Denver Nuggets.  The NBA swiftly responded by slapping him with a hefty $75,000 fine, deeming his gesture inappropriate and unprofessional.  This isn't the first time Gobert has clashed with referees; earlier in the season, he received a $100,000 fine for the same gesture.  Photo: Instagram/Rudy Gobert Despite being known for his defensive prowess , Gobert's impact hasn't been as significant in the playoffs, with the Timberwolves struggling to maintain their defensive edge.  With the series tied, Gobert faces pressure to step up his game as the Timberwolves prepare to take on the Nuggets in Game 5. The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/KAGG2iIaSr — NBA Communications (@NBAPR) May 14, 2024 Read Next: Bronny James Shines In Shooting Drills Despite Height Setb
Read More

Bronny James Shines In Shooting Drills Despite Height Setback at 2024 NBA Draft Combine

Image
Photo: Instagram/Bronny James In the ongoing saga of the NBA Draft Combine, size continues to play a significant role, influencing the fates of young prospects hoping to make it big in the league. This year's event showcased a mix of surprises and disappointments, none more notable than Bronny James , son of NBA icon LeBron James . Bronny James, previously listed at a solid 6-foot-4 during his college stint at USC, fell short in height measurements at the combine, coming in at 6-foot-1.5 without shoes. However, he quickly shifted the narrative with an impressive display of shooting prowess, reminiscent of basketball legend Larry Bird. James excelled in the 3-point shooting drill, finishing second among all participants, demonstrating his potential despite his stature. While James' performance left analysts pondering his draft prospects, other standout measurements drew attention. Providence's Devin Carter stole the spotlight with his exceptional athleticism, boasting record
Read More

Lomachenko Clinches IBF Lightweight Title With 11th Round Victory Over Kambosos In Perth

Image
Photo: Instagram/Vasiliy Lomachenko Vasiliy Lomachenko seized the IBF lightweight title by defeating George Kambosos Jr in the 11th round at the RAC Arena in Perth. Making a comeback after a year-long break, Lomachenko dominated the fight, ultimately dropping Kambosos with a series of body shots in the penultimate round. The match drew in 14,147 fans, witnessing Lomachenko's stellar performance as he outlanded Kambosos by a significant margin of 175-40, as per Compubox's punch stats. Photo: Instagram/Vasiliy Lomachenko In response to a mid-fight tweet from Gervonta Davis hinting at a potential future bout, Lomachenko expressed his willingness to consider it, stating, "After I rest a little bit, we can talk about the future." Kambosos, who rose to fame with his upset victory over Teófimo López in 2021, acknowledged Lomachenko's prowess, conceding, "This guy is one of the best of all time. We tried our best, but he’s a good champion. He deserves that belt. I
Read More

Dodgers' Shohei Ohtani Leaves Game Due To Back Tightness

Image
Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles Dodgers' designated hitter Shohei Ohtani exited Saturday night's game against the San Diego Padres early due to back tightness.  Ohtani, who went 0 for 3 with a walk before leaving, was replaced by pinch-hitter Kiké Hernández in the ninth inning.  Dodgers' manager Dave Roberts stated that Ohtani's back tightened up before his fourth at-bat, prompting the decision to remove him from the game with the Dodgers leading 5-0. Photo: Instagram/Shohei Ohtani Roberts expressed minimal concern but hinted that Ohtani might sit out Sunday's game as a precautionary measure.  Ohtani, who signed a 10-year, $700 million contract with the Dodgers last December, has been one of the top hitters in the league this season, boasting a 1.090 OPS and a .352 batting average, with 11 home runs and 27 RBIs. Read Next: Derrick Lewis' KO Victory at UFC St. Louis Overshadowed By Unforgettable Celebration Source: AP News  
Read More

Dana White's Social Media Post Leads To FedEx Driver's Dismissal

Image
Photo: Instagram/Dana White A recent social media post by UFC president Dana White has resulted in the firing of a FedEx driver after a video went viral showing the employee mishandling packages.  In the video shared by White, the FedEx worker can be seen carelessly throwing packages into the back of a truck while White jokes about the scene.  The footage, which was posted on White's social media account, drew attention to the worker's behavior, prompting FedEx to take action. Photo: Instagram/Dana White According to TMZ, the company stated that the behavior exhibited in the video was unacceptable and did not align with their commitment to professionalism and customer service. As a result, the driver is no longer employed by FedEx.  While it remains unclear whether the driver was following proper protocol or how the incident may have impacted the packages, FedEx emphasized their dedication to treating customers' packages with care.  FedEx driver fired after Dana White film
Read More

Derrick Lewis' KO Victory at UFC St. Louis Overshadowed By Unforgettable Celebration

Image
Photo: Instagram/Derrick Lewis Derrick Lewis, renowned for his knockout power, clinched another victory at UFC St. Louis on Saturday night, flooring Rodrigo Nascimento in a thrilling third-round finish.  However, it wasn't just his fighting skills that stole the show. Lewis, in his signature style, stripped off his shorts and briefly exposed himself to the crowd at the Enterprise Center, adding a comedic twist to his celebratory antics.  He even threw his cup into the audience, jokingly offering it as a souvenir. "I appreciate St. Louis for letting me show my naked ass tonight," Lewis humorously remarked after the match.  Photo: Instagram/Derrick Lewis Despite some hesitation, his cup was caught by an attendee who later got it autographed by Lewis and Dana White .  The fight itself showcased Lewis's dominance, delivering a crushing right-handed blow to Nascimento early in the third round, ultimately securing his 15th knockout victory in UFC history.  The shorts are of
Read More

Rising Yankees Star Anthony Volpe Credits Early MLB Success To Mom's Support

Image
Photo: Instagram/Anthony Volpe Anthony Volpe, the emerging star of the New York Yankees, attributes much of his early success in Major League Baseball to the unwavering support and selflessness of his mother.  Growing up in a tight space on the Upper East Side, Volpe's love for baseball initially caused some concerns for his mom.  His father improvised a makeshift baseball game using magazines as bases, but a mishap with a vase led to a swift ban on indoor play. However, Volpe's passion for the sport persisted, leading him to break records in the MLB. Last season, Volpe made history by becoming the first rookie in the Yankees' franchise to achieve at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases, as well as securing the team's first rookie Gold Glove. He credits his strong work ethic to his mother's influence, describing her as his best friend and primary source of support. In the Volpe household, his mother holds the title of "the boss," making decisions and man
Read More