Jokic, Murray Lead Nuggets to Series-Tying Win

Less than 48 hours removed from a heartbreaking four-overtime loss, the Denver Nuggets secured a gusty 116-112 road victory over the Portland Trail Blazers to even the Western Conference Semifinals series at two games apiece.

Nikola Jokic registered his fourth triple-double of the postseason with a 21-point, 12-rebound, 11-assist performance. Jokic fought through fatigue and posted his second consecutive triple-double, having played 65 minutes in Friday's 4-OT loss.

Nuggets even their series by def. Trail Blazers 116-112 in Game 4.

Nikola Jokic is now the 7th player with 4 triple-doubles in a single postseason in NBA history, joining Wilt Chamberlain, Magic Johnson, Oscar Robertson, LeBron James, Rajon Rondo & Jason Kidd. (h/t @EliasSports) pic.twitter.com/oX4jltr6qm

— ESPN Stats & Info (@ESPNStatsInfo) May 6, 2019

Jamal Murray scored a game-best 34 points in the win.  The Nuggets outscored the Trail Blazers 27-14 in the third quarter, before holding on in the final frame behind some clutch free throw shooting. Murray knocked down all 11 of his free throw attempts, including six in the waning minutes of action. He has scored over 30 points in back-to-back games, the first Nuggets player to accomplish this feat in the postseason since Carmelo Anthony did so in 2010.

Jamal Murray outplayed Damian Lillard in Denver's Game 4 victory. (Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

CJ McCollum recorded 29 points and Damian Lillard scored 28 for the Trail Blazers, who lost at home for the first time this postseason. Seth Curry scored 16 off the bench—14 coming in the second quarter in which he hit four 3's.

Paul Millsap logged his third straight double-double, producing 21 points and corralling 10 rebounds in the Game 4 win.

The Nuggets received a major scare when Jokic limped off the court in the final minutes with a leg injury, but he returned on the next possession. 

Head coach Michael Malone dismissed the ailment afterward, saying, "He just got kneed, nothing serious." 

The Nuggets return home for Game 5 on Tuesday.

NBA 2017-18 Western Conference Standings Predictions

With the summer drawing to a close and the NBA’s Opening Night tipping-off in less than two months, standings predictions are detailed here for the upcoming season in the Western Conference.

1. Golden State Warriors

By far the best team in the league, the Dubs brought back their championship core and added guard Nick Young and forward Omri Casspi in free agency.

The Warriors could reach the 70-win plateau for the second time in three seasons.

2. Houston Rockets

The Rockets are constructing their roster to dethrone the Warriors. Not only did they trade for superstar point guard Chris Paul, they also signed P.J. Tucker and Luc Mbah a Moute — two defensive stalwarts whom can guard (as best as one possibly can) Kevin Durant.

Chris Paul holds his jersey up in his introductory press conference with the Houston Rockets. Houston’s general manager Daryl Morey (left) and head coach Mike D’Antoni (right) are also shown. (AP Photo)

Houston is the home for two of the 10 best players (James Harden and Paul) in the NBA. Will it also be the home of Carmelo Anthony come this winter?

3. San Antonio Spurs

It was a bit of a rough offseason for the Spurs. Not only did their in-state rivals acquire Paul, a player who the Spurs coveted, they lost Jonathan Simmons in free agency (Orlando Magic) and their biggest move of the summer was signing Rudy Gay, who is coming off a season-ending Achilles injury.

Tony Parker is out until January, as the Spurs’ floor general recovers from successful surgery on his left quad. Patty Mills will be manning the point guard duties in the meantime.

Even with Parker out and forward LaMarcus Aldridge reportedly unhappy in San Antonio, the Spurs remain a top-3 team in the West because of Kawhi Leonard, the best two-way player in the league.

4. Oklahoma City Thunder

The Thunder pulled off one of the most stunning trades in recent memory, acquiring superstar forward Paul George from the Indiana Pacers in return for mercurial guard Victor Oladipo — currently in the midst of a hefty contract — and backup forward Domantas Sabonis.

Four-time All-Star Paul George, a free agent in 2018, is the newest member of the Thunder. (Sue Ogrocki/AP)

Some think George, an impending free agent, may be a 1-year rental, but the forward made it clear if the Thunder reach the West Finals (or beyond) he’d be “dumb to leave” Oklahoma City.

Now serious contenders in the Western Conference, the Thunder re-signed defensive juggernaut Andre Roberson and inked stretch forward Patrick Patterson to a three-year contract.

5. Minnesota Timberwolves

The Timberwolves haven’t qualified for the postseason since 2004 but their woes appear to be in the past after landing Jimmy Butler in a Draft Night trade from the Chicago Bulls.

The Timberwolves signed Jeff Teague to join a (projected) starting lineup comprising of Butler, Karl Anthony-Towns, Andrew Wiggins and Gorgui Dieng.

The bench features free agent additions Jamal Crawford and Taj Gibson.

6. Portland Trail Blazers

The Blazers squeaked into the playoffs last year — only to get throttled in a first-round sweep at the hands of the champion Warriors. Though it was a disappointing season for Portland, given its expectations, there is certainly room for optimism because of Jusuf Nurkic.

The seven-foot 23-year-old Bosnian center was traded from the Denver Nuggets to the Trail Blazers at February’s trade deadline. From the moment he arrived in Portland, Nurkic played like an All-Star, averaging 15.2 points, 10.4 rebounds, 1.9 blocks and 1.3 steals per contest.

Jusuf Nurkic will be critical to Portland’s success in 2017–18. (Sam Forencich/Getty Images)

Nurkic’s season was cut short after he suffered a non-displaced right leg fracture, as the center missed the final seven games of the regular season and appeared in just one game (17 minutes in Game 3) in the playoffs.

Assuming Nurkic returns to form, he can establish a powerful trio with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum. And if all goes well, the Trail Blazers can trade for Carmelo Anthony (they would first have to convince the 10-time All-Star to waive his no-trade clause and leave the New York Knicks) and acquire the star power needed to compete in a Western Conference loaded with All-Star caliber players.

7. Denver Nuggets

The Nuggets missed the playoffs by a mere game last season. After adding All-Star forward Paul Millsap in free agency, the Nuggets are poised to make the postseason for the first time since 2013.

Millsap will form a one-two punch in the middle with center Nikola Jokic, a bonafide superstar in the second half of last season who looks the part of a perennial All-Star.

Jokic is a walking double-double who improved on the defensive side of the ball as the season commenced. Jokic’s dominant interior presence will keep the Nuggets competitive in the West for years to come.

8. Utah Jazz

Gordon Hayward defected to the Boston Celtics in free agency, but the Jazz still have Rudy Gobert, a member of the All-NBA Second Team last season.

Replacing Hayward is an impossible task — at least for the upcoming season — for the Jazz who now must rely heavily on Gobert, the NBA’s blocks leader in 2016–17 who made the NBA All-Defensive First Team.

The Jazz traded for point guard Ricky Rubio — replacing George Hill, who signed with the lowly Sacramento Kings — and re-signed Joe Ingles. They also inked veteran forwards Jonas Jerebko and Thabo Sefolosha to two-year deals as the Jazz recovered relatively well from the Hayward departure.

Advancing to the West semifinals last year, the Jazz will likely be grinding just to reach the playoffs. They could find themselves battling with the Los Angles Clippers — who they defeated in a seven-game series last postseason — for the eighth seed in the West.

Rest of the Pack

9. Los Angeles Clippers

10. New Orleans Pelicans

11. Memphis Grizzlies

12. Dallas Mavericks

13. Los Angeles Lakers

14. Sacramento Kings

15. Phoenix Suns

Must-Watch Home Game for all Eastern Conference Teams

 With the NBA releasing its 2017–18 schedule on Monday, here is a glance at the must-see home contest for all 15 squads from the Eastern Conference.

Atlanta Hawks

Vs. Denver Nuggets (Oct. 27): Atlanta opted not to re-sign Paul Millsap, who compiled four All-Star seasons with the team before joining the Nuggets in the offseason via free agency. The Hawks will likely pay some sort of tribute to their former star Millsap, who conveyed his anger that Atlanta did not even make him a contract offer.

For a franchise in full rebuild mode, Millsap’s return to Atlanta might be the only thing Hawks fans can get excited about this season.

Boston Celtics

Vs. Washington Wizards (Dec. 25): The Celtics host a Christmas Day game for the first time in 53 years when the Wizards visit TD Garden in a rematch of last year’s seven-game Eastern Conference semifinals series.

John Wall and Isaiah Thomas will go head-to-head on Christmas. (Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)

The two best point guards in the East — Washington’s John Wall and Boston’s Isaiah Thomas — take center stage in a rivalry that now includes both of the Morris twins — with Markieff Morris entering his second full season (acquired at the 2016 trade deadline) with the Wizards and Marcus Morris now a member of the Celtics.

Brooklyn Nets

Vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Feb. 2): Lakers president Magic Johnson chastised Nets point guard D’Angelo Russell after trading him to Brooklyn. Russell didn’t pan out as expected with the Lakers, something Johnson made clearafter dealing the guard. Johnson said the Lakers needed “a leader” and someone whom “players want to play with” and Russell apparently didn’t fit the bill on either accounts.

Russell gets the chance to make Johnson eat his words (at least for one night) and goes head-to-head against the guy who replaced him, Lonzo Ball.

Charlotte Hornets

Vs. Los Angeles Lakers (Dec. 9): Will the attention-seeking LaVar Ball, father of Lonzo Ball, make the trip for the Lakers’ only visit to Charlotte?

If so, it would be intriguing to see Lavar, who has manipulated the media into covering his every move, interact with Michael Jordan. Lavar — successfully boasting his way into the league’s limelight with his incessant, nonsensical trash-talking tirades and all — claimed he would have “killed” NBA legend Jordan in one-on-one. Jordan snickered at Lavar’s comment, saying he could defeat LaVar playing on just one leg.

Chicago Bulls

Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (Feb. 9): Jimmy Butler returns to the United Center — this time as a visitor and a member of the Minnesota Timberwolves. Former Bulls head coach Tom Thibodeau, who is entering his third season as Minnesota’s coach and president of basketball operations, also makes his lone visit of the year to Chicago for what is the Bulls’ only scheduled nationally televised game of the season.

Minnesota’s Tom Thibodeau (left) and Jimmy Butler (center) visit the Bulls in February. (AP Photo)

Cleveland Cavaliers

Vs. Golden State Warriors (Jan. 15): The Cavs look for redemption against the defending champion Golden State Warriors, who defeated Cleveland in a lopsided five-game NBA Finals last June.

Detroit Pistons

Vs. Charlotte Hornets (Oct. 18): Opening night against Charlotte in the Pistons’ new home court, Little Caesars Arena, should make for a boisterous atmosphere in downtown Detroit.

Indiana Pacers

Vs. Oklahoma City Thunder (Dec. 13): Expect boos when four-time All-Star Paul George returns to Bankers Life Fieldhouse. George demanded a trade and got his wish as the forward was dealt to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Pacers and their fanbase are already geared up for George’s return to Indy.

Paul George makes his lone trip of the season to Indianapolis in December. (Robert Scheer/IndyStar)

Miami Heat

Vs. Boston Celtics (Oct. 28): Kelly Olynyk plays his first game against the franchise that drafted him back in 2013 after signing a four-year, $50 million contract with the Heat this offseason.

Miami faces Gordon Hayward, who chose to sign with the Celtics over the Heat this summer.

Milwaukee Bucks

Vs. Toronto Raptors (Jan. 5): The upstart Bucks get a chance early in the 2018 calendar year for revenge against the team that knocked them out of the postseason.

The Bucks hope to prove they are now on Toronto’s level.

New York Knicks

Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Nov. 13): LeBron James has put on a show at Madison Square Garden on multiple occasions, averaging 28.5 points per contest in New York’s home arena. MSG is the only arena where James has topped the 50-point plateau twice.

But the main story-line here is Kyrie Irving playing against the Knicks (assuming Irving is still on Cleveland’s roster come mid-November), a team that is reportedly on his wish list for trade destinations.

According to reports, Kyrie Irving is interested in playing for the Knicks. (Darren Abate/AP)

A minor subplot is Derrick Rose’s return to New York, where he played one season and registered 18 points and 4.4 assists per game before signing with the Cavs this offseason.

Orlando Magic

Vs. Miami Heat (Oct. 18): No contest stands out in particular on the schedule for the Magic, who look destined for another losing season, so opening night against the in-state rival Miami Heat might be the game to attend for Orlando fans.

Philadelphia 76ers

Vs. Minnesota Timberwolves (March 24): The first overall pick in each of the past four NBA drafts — the 76ers’ Markelle Fultz and Ben Simmons and Minnesota’s Karl-Anthony Towns and Andrew Wiggins — will be in action for this contest featuring a bevy of young talent. Joel Embiid versus Towns could provide fireworks.

Toronto Raptors

Vs. Cleveland Cavaliers (Jan. 11): Cleveland has knocked Toronto out of the past two postseasons, as the Cavs swept the Raptors in the second-round last year.

It’s only a regular-season contest, but this game gives the Raptors a chance to see if they shortened any of the gap between themselves and the three-time reigning Eastern Conference champions.

Washington Wizards

Vs. Boston Celtics (Feb. 8): The Wizards host the team that defeated them in the East Semifinals for the first time in 2018.

The home team won every matchup (regular season and playoffs) last year.

NBA All-Star Ballot 2015

Western Conference

Starters

Guard: Stephen Curry, Warriors

22.8 PPG, 8.2 APG, 4.7 RPG. PER: 27.03 

Guard: James Harden, Rockets
27.3 PPG, 6.8 APG, 5.6 RPG. PER: 27.76

Forward: LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers
23.6 PPG, 10.2 RPG, 1.2 BPG. PER: 23.03

Forward: Anthony Davis, Pelicans
24.5 PPG, 10.4 RPG, 2.9 BPG. PER: 31.93

Forward: Marc Gasol, Grizzlies

18.9 PPG, 8.2 RPG, 1.7 BPG. PER: 22.65

Reserves

Guard: Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
21.8 PPG, 6.2 APG, 4.6 RPG. PER: 21.78

Guard: Russell Westbrook, Thunder
25.2 PPG, 7.5 APG, 5.9 RPG. PER: 27.61

Guard: Chris Paul, Clippers
17.5 PPG, 9.7 APG, 4.7 RPG. PER: 24.92

Guard: Klay Thompson, Warriors

23.0 PPG, 3.0 APG, 3.6 RPG. PER: 22.79

Forward: Blake Griffin, Clippers
22.7 PPG, 7.6 RPG, 0.4 BPG. PER: 22.75

Forward: Dwight Howard, Rockets
16.3 PPG, 11.0 RPG, 1.4 BPG. PER: 18.30

Forward: DeMarcus Cousins, Kings
23.8 PPG, 12.3 RPG, 1.6 BPG. PER: 25.24

Eastern Conference

Starters

Guard: John Wall, Wizards
17.2 PPG, 10.1 APG, 4.4 RPG. PER: 20.85

Guard: Kyle Lowry, Raptors
19. 4 PPG, 7.4 APG, 4.9 RPG. PER: 21.86

Forward: LeBron James, Cavaliers

26.4 PPG, 7.4 APG, 5.6 RPG. PER: 26.21

Forward: Paul Millsap, Hawks
17.2 PPG, 8.1 RPG, 0.9 BPG. PER: 20.41

Forward: Pau Gasol, Bulls

18.3 PPG, 11.9 RPG, 2.2 BPG, PER: 22.28

Reserves

Guard: Jeff Teague, Hawks
17.0 PPG, 7.5 APG, 2.6 RPG. PER: 22.30

Guard: Kyrie Irving, Cavaliers
22.1 PPG, 5.2 APG, 3.1 RPG. PER: 21.11

Guard: Jimmy Butler, Bulls

20.1 PPG, 3.3 APG, 6.0 RPG. PER: 20.98

Guard: Dwyane Wade, Heat

21.8 PPG, 5.4 APG, 3.8 RPG. PER: 22.55

Forward: Nikola Vucevic, Magic

19.5 PPG, 11.2 RPG, 0.8 BPG. PER: 22.17

Forward: Chris Bosh, Heat

21.3 PPG, 7.5 RPG, 0.6 BPG. PER: 21.04

Forward: Al Horford, Hawks

15.3 PPG, 6.8 RPG, 1.3 BPG. PER: 21.52 

*Stats Accurate as of 1/29/15
*Bold indicates league-leader

NBA Player Rank 2014: Nos. 30-21

30.       Eric Bledsoe (SG) - Phoenix Suns

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 17.7

REB 4.7

ASST 5.5

FG% 47.7

The fourth-year guard out of Kentucky, Bledsoe posted career-bests in points, rebounds, assists, steals and field goal percentage. Injuries limited Bledsoe to just 43 games this season. Yet, the Suns are reportedly planned to match any offer thrown at the restricted free agent guard this offseason. Phoenix's brass is steadfast on retaining the shooting guard following the club's impressive season that saw the team finish two games out of the playoffs in the ultra-competitive Western Conference, despite the Suns having one of the youngest rosters in the NBA.

29.       Paul Millsap (PF) - Atlanta Hawks

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 17.9

REB 8.5

ASST 3.1

FG% 46.1

Making his first All-Star appearance of his career, Millsap formed a formidable one-two punch in the frontcourt alongside forward/center Al Horford. A torn pectoral in late December sidelined Horford for the season, putting the burden on Millsap to furnish an inside presence for Atlanta. Millsap delivered for the Hawks, averaging a career-high 17.9 points to go with 8.5 rebounds, 3.1 assists, 1.7 steals and 1.1 blocks in 33.5 minutes. After leading the club in points, rebounds and steals in 2014, Millsap will look for a strong follow-up performance in the second season of his two year, $19 million contract with Atlanta. 

28.       Kyle Lowry (PG) – Toronto Raptors

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 17.9

REB 4.7

ASST 7.4

FG% 42.3

Arguably the biggest All-Star snub in NBA history, Lowry led the Toronto Raptors to the Atlantic Division title, earning the club its first postseason berth since 2008. The soon-to-be free agent reportedly has interest in remaining with Toronto--where he revived his career--though the Raptors will have to fend off competitors to re-sign the guard, who will likely be looking for a contract in the $9-10 million range.

27.       Chris Bosh (PF) - Miami Heat

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 16.2

REB 6.6

ASST 1.1

FG% 51.6

The unsung hero in Miami's "Big Three", Bosh continues to sacrifice personal accolades for the betterment of the team. Long known for his mid-range shot, Bosh has established himself as a threat from behind the arc, clearing more space for LeBron James and Dwyane Wade to drive the lane. Bosh, who has an early termination clause that allows him to opt out of his current contract at the end of the season, has remained adamant on his desire to stay in Miami for the long-haul.

26.       Goran Dragic (PG) - Phoenix Suns

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 20.3

REB 3.2

ASST 5.9

FG% 50.5

Dragic took the league by storm this season, spearheading the Suns to 48 wins. The 27-year-old point guard earned the Most Improved Player of the Year honors and was named to the All-NBA Third Team, despite getting snubbed from the Western Conference All-Star roster earlier in the year. Dragic averaged 20.3 points, 5.9 assists and 3.2 rebounds per game in 2013-2014.

25.       Serge Ibaka (PF) - Oklahoma City Thunder

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 15.1

REB 8.8

ASST 1.0

FG% 53.6

Ibaka led the NBA in total blocks (219) for the fourth consecutive season, earning a nod on the NBA All-Defensive First Team for the third time in as many seasons. His dramatic return to the Western Conference Finals, following what appeared to be a season-ending left calf strain injury, pulled the Thunder to consecutive victories before the Spurs ultimately finished off the intense series in six games.

24.       Dwyane Wade (SG) – Miami Heat

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 19.0

REB 4.5

ASST 4.7

FG% 54.5

Wade missed 28 games (roughly 1/3 of the season) in 2013-2014, but was highly effective in the games he suited up for, registering a 22.06 player efficiency rating. The 32-year-old guard has elevated his game this postseason, a major reason why the Heat captured their fourth consecutive Eastern Conference crown.

23.       DeMarcus Cousins (C) – Sacramento Kings

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 22.7

REB 11.7

ASST 2.9

FG% 49.6

The NBA's most underrated big man, Cousins had an impressive stat line (22.7 points, 11.7 rebounds, 2.9 assists) in 2013-2014. Despite these numbers, Cousins received just 14 total points in the All-NBA voting with only one first-team vote. Cousins remains a headcase for the Kings, picking up a league-high 16 technical fouls, which is the golden number of T's in the NBA that result in an eventual suspension. As the focal point of the Kings' future, Cousins must find a way to control his temper and be a better team leader for the struggling franchise.

22.       Damian Lillard (PG) – Portland Trail Blazers

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 20.7

REB 3.5

ASST 5.6

FG% 42.4

Following an unanimous NBA Rookie of the Year campaign, Lillard earned a 

trip to the 2014 All-Star game and a spot on the All-NBA Third Team. The duo 

of Lillard and forward/center LeMarcus Aldridge helped the Blazers win their 

first playoff series in 14 years. Lillard had the finishing touch on the 

Blazers' series-victory over the Houston Rockets as the point guard drained a 

three-pointer at the buzzer to seal a Game 6 win for Portland that sent 

the Rockets fishin' for the offseason.

21.       Dirk Nowitzki (PF) - Dallas Mavericks

2013-14 SEASON

PPG 21.7

REB 6.2

ASST 2.7

FG% 49.7

After his most disappointing season since his rookie campaign, Nowitzki returned in 2013-

2014 on a mission to reclaim his glory days, making his 12th All-Star appearance and leading 

the Mavs back to the playoffs. The German Wunderkind reestablished himself as a dominant 

scorer, nearly recording his second 50/40/90 stat line of his career. Nowitzki, who shot 49.7 

percent from the field, 39.8 percent from three-point territory and 89.9 percent from the free-

throw line, jumped all the way to 10th on the NBA's all-time scoring list.

*To be eligible for NBA Player Rank, players must appear in at least 40 games in 2013-2014 season.