A huge reason for Denver missing the playoffs by one game last season was their road record, but the Nuggets on Wednesday opened the new season by taking care of business away from home after they rallied in the fourth quarter to defeat the Los Angeles Clippers 107-98.
“That’s what mature basketball teams do. When everything’s not going well, they find ways to win,” said Paul Millsap, who had 11 points and 16 rebounds. “We stayed with it, didn’t panic and were able to execute down the stretch.”
Denver were 46-36 last season, but won only 15 games on the road, which is why their post-season drought was extended to five years.
Photo: Jake Roth-USA TODAY
It looked like the Nuggets’ road woes would catch up with them again. Despite leading for most of the game, they trailed 92-84 with 5 minutes, 14 seconds remaining after the Clippers went on an 11-3 run that was highlighted by a pair of Boban Marjanovic three-point plays.
Denver then closed the game by outscoring Los Angeles 23-6. Gary Harris scored six of his 20 points down the stretch, while Millsap, who missed his first six shots from the field, hit a jumper with 2:55 remaining to give the Nuggets a 95-94 lead and then was six of eight on foul shots.
After a Tobias Harris free-throw tied the game at 95, Nikola Jokic gave Denver the lead for good with 1:24 remaining with a putback layup off Jamal Murray’s missed jumper.
“We closed out the game well, made some shots and defended well,” said Jokic, who led the Nuggets with 21 points along with eight rebounds.
In other games, it was:
‧ Nets 100, Pistons 103
‧ Grizzlies 83, Pacers 111
‧ Heat 101, Magic 104
‧ Bucks 113, Hornets 112
‧ Hawks 107, Knicks 126
‧ Cavaliers 104, Raptors 116
‧ Pelicans 131, Rockets 112
‧ Timberwolves, 108 Spurs 112
‧ Jazz 123, Kings 117
‧ Mavericks 100, Suns 121
US track and field athletes have about four dozen pieces to choose from when assembling their uniforms at the Olympics. The one grabbing the most attention is a high-cut leotard that barely covers the bikini line and has triggered debate between those who think it is sexist and others who say they do not need the Internet to make sure they have good uniforms. Among those critical or laughing at the uniforms included Paralympian Femita Ayanbeku, sprinter Britton Wilson and even athletes from other countries such as Britain’s Abigail Irozuru, who wrote on social media: “Was ANY female athlete consulted in
Four-time NBA all-star DeMarcus Cousins arrived in Taiwan with his family early yesterday to finish his renewed contract with the Taiwan Beer Leopards in the T1 League. Cousins initially played a four-game contract with the Leopards in January. On March 18, the Taoyuan-based team announced that Cousins had renewed his contract. “Hi what’s up Leopard fans, I’m back. I’m excited to be back and can’t wait to join the team,” Cousins said in a video posted on the Leopard’s Facebook page. “Most of all, can’t wait to see you guys, the fans, next weekend. So make sure you come out and support the Beer
Former US Masters champion Zach Johnson was left embarrassed after a foul-mouthed response to ironic cheers from spectators after a triple bogey at Augusta National on Friday. Johnson, the 2007 Masters winner, missed the cut after his three-over-par round of 75 left him on seven-over 151 for 36 holes, his six on the par-three 12th playing a big role in his downfall. Television footage showed Johnson reacting to sarcastic cheers and applause when he tapped in for the triple bogey by yelling: “Oh fuck off.” Such a response would be considered bad form in any golf tournament, but is particularly out of keeping
The sacred flame for the Paris Olympics was lit yesterday in Olympia, Greece, the birthplace of the ancient Games, in a ceremony inspired by antiquity and marked by messages of hope amid multiple global crises. “In ancient times, the Olympic Games brought together the Greek city states, even — and in particular — during times of war and conflict,” International Olympic Committee president Thomas Bach said. “Today, the Olympic Games are the only event that brings the entire world together in peaceful competition. Then as now, the Olympic athletes are sending this powerful message — yes, it is possible to compete fiercely