In their last regular-season game, the Denver Nuggets secured a 126-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies.

Jamal Murray led the charge with 21 points in just 24 minutes of play, despite rolling his left ankle late in the second quarter. Although he had the option to exit the game due to the injury, Murray chose to remain on the court, showing some signs of discomfort but still making significant contributions to the Nuggets’ win.

Nikola Jokic contributed 15 points, 15 rebounds, five assists, and four steals in his 31 minutes on the court. Despite facing a depleted Grizzlies frontline due to injuries, Jokic focused primarily on rebounding, setting screens, and playing solid defense in passing lanes rather than solely scoring.

The Nuggets exhibited excellent ball movement as a starting unit, emphasizing the importance of fine-tuning for the playoffs, maintaining freshness, and ensuring the entire team is in sync rather than highlighting individual performances.

Michael Porter Jr. initially struggled with his shooting but managed to make two three-pointers. He showcased remarkable availability throughout the season, playing in 81 games, with his consistency as a shooter evident by his streak of at least one three-pointer in 35 consecutive games. Although his rebounding has been lacking lately, he has compensated in other aspects of his game.

Aaron Gordon and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope also made significant contributions. Gordon took some time to find his rhythm but finished strong, particularly excelling at the free-throw line, while Caldwell-Pope displayed his trademark defense and made crucial three-pointers. Both players have made compelling cases for All-Defensive Team selections, with Caldwell-Pope being the more probable choice. It’s hoped that he receives recognition from voters.

Off the bench, Christian Braun delivered an outstanding performance, tallying 19 points, 10 rebounds, five assists, and two steals. He remained engaged throughout the entire game, showcasing his versatility as a hustler, scorer, and playmaker on both ends of the floor.

Reggie Jackson and Peyton Watson contributed 11 points each, although Jackson’s shooting efficiency remains a concern as the playoffs approach. Watson, while still inconsistent, managed to make a three-pointer in the game, bringing his total to seven three-pointers since the All-Star Break, a statistic worth keeping an eye on as the playoffs near.

Overall, Denver delivered a solid performance, benefiting from the Grizzlies’ numerous injuries to secure the win.

The rest of the Western Conference playoff picture also aligned favorably for the Nuggets. With the Minnesota Timberwolves losing to the Phoenix Suns, they will drop to the third seed and face the Suns in the first round. The Suns’ rise to the sixth seed came as a result of the Los Angeles Lakers defeating the New Orleans Pelicans. Consequently, the Lakers retained the eighth seed, while the Pelicans dropped to seventh. These two teams will now compete against each other in the Play-In tournament, with the winner advancing to face the Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs.

In summary, the Nuggets now have clarity on their first-round opponent, which will either be the Lakers or the Pelicans. Should they advance, they will face either the Timberwolves or the Suns in the second round. The Western Conference playoff bracket underwent some strategic maneuvering, but now that it’s settled, the Nuggets are aware of where they stand.

Stay tuned for extensive coverage of the Play-In tournament, the first round, and the playoffs. There’s excitement surrounding the Nuggets’ prospects of defending their title, and the outcome ultimately rests in their hands.