Nuggets vs. Knicks, NBA Game Of The Week

This Wednesday’s matchup between the Nuggets and the Knicks will feature two teams who are on a roll with high aspirations for the playoffs. The Nuggets are coming off of a loss against the lowly Bulls. The Knicks, on the other hand, carry a lot more momentum and a better record overall into this one.

The Knicks recorded a statement win at Madison Square Garden on Monday night versus the Grizzlies, a more-than-formidable opponent, to propel their record up to 31-16. They’re currently sitting in third place in the Eastern Conference, trailing only the Cavaliers and the Celtics.

As for the Nuggets, they sit in fourth place in the stacked Western Conference. Their record of 28-18 is slightly worse than that of New York’s, but they’ve won seven of their last 10 games and have handled business so far in road games this season.

New York is led by their captain, Jalen Brunson. Brunson and offseason trade acquisition Karl-Anthony Towns have been a nearly unstoppable duo this season, with Brunson leading the team in points per game and assists with 25.8 and 7.4, respectively, and Towns leading in rebounds with 13.8.

The roster might be one of the most well-constructed groups in the entire league. While the bench leaves something to be desired, the starting five have tremendous chemistry and mesh like no other team. In addition, Head Coach Tom Thibodeau rarely deploys his bench unit in the first place, so the starters have every opportunity to gel together.

Mikal Bridges and OG Anunoby have been hot and cold shooting so far this season, with each erupting for huge offensive games at points, but also finishing games scoring in the single digits. Amidst these ebbs and flows, each player has provided tremendous value on the defensive end night in and night out.

If that duo can find their way to the hoop alongside the usual tandem of Brunson and Towns, it’s going to be a long night for the Nuggets.

Nonetheless, the Nuggets should not be counted out in any regard. Much of that stems from one man; Nikola Jokić, the six-time all-star and three-time MVP from Serbia who is having perhaps his greatest season to date.

The 6’11” center is averaging a career-high in points per game at a whopping 30. He is attempting more field goals than ever and is scoring at an all-time great rate. He’s also made over 47% of his three-pointers, which is near-unimaginable for a big man. Not to mention, he’s averaging a triple-double.

While the supporting cast for Jokić is not nearly as strong as that of the Knicks’ complimentary pieces, they certainly have talented players. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. can each score in droves. Aaron Gordon and Russell Westbrook are two veteran leaders who provide a spark off of the bench.

In the end, it’ll likely come down to whoever wins the rebounding battle. It will be interesting to see how each team goes about defending the stars of the other team. Each squad has players who can create a matchup nightmare for opposing coaches.

Dominick Pizzelanti is a second-year student dual majoring in broadcast journalism and Spanish. To contact him, email dqp5565@psu.edu.