Despite Denver’s most recent loss to the Sacramento Kings in California over the weekend, the Nuggets sit at number three in the Western Conference two games behind the conference leading Minnesota Timberwolves, tied with the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Sacramento Kings aren’t far behind, two games behind the Nuggets.
Jokic, who is fresh off his championship season, is putting together one of the most historic starts in NBA history. Currently Jokic is first in points, first in rebounds and first in assists, almost averaging a triple double in just the first two1 games of the season.
Two seasons ago Jokic won the NBA MVP award and many felt he was the clear winner last season; however, the MVP voting panel, made up of sportswriter and broadcast- ers throughout North America decided that Philadelphia 76ers, center Joel Embiid was the clear choice. Basketball fanatics will without a doubt debate this for years to come with some excoriating the panel for robbing Jokic of his third straight MVP an accomplishment only held by Bill Russell, Wilt Chamberlain and Larry Bird, players Jokic has clearly placed himself among.
While the Nuggets are only two games behind the conference-leading Timberwolves, they are still favorites to win the West.
This week the Nuggets are in L.A. to face the L.A. Clippers (Wednesday, December 6th at 8 p.m.) before they return home to host the Houston Rockets (Friday, December 8th at 7 p.m.) and former teammate Jeff Green. Green is expected to receive his championship ring dur- ing his return to Denver. The Nuggets are back on the road next Monday heading to Atlanta to face the Hawks (Monday, December 11th at 5:30 p.m.).
In other news the Denver Broncos lost on Sunday to the Houston Texans in a game many hoped they’d extend to a six-game winning streak. The Texans who lost the previous week to the Jacksonville Jaguars (the AFC North’s division leader), hosted Denver behind rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud.
The Broncos were slow to start trailing the Texans 13 – 3 heading into the half after a underwhelming first half. In the second half the Broncos started moving the ball much better behind quarterback Russell Wilson. Despite Denver’s success taking away the ball when facing other teams during their five-game winning-streak, they were unable to win the turnover battle, which ultimately cost them the game. Wilson threw for 186-yards with one touch- down and 3 interceptions.
This week the Broncos are in L.A. to face division foes, the Los Angeles Chargers who are struggling this season at 5 – 7 with recent losses to the Baltimore Ravens and the Green Bay Packers. Last week L.A. beat the New England Patriots 6 – 0. Sunday’s game is for kickoff at two:two5 p.m. MST.
The Colorado Avalanche are atop of the Central Division one point ahead of the Dallas Stars. The Avs have had some struggles this season, most recently against the Arizona Coyotes, the Anaheim Ducks and the L.A. Kings losing three straight. The Avs are at home this week to host the Anaheim Ducks and Winnipeg Jets before Saturday’s game with the Philadelphia Flyers at Ball Arena.
