In the first quarter, the Golden State Warriors, with more time to rest, struck first.
They relied on smooth passing and cutting, along with aggressive battles for offensive rebounds, to take the lead and eventually push the margin into double digits.
But then, once the Second Quarter began, Nikola Jokic started to take over.
First, he repeatedly backed Looney down in the post and scored with ease. Then, using the threat of his own offense to draw the defense, he calmly orchestrated the team and helped Murray, Gordon, and the others open things up. The Nuggets quickly tied the score in the Second Quarter.
Then, when the game entered the Third Quarter, the court became the stage for Jordan Poole and Michael Porter.
Coming off the bench, Poole once again showed the outstanding level expected of his team's sixth man. With his excellent shooting touch and nimble, aggressive drives, he helped the Warriors pile up points.
Compared to Poole's somewhat flashy style, Little Porter's game was very simple.
He just got open with an off-ball screen, caught the ball, and pulled up.
One reliable trick was all he needed!
He went 4-for-6 from three and scored 12 points in the quarter, more than holding his own against Poole.
But even the most exciting games had to end eventually.
And when they did, one side was bound to taste the bitterness of defeat.
That night, the first team to get a taste of it was the Denver Nuggets.
When the game entered the Fourth Quarter, Stephen Curry started heating up again.
He went 3-for-4 from three by himself in the quarter and scored 13 points in the final period, ultimately leading his team to victory.
As for Teacher Jokic, he was uncharacteristically invisible in the final quarter.
Or perhaps it was