Event of the Day: Denver Nuggets versus Golden State Warriors
Our event of the day is the titanic NBA clash between the Denver Nuggets and the Golden State Warriors at the Pepsi Center in the Mile High City. The Nuggets have won 12-straight games on their home court, losing just three games there all season. However, there are few tougher assignments in all of basketball than the Golden State Warriors, who themselves have won their last four games. With these two franchises currently occupying first and second place in the Western Conference, tonight’s tie is set to be a thrilling contest. It has been the Nuggets’ unrivalled home form that has propelled them to the summit of the Western Conference, putting them in good stead to make their first playoff appearance since the 2012/13 season. Nikola Jokic has been the stand-out player in the Nuggets’ roster this term and leads the team in points, rebounds, assists and steals per game. However, third-season point guard Jamal Murray has also had an impressive start to this campaign and is currently averaging 18.5 points per game along with 4.9 assists.
However, it will take a monumental effort from the whole squad if the Nuggets are going to notch their 13th straight home win and take down the reigning champions.The Golden State Warriors have had a mixed start to the season, coming partly as a result of Steph Curry’s early-season injury. However, with the return of their five-time all-star, the Warriors have also enjoyed an upturn in form. They have won their last four games and continue to prove to be one of the most efficient teams in the NBA. The defending champs lead the league in field goal and free throw percentage and have also registered more blocks and assists than any other side. Additionally, only James Harden has scored more points per game and hit more three-pointers than Steph Curry, who is aiming for his fourth NBA championship. The Warriors will be well aware that should they manage to leave Denver with the W, they will replace the Nuggets atop the Western Conference. It should be a thrilling game.
Honourable mentions around the globe go to the 2nd ODI between Australia and India at the Adelaide Oval. The hosts currently lead the series 1-0 and India will be desperate to notch a win today to level the series up. There is also action in the FA Cup as the Third Round replays take place, with Newcastle’s visit to Blackburn headlining the night. In the NHL, Atlantic Division rivals, the Montreal Canadiens and the Florida Panthers will take to the ice with the away side looking to snap their six-game losing streak. In the tennis, day 2 of the Australian Open gets underway with Serena Williams and Novak Djokovic headlining the action. Finally, back in the NBA, the LA Lakers host the Chicago Bulls with the home side looking to inflict the Bulls’ eighth straight defeat.
Whatever you’re watching, enjoy!
Photos by Golden State Warriors; NBA