In the 2023-24 NBA preseason game held at the United Center in Illinois, USA on the morning of the 13th, the Chicago Bulls defeated the visiting team Denver Nuggets 133-124 in overtime (7-7, 14-5).
On this day, Denver operated at normal power. Nikola Jokic scored 17 points, 6 rebounds, and 4 assists in 18 minutes, and Julian Strother, who started his professional career for the first time in Denver this year, scored 16 points in 20 minutes, creating a harmony between old and new.
However, the opponent was superior. DeMar DeRozan (19 points in 24 minutes), Nikola Vucevic (10 points in 22 minutes), and Zack Lavigne (17 points in 23 minutes) were used as players that were practically Plan A, and in particular, the ‘glass wall’ that was brought into play with only the expectation of defense. ‘ Alex Caruso was also responsible for the team’s firepower, scoring 14 points in 15 minutes.
Jokic played for 9 minutes and 53 seconds in the first quarter and scored 4 points. He showed off his skills with three rebounds and three assists, but to manage injuries and condition before the season, he focused on movement outside the rim rather than active movement. He attempted only one 3-point shot and two 2-point shots.
In the second quarter, he scored 13 points with relatively active movement. In 8 minutes and 25 seconds, he attempted 7 shots, including 1 3-pointer, and made 6 of them. In particular, the 3-point shot that gave Denver a 2-point lead when they were down 47-48 was a performance that almost changed the flow of the game.
Meanwhile, Denver continues its preseason with the second game against Chicago on the 16th. Afterwards, the preseason will be concluded with a two-game series (mornings of the 18th and 20th) at the Clippers’ home.