Denver Nuggets vs. New York Knicks: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions

The Denver Nuggets (11-11) play against the New York Knicks (12-12) at Madison Square Garden

Game Time: 1:00 PM EST on Saturday December 4, 2021

Denver Nuggets 113, New York Knicks 99 (Final)

What’s the buzz on Twitter?

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Tom Thibodeau says Kemba Walker won’t see action unless he’s a starter nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 6:10 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Well, that was a fun Saturday afternoon, huh?
nba.com/nuggets/news/n… – 6:10 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Zeke set TWO career highs today 🤩
21 PTS | 5 3PM pic.twitter.com/o0dEmSjJeq – 5:30 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
If we did Marvel’s What If & Jokic looked for his own shot as a priority instead of setting up his teammates, how many could he average per game? 30? 35? More? He had 32 in 27 minutes tonight on 14-19 while looking to set up teammates. – 5:28 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Nikola Jokic spent last night at the horse track. Then he showed up in the morning at MSG abs showed the Knicks have no horses. nydailynews.com/sports/basketb… – 5:12 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
“I like something here,” Nikola Jokic said of his 32-point onslaught Saturday against the Knicks. “I don’t know what it is.”
denverpost.com/2021/12/04/nug… – 4:52 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Our bus driver here in New York City just parallel parked between two cars and it was easily one of the most amazing things I have ever seen in my life. It’s the little or in this case the big things in life that bring me joy ! 🤗 – 4:43 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Nikola Jokic, on if he was inspired by going to watch harness racing at The Meadowlands last night before putting up 32 points, 11 rebounds and five assists today against the Knicks: pic.twitter.com/QAZF03isef – 4:38 PM

Facundo Campazzo @facucampazzo
La foto salió hermosa. La bandejita… 🤦🏻‍♂️ pic.twitter.com/3kUzJyoICV – 4:33 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Julius Randle: “We gotta look ourselves in the mirror and decide what we want the season to be. I know what I want it to be. I know what the guys want it to be. But we have to commit to it.” – 4:19 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Jokic also said he had a conversation with Spike Lee during the game. “He said it wasn’t a foul,” Jokic said, “and I said, ‘Brother, I think it was.’” – 4:18 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic said Spike Lee told him it wasn’t a foul.
Nikola told him: “Brother, I think it was.” – 4:18 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
Zeke Nnaji…it’s small NBA sample, but he’s at 47.7% from behind the arc in his career. The shooting feels real. Good form, good release, good timing. Has a history of hitting shots as a young player.
Denver has a pretty good young player not enough people are talking about. – 4:18 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Nikola Jokic, on if he likes playing at Madison Square Garden: “I like something about here. I don’t know what it is.” – 4:18 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
32 PTS | 11 REB | 5 AST | 73.7 FG%
World’s Most Famous Arena, meet the World’s Best Player 😤 pic.twitter.com/SnRcyqtKPy – 4:15 PM

Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
I’m only a quarter into Nuggets-Knicks and I can see why this one wasn’t close already. Dominant Jokic game and terrible defense by New York. – 4:09 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Watched the @Denver Nuggets @New York Knicks @Zeke Nnaji went off for 21 nailing five- three pointers . Total respect to Michael Malone and Denver players navigating their way through Covid. Nuggets in Chicago Monday. – 4:02 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
RJ Barrett said during the Brooklyn game, he kept running back to the locker room throw up. “I was messed up,” he said. That’s why he had to come out at halftime. Says he feels better now. “I was good enough to play.” – 4:01 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
RJ Barrett said he was running back to throw up during the Brooklyn game. Feels better now. Doesn’t know the illness. – 4:00 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks fall behind by 30 in 14-point loss to Nuggets
Nikola Jokic had 32 points, 11 rebounds and five assists for the Nuggets despite sitting out the fourth quarter. newsday.com/sports/basketb… – 3:58 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Zeke Nnaji admits, with a smile, his Summer League wasn’t good, but said he wasn’t able to get into the gym for a week and a half because of health and safety protocols.
“That’s history to me.” – 3:57 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
There’s nothin’ he can’t do 🃏 pic.twitter.com/ILoy9sEavN – 3:55 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Updated list of opposing players who have set their career-high points at Madison Square Garden this season:
1) Jaylen Brown (46)
2) OG Anunoby (36)
3) Ricky Rubio (37)
4) Evan Mobley (26)
5) Zeke Nnaji (21) – 3:55 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Zeke Nnaji on his career-high 21 at MSG: I’m not one to get complacent with a taste of success. Said it motivates him to keep going. – 3:50 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Welcome to the Nuggets Davon Reed. DPOG chain in your first game. pic.twitter.com/OydwjOxhhO – 3:46 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Yes, that is Davon Reed wearing the defensive player of the game chain his first game up with the Denver Nuggets. pic.twitter.com/UkFjeY1RzZ – 3:45 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Today’s Defensive Player of the Game…
🔒 @Davon Reed 🔒 pic.twitter.com/6VwtXk1BqL – 3:44 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Davon Reed gets the DPOG chain. Described himself as a “menace on defense.” – 3:43 PM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
#Knicks booed heavily as they fall under .500 in blowout loss to Nuggets nypost.com/2021/12/04/kni… – 3:42 PM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Twenty five minutes after game still no Thibodeau. We are getting Julius Randle first. “We’re in a funk right now.” – 3:41 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic’s career at MSG:
– 32 pts, 11 rebs, 5 asts (today)
– 22 pts, 10 rebs, 5 asts
– 6 pts, 10 rebs, 8 asts (37 point win)
– 21 pts, 17 rebs, 5 asts
– 28 pts, 8 rebs, 2 asts
– 40 pts, 9 rebs, 5 asts
– 13 pts, 6 rebs in 19 mins (rookie year) – 3:40 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
We are over 25 minutes since the game ended and still no sign of Knicks coach Tom Thibodeau. – 3:39 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
During that early timeout in the 3rd quarter, Coach Malone told the Nuggets in the huddle after the Knicks started the half on a 5-0 run, “don’t make this interesting.”
Malone reminded Denver why and how they had built the lead they did. Told them not to get bored with success. – 3:38 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Final numbers 📊 pic.twitter.com/lbaC2Vz0ti – 3:38 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Coach Malone said he told Zeke Nnaji to not “allow those summer league games to be who you are.”Malone said he told him he knows who he is. Mentioned Nnaji’s tremendous work ethic as a big reason why he has stayed ready. – 3:37 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Coach Malone said he told Davon Reed “you’re not coming up to be a cheerleader.” Malone told Reed he was going to play him.
Malone said it felt like Reed had “been with us all season.”
Also mentioned it was an easy choice to bring him specifically up from the g-league. – 3:34 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Coach Malone postgame said one of the things he loves most about this team is “the entire locker room was thrilled for Zeke Nnaji. The entire locker room was thrilled for Davon Reed.” – 3:33 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic played just under 27 minutes tonight.
He still managed to put up 32 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists on 14-19 shooting. – 3:32 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Malone: “The entire locker room was thrilled for Zeke Nnaji. The entire locker room was thrilled for Davon Reed.” – 3:27 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Malone’s long-winded praise for Davon Reed is extremely reminiscent of his early quotes on Torrey Craig.
“I told him I hope he is here with us because I know he is a NBA player.” – 3:27 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Malone on calling up Davon Reed: “For me it was an easy decision.” – 3:26 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Michael Malone told Davon Reed they didn’t bring him up to be a cheerleader. Reiterated he was so proud of him. – 3:25 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Do we even have to say it?
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/VE8PpiFgQL – 3:24 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Malone gave Davon Reed a ton of praise for playing like he had been with the Nuggets all year and doing a great job of making the right decisions all game long. – 3:24 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
For the first time since Thibs was hired as head coach, the Knicks have lost three straight games and given up more than 110 points in each of those three consecutive defeats – 3:23 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Davon Reed in 24 minutes:
9 points, 3/4 FG, 3/3 3P
4 assists
2 rebounds
2 steals
1 block
Defended D Rose for much of his bench stint, who finished with 11 points – 3:18 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Zoom in on AG’s finger pic.twitter.com/xXJhn4lNrR – 3:18 PM

Chris Dempsey @chrisadempsey
And with 2 wins in the first 3 games of the road trip, the #Nuggets now have just 1 game left in this batch of games against a team with a winning record — Monday at Chicago. The trip finishes w/a game at New Orleans and 2 at San Antonio. – 3:17 PM

Chuck Swirsky @ctsbulls
Excellent post game interview @Katy Winge on Nuggets broadcast. – 3:17 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Final rotations for the Nuggets as they beat the Knicks 113-97.
-Munder!
-Jokić 32-10-5 in 27 minutes. Statement game from him
-Zeke Nnaji career high. Played great
-Davon Reed 24 minutes off the bench and looked comfortable
-Lots to like, but leading the way: 20-of-43 from 3 pic.twitter.com/gIRptFmSbn – 3:15 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Final. pic.twitter.com/Y60Gyos49F – 3:15 PM

Chris Dempsey @chrisadempsey
Today’s #Nuggets game was all about what might happen in the 2nd half, and they took care of business, putting the Knicks away. The consistent focus in both halves was the story, and boy has it been great to see Zeke shoot the absolute lights out this season. – 3:15 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Final: Nuggets 113, Knicks 99.
Knicks fall to 11-12 on the season. Next up: at San Antonio on Tuesday.
• Randle 24-7-8
• Fournier 15-3-5
• Jokic 32-11-5
• Nnaji 21 & 8
Knicks below .500 for the first time this season. They’re 11th in the Eastern Conference. – 3:14 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
GAME. BLOUSES. pic.twitter.com/pZGk0FzU1g – 3:14 PM

Rob Perez @WorldWideWob
Knicks 11-12. Thoughts. pic.twitter.com/HhxqRVZFHv – 3:13 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
NUGGETS WIN pic.twitter.com/8u7FGIcJH8 – 3:13 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets play in Chicago Monday night. Make the call, @Denver Nuggets pic.twitter.com/3dwx2VwlTW – 3:06 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
New career high for Zeke Nnaji . He’s up to 21-points and also has 8 rebounds and two steals on the day.
He was excellent on both ends of the floor. – 3:04 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
New career-high for @Zeke Nnaji ‼️ pic.twitter.com/2bx12rSy0t – 3:03 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Zeke Nnaji now with a career-high 21. – 3:03 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Another game where when the Nuggets try they prove they’re better than the vast majority of East teams. – 2:54 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Really interesting game from the Nuggets.
Zeke Nnaji career night
Davon Reed with a nice devut
The bench’s most complete game
And of course, King Jok – 2:54 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Usually it’s starters struggling. Sometimes it’s the bench. Today the Knicks decided to find out what would happen if both units played with zero effort/energy pic.twitter.com/xRi9hX0K0e – 2:53 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
It’s now a 35-13 run for Denver since the Knicks cut the lead to 6 in the third quarter. Denver leads by 28 with 10 minutes of garbage time left to be played out here in New York. – 2:52 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Facu Campazzo with back-to-back 3-pointers and Davon Reed followed it up with one of his own.
The 3-pointers are falling.
Denver’s second unit is on a roll right now. – 2:51 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
HOW WE FEELING NUGGETS NATION?? – 2:51 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
N🚫PE pic.twitter.com/i36xbVdQ3N – 2:50 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
It’s easy to spot the biggest problem w the Knicks offense:
Their 2 leading scorers, both of whom were top-notch last year, have taken major dips. Randle & Barrett are 1-2 on the team in shots and both are well below league-average efficiency. And it’s happening again tonight. – 2:48 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Having a great time out here pic.twitter.com/idFGQ5pbnC – 2:47 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
2020 NBA draft:
8. Knicks – Obi Toppin (23-years-old)
22. Nuggets – Zeke Nnaji (20-years-old) – 2:46 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through three quarters, the Nuggets are leading the Knicks 92-71.
• Randle 15-4-6
• Barrett 13 & 4
• Fournier 13 pts, 4 asts
• Jokic 32-11-5
• Nnaji 19 & 6, 5-8 3Ps
Knicks shooting 37-31-78. – 2:46 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
It’s 92-71 Denver after 3 – Knicks had closed within 69-63 and then things went, well, not good. Jokic took them apart, but so did Jeff Green and just about everyone else. – 2:45 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Denver 92, Knicks 71 after 3. Nikola Jokic has torn New York apart today. – 2:45 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Incredible block by Jeff Green. Has played the entire third quarter due to AG foul trouble. Deserves praise too. – 2:45 PM

Mike Vorkunov @MikeVorkunov
Jeff Green chase down block while up 23 is something else – 2:45 PM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Knicks were down 69-63 before a Randle turnover sparked a Nuggets 21-3 run and 23-point lead. Lots of boos here for the Saturday matinee. – 2:44 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Jeff Green swats Quickley on the break, and Nikola Jokic jumps off the bench to go high-five JG like five steps onto the baseline lol. – 2:44 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
THAT EFFORT FROM JEFF GREEN
What. A. Block. – 2:44 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
HOW FACU?! pic.twitter.com/6V1jPH7zeR – 2:43 PM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
Denver is on a 23-3 run in the third quarter and NYK is hearing sustained boos from the MSG crowd. Nuggets are up 25. – 2:43 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
23-3 run for the squad, no biggie – 2:43 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic with 32 points late in the third on 14-18 shooting with 10 rebounds and 5 assists. He’s destroying the Knicks. – 2:42 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic is just toying with the Knicks. What a dominant performance. – 2:41 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Nikola Jokic is STILL good in the Garden.
He’s up to 32 points, 11 rebounds and 5 assists with his team up 23 points.
All he needed was to be around horses. – 2:41 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
More boos here at MSG after the Knicks, who had cut the lead to six, have since given up a 20-3 run to fall behind by 23 late in the third quarter. – 2:40 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic is starting to get the Garden treatment. Knicks fans can’t decide whether to boo their own team or cheer Jokic.
Now sitting on 30/10/5 .. and the third quarter isn’t done. – 2:40 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
I’ll have words up in the next couple days on Zeke Nnaji for @MileHighSports. His impact on the Nuggets is too important to not spend time on.
Keep your eyes out for it. – 2:40 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Nikola is doing that thing where he’s completely unstoppable – 2:40 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
The Knicks are getting booed pretty loudly at home. They trail the Nuggets by 21 and are in danger of falling below .500 for the first time this season. – 2:39 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
UNCLE JEFF TAKING FLIGHT pic.twitter.com/SeKnJU6FFq – 2:39 PM

The Vertical @YahooSportsNBA
Jokic with the no-look DIME! 👀
pic.twitter.com/EvGrC4gCIQ – 2:38 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks closed within 6 but it’s now back up to a 17-point lead…which means we are just one Knicks basket away from hearing Bing bong. – 2:38 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Skinny Jokic? Skinny Jokic. – 2:37 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Last season Mitchell Robinson said “it wasn’t hard at all” guarding Nikola Jokic. But he’s having problems today. – 2:37 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Nikola Jokic is absolutely destroying the Knicks. Just wrecking everything in sight. – 2:37 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
JOK3R AGAIN – 2:35 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
🚨 NIKOLA NO LOOK DIME 🚨 pic.twitter.com/9JaXBRXfUz – 2:33 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Nikola doing what Nikola does best pic.twitter.com/Av88PSiG9I – 2:29 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Zeke Nnaji, now with 19, has tied his career-high. – 2:28 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Lol Nikola just dished out a DIME
clip coming soon don’t you worry – 2:28 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
ZEKE AGAIN – 2:27 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
➕1️⃣ for the big man 💪🏾 pic.twitter.com/kJZqGvOCOa – 2:25 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets have already given up 13 offensive rebounds — it’s still early in the 3rd quarter. Mitchell Robinson has four of them. So far, a repeat of Denver’s disaster 3rd quarter vs. Orlando earlier this week. – 2:23 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Robinson, who was 0-for-4 in the first half, scores the first four points of the half and a quick timeout for the Nuggets before he goes to the line. – 2:22 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Malone calls TO 67 seconds into the third quarter. Starters not ready to play again?
Knicks shave deficit to just seven. – 2:21 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Numbers from the first 24 📊 pic.twitter.com/ErwRDHrgHs – 2:17 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
First half mood pic.twitter.com/bZHxmarLcX – 2:12 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
A couple days ago, I wrote on how DEN can win despite their injuries for @MileHighSports.
The two things they need to do? Trust in Jokic & defend.
At half in New York, DEN leads 60-49, Jokic has 17-7-3 & DEN has held NYK to 38.3% from the field.
bit.ly/3I7Mwwm – 2:12 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
The Knicks cut into the lead a little bit, but Denver is still up 60-49 at the halftime break behind 16 points off the bench from second-year forward Zeke Nnaji. Nikola Jokic has 17 to lead Denver, while Julius Randle has 13 for New York. – 2:12 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Add Zeke Nnaji to the short list of Nuggets to can 4+ three-pointers in a single game this year.
Barton and Bones are the only Nuggets to do so multiple times. pic.twitter.com/3UpWOLwxjg – 2:12 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
GO OFF @Zeke Nnaji 😤
16 points in the first half 👌 pic.twitter.com/khAwwFEIqz – 2:08 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Julius Randle is carrying the Knicks offensively in the first half (13 points and 4 assists) but this is the type of lazy, lackadaisical, inexcusable defensive effort from Randle we’ve seen at times this season that’s frustrated fans.
NY down double-digits at halftime once again pic.twitter.com/mLJd3dtFRY – 2:08 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Between Zeke Nnaji being a splash brother and Jokic being Jokic, Will Barton III’s 7 point, 6 rebounds, 5 assist first half were easily overlooked, but he kept the Nuggets offense functioning, alongside Jokic, in the halfcourt. He was great. – 2:08 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Halftime rotations for the Nuggets as they lead the Knicks 60-49.
-Will Barton has been great as a creator for others
-Zeke 16 points in 14 minutes
-Jokić finally got a three to go
-Bench gave Denver their margin. Davon Reed defended D Rose w/that unit pic.twitter.com/yHJ7OQn4MU – 2:08 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
One half down. pic.twitter.com/FIHM233Lcf – 2:07 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
The Nuggets are in the Garden and are dominating in the 1st half.
Nikola Jokic has 17 points and 7 rebounds, Zeke Nnaji is STILL on 🔥 and has 16 points including four 3-pointers and Barton/Jeff Green has 7 apiece.
If you’re Coach Malone, what’s your message to the team? – 2:06 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
It’s 60-49 Denver at the half here and as you’d expect, Jokic is unstoppable with 17 points, 7 rebounds and 3 assists. Zeke Nnaji, who you didn’t expect, has 16 points. – 2:05 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Halftime. Nuggets lead the Knicks 60-49.
• Randle 13-3-4
• Fournier 10 pts, 4 asts
• Jokic 17-7-3
• Nnaji 16 pts, 4-7 3Ps
Knicks shooting 37.5% on FGs and 6-18 from 3. – 2:05 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Double-digit lead at the break 💪 pic.twitter.com/0qAEUpE0J1 – 2:05 PM

Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
It’s Zeke Nnaji’s world, we’re just living in it. – 2:04 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
So Nikola Jokic (17 points) and Zeke Nnaji (13) have 30 combined already, like we all predicted. – 2:02 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Evan bringing the heat 🔥 pic.twitter.com/it6KSJ3ti4 – 2:01 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Hi JOK3R – 1:59 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Always starts on defense.
@Evan Fournier x @Julius Randle pic.twitter.com/1Gxiw0tlnA – 1:57 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Aaron Gordon has three of Denver’s four turnovers. Feels like of all four turnovers, the Knicks have capitalized. – 1:55 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Every time the Knicks play “Bing Bong” on the Jumbotron here at MSG, feels like the other team goes on an 8-0 run. – 1:53 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Having a great time at our official watch party at Cherry Cricket Ballpark!
There’s still time to stop by and win some signed merch!
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/Shm2Uq42Ai – 1:52 PM

Tommy Beer @TommyBeer
Knicks reverting back to the ol’ “let guys shoot wide-open 3-pointers” defensive approach this afternoon – 1:52 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I’ve really liked Davon Reed for awhile. Thought he was the best non Bones player on the Summer League team. He’s smart, athletic, and versatile.
Averaged 6 assists in the G League as well. Smart passer. – 1:51 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
11 points, 3 rebounds and great defense by Zeke Nnaji in his first 10 minute stint. Might be the best I’ve see him play. – 1:51 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Zeke Nnaji’s now 15-23 from 3 this season. He’s 3-5 from distance today. Stepping in and shooting it with confidence every time. – 1:50 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Raining triples in MSG ☔️ pic.twitter.com/95aJOMAWxN – 1:50 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Knicks defense looking all too much like the first half of the defense from the first half of the Bulls game. Breakdowns. Open 3s aplenty. A rough performance so far, and they’re down 44-28 to the shorthanded Nuggets. – 1:50 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Nuggets’ second unit putting it on New York right now. They open the quarter with a 14-3 run. Really intriguing defensive lineup with Facu, Barton/Gordon, Reed, Ja. Green and Nnaji.
Nuggets up 44-28 … and Nnaji’s got a game-high 11 … with Jokic coming back in soon. – 1:49 PM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Nuggets of Zeke Nnaji lead 44-28 in second quarter as boos surface at Garden – 1:49 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Zeke Nnaji looks like the best shooter in the league.
Knocking down the 3-ball and playing incredible defense. Great run from him in this game and has the Nuggets up 44-28. – 1:48 PM

Ky Carlin @Ky_Carlin
The Nuggets with no Nikola Jokic has a 44-28 lead over the Knicks at MSG – 1:48 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Saturday afternoon, holiday season, a time for families to gather at Madison Square Garden … and they are not pleased. Knicks down 44-28 to a very shorthanded Nuggets squad. – 1:48 PM

Tim Bontemps @TimBontemps
Boos raining down on the Knicks here at Madison Square Garden as Denver jumps out to a 44-28 lead and forces Tom Thibodeau to call a timeout midway through the second. This game is looking reminiscent to what happened Thursday night vs. Chicago so far. – 1:48 PM

Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
That was a great stint for Zeke Nnaji! Maybe the best of his career. And I love seeing some emotion from him. – 1:48 PM

Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Love seeing Davon Reed out there. Hard worker, good energy guy and defender, and banked threes don’t hurt either. Been waiting for Reed to get up with this squad, and hope he blossoms. Denver’s second unit is keeping the energy up as a whole now. – 1:47 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Coach Malone very pleased with how the Nuggets are sharing the ball early in this one. 9 assists in the first quarter alone.
Also very pleased with the defense.
“Keep sharing the ball and keep getting stops.” – 1:46 PM

Stefan Bondy @SBondyNYDN
Knicks bench scored one point in four minutes to start the second half and offense looks terrible. Wonder if Thibs is reconsidering Kemba’s DNP status. – 1:45 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
The smiles on Michael Malone and Jamal Murray’s faces after Davon Reed banked in that fly. Probably helps that the Nuggets have been flying around on defense. – 1:45 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Davon Reed buries a 3-pointer for his first shot. Can tell why the #Nuggets like him so much. Defends, hustles, plays hard, is long. Really active hands, too. – 1:44 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Missed seeing these Statement jerseys 🔥 pic.twitter.com/om2SnlO1Vc – 1:43 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Davon Reed looks like he belongs; full stop. Seems like the Nuggets found another gem. Having a Dozier clone on Denver’s new G-League team is already paying off dividends for the Nuggets. – 1:43 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Denver’s 3 turnovers, extra free throws and a couple offensive rebounds are the reasons the Knicks are still close despite shooting badly. – 1:40 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
End of the quarter, Jamal Murray, Jeff Green & Nikola Jokic go & greet Zeke Nnaji as he heads to the bench. Nnaji buried two 3-pointers in productive 1st. Denver leads 30-25 after quality def. quarter. Knicks shoot just 36% with only 7 rebounds. Denver already w/ 14 on the glass. – 1:39 PM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Encouraging first stint from Davon Reed. Solid defense and made a couple nice passes to Zeke Nnaji for two knockdown 3s. He’s taking Markus Howard’s minutes on Denver’s second unit. – 1:38 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Solid start pic.twitter.com/MEDOagGqyq – 1:38 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
Through one quarter, the Nuggets lead the Knicks 30-25.
• Barrett 7 & 3
• Randle 6 pts, 3 asts
• Jokic 10 & 6
• Barton 2-3-3 – 1:37 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Nerlens with the steal ➡️ Nerlens with the finish. pic.twitter.com/kcyIAKtjhZ – 1:37 PM

Gordon Gross @GMoneyNuggs
Jokic talking to the refs about Noel yanking his jersey.
Noel: “He does everything in the book! Elbows, everything.”
Jokic: pic.twitter.com/50fIo0Mf7i – 1:34 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Just slingin’ it
🎯 @Facundo Campazzo pic.twitter.com/YPWCsXLdCC – 1:33 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Z3K3 NNAJI – 1:32 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Zeke Nnaji is legit. I cannot wait to see how he blossoms now that he knows he is a NBA-caliber player. – 1:32 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Nikola Jokic checks out with 10 points (5-of-9 shooting), 6 rebounds and an assist in 10 minutes. Decent production. – 1:32 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Zeke Nnaji missed a three. and I couldn’t believe it.
He made the next one. – 1:31 PM

Duvalier Johnson @DuvalierJohnson
Davon Reed is in the game early.
Fresh off of playing in the G League. – 1:30 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Davon Reed enters the game for the Denver Nuggets. – 1:29 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
#Nuggets‘ Davon Reed at the scorer’s table. – 1:28 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
And the Nerlens Noel availability question is answered – as he checks in in the first quarter. – 1:27 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Alright, it seems that Jokić is motivated for this one. Being very physical in this first quarter. Mitchell Robinson is not having a good time.
The Knicks being a better shooting team than years past is hurting Denver. – 1:26 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
We love a good Joker Jam don’t we pic.twitter.com/Clf5AkGiad – 1:25 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Mitch with the stuff 😤 pic.twitter.com/QfdVkamFsZ – 1:24 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Joker Garden jam ✅ – 1:21 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Evan Fournier was asked to name super heroes for some commercial skit and two of the names he said were Goku and Gohan. Denver lost a good one all those years ago. – 1:17 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Hustlin’ & musclin’.
Welcome back, RJ. pic.twitter.com/Kc0oePL7M1 – 1:16 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Looked like Michael Malone and Aaron Gordon were arguing that AG got pushed out before the TO call.
Unsurprisingly, good energy in the building. Nikola even got some oohs/ahhs from Garden faithful on his assist to Gordon earlier. – 1:16 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Aaron Gordon’s intent going downhill is so clear. It doesn’t matter if he’s cutting, driving or rolling off a pick and roll; he is using his strength and size to get to the rim and it’s led to better offensive production individually for him while opening up the Nuggets offense. – 1:15 PM

Vinny Benedetto @VBenedetto
Nikola Jokic opens the scoring against the Knicks and dimes Aaron Gordon for a layup a possession later. – 1:13 PM

TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Denver’s No. 1 priority tonight: defend. That’s really the main storyline I’m watching for. When Denver defends, they win. It’s that simple. – 1:13 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
We are one minute in and I’m reminded that Jokic is the best passing big man … ever? – 1:13 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Keys to the game
Nuggets vs Knicks
🔑 UNDER 100 (9-1 when they do this)
🔑 SECOND HALF EFFORT (last 8 games, Nuggets are basically -11 in the second half.
🔑 3 pt shooting, defend and make!
pic.twitter.com/KkQRr3HwFF – 1:12 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
The ball is up. Let’s go Knicks! – 1:11 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Will Coughlon’s wish was to meet Derrick Rose. The two formed a special bond and stayed in touch through FaceTime before Will passed earlier this year.
D-Rose met with Will’s family before the game thanks to @GardenofDreams and @MakeaWish 💙 pic.twitter.com/5ftYa2cOpT – 1:05 PM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Never got in the story but feel like it’s worth mentioning as we’re about to tip off here at MSG – Julius Randle took 21 shots Thursday and zero 3’s. First time since March 10, 2020 he didn’t attempt a 3. – 1:03 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Joker is dropping ____ today pic.twitter.com/PKKUc0wklD – 1:02 PM

Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Alrighty, back at it in New York. This is a game the Nuggets can definitely win. The last time Denver played New York, it wasn’t close. Let’s see if Nikola will put on a show at MSG. – 12:46 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Go time. pic.twitter.com/uL8Ss675kB – 12:45 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Today’s starters against @New York Knicks ⤵️
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/jMk4wgn8fF – 12:42 PM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Nuggets coach Mike Malone reminiscing about his Knicks days starting out as “coaching associate” for Van Gundy. Malone said he worked for 4 HCs in 4 years and fellow assistant Tom Thibodeau “always looked out for me. Maybe because he liked my father (Brendan).” – 12:34 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Coach Malone said when he got on the bus after that loss in Orlando, he received a text from Jamal Murray. Malone talked about how it’s lonely when you lose as a head coach. Murray was uplifting and supportive. Said Murray said “I wish I could’ve played for you tonight coach.” – 12:26 PM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Empire State of Mind 🗽 pic.twitter.com/bFmw7Nsxdz – 12:21 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
🎯🎯🎯
@RJBarrett6 locked in. pic.twitter.com/ta3aGvo3Zy – 12:20 PM

Fred Katz @FredKatz
RJ Barrett will play today, Knicks say. Barrett missed the last game because he was sick. – 12:16 PM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
RJ Barrett is back in the starting lineup for NYK today vs. DEN, team says. – 12:16 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
RJ’s back. pic.twitter.com/RrrejT6EuI – 12:15 PM

Michael Singer @msinger
Jeff Green on playing at MSG: “To have the opportunity each year to go there to play in that arena… the smell of it, it’s just different from any other arena. I’m not saying it’s a bad smell… You smell popcorn and beer.” – 12:11 PM

Emiliano Carchia @Sportando
Davon Reed joins Denver Nuggets on 10-day deal sportando.basketball/en/davon-reed-… – 12:06 PM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Young Quick in the house it’s so necessary.
#UltraDrip x #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/T3SxPDWAC1 – 12:05 PM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Something unique in MSG – the concourse has a “this day in history” for every day of the year. I always go up and look at what happened on the day the Nuggets play the Knicks each season. pic.twitter.com/ZtS3v7GyEg – 11:50 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
🃏🃏 pic.twitter.com/4u8fLTLPrw – 11:46 AM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Michael Malone on Jamal Murray’s rehab: “Every report I get from my training staff is he’s doing an incredible job. He’s committed…We have not and we will not put a timeline on Jamal’s return.” – 11:32 AM

Alan Hahn @alanhahn
Sign that should hang above the tunnel as the #Knicks enter the Garden court. Until then, it’s a message that needs to be delivered before EVERY game! #NewYorkForever pic.twitter.com/oPe0uD3Svp – 11:31 AM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Thibodeau had a lot of great things to say about Jokić too. Called him “the engine that makes (Denver) go.” Said when Jokić plays, the Nuggets are as good as anyone.
“When he’s on the floor you have a chance every night.” – 11:22 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Freshly fitted 💧
#ULTRADrip x #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/frUTWXt50M – 11:18 AM

Katy Winge @katywinge
Tom Thibodeau just said Monte Morris is one of the most underrated players in the league. – 11:17 AM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Noel and Barrett look like they will play today. Need Noel vs. Jokic. – 11:16 AM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Nerlens will go through pregame and if all goes right he’s available. Barrett will play. Sims is a game time decision. – 11:15 AM

Michael Singer @msinger
Joker in the Garden. pic.twitter.com/fZxChOEfFh – 11:11 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Don’t forget to join us at Cherry Cricket Ballpark this morning for our official watch party!
Plenty of signed merch will be up for grabs, as well as tickets to our 12/30 game against the Warriors 👀
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/4ESoWHvtEE – 11:08 AM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Zeke Nnaji from 3-point range this season: 66.7% (12-18). He leads the NBA in 3-point percentage out of players averaging at least two attempts per game. – 11:06 AM

Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets have officially signed Davon Reed to a 10-day contract. He’ll be available today vs. the Knicks. – 10:57 AM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
This clip of Bernard King breaking down how he scored is incredible. – 10:45 AM

NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor standings, determined by team success and Rolling Player Ratings:
1. Stephen Curry: 14.85
2. Kevin Durant: 13.95
3. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 13.77
4. DeMar DeRozan: 13.06
5. Trae Young: 13.05
6. Nikola Jokic: 13.03
7. Jimmy Butler: 12.32
8. Anthony Davis: 11.95 pic.twitter.com/jB2poc18hx – 10:38 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Looking to keep the streak alive at MSG 👀
Sign up with @PointsBetUSA to receive your first bets risk-free up to $2K!
👉 https://t.co/kRjEE7SVsr
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/I5hbEFQsWW – 10:30 AM

Marc Stein @TheSteinLine
This Week In Basketball has just been freshly dispatched to inboxes worldwide and covers:
🏀 Michael Porter Jr. and a very influential MPJ superfan …
🏀 Injuries leaguewide …
🏀 Question of the Week 💙 …
🏀 What happens next in Portland + more!
marcstein.substack.com/p/weekend-dime… – 10:25 AM

Davon Reed @ClutchREED_5
Happy Born Day Pop Pop. Love and miss you so much‼️ #4PopPop – 10:24 AM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Saturday matinee @TheGarden!
🏀: vs. Nuggets
🕐: 1:00 PM ET | 📺: @MSGNetworks
#NewYorkForever x @BetMGM pic.twitter.com/vJbceZQiwL – 10:20 AM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
Happy Birthday to one of the greatest scorers in NBA history, Bernard King! #NewYorkForever 👑 pic.twitter.com/gWqW6rXZSq – 10:00 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
ROSTER UPDATE: We’ve signed guard Davon Reed to a 10-day contract
📰 https://t.co/2Ghe1GJdcX
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/Vgjviqzwma – 10:00 AM

Ian Begley @IanBegley
From earlier: “I have a different mission than just living my life as a celebrity or a basketball player.”
Baron Davis on his efforts to help Black-owned businesses & how his time w/NYK – & its medical/training staff – helped him thrive off the court: sny.tv/articles/forme… – 9:55 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
📝 The battle beyond the arc is one to watch for in today’s game against the Knicks.
nba.com/nuggets/news/n… – 9:45 AM

Zach Lowe @ZachLowe_NBA
ICYMI: Lowe Post podcast: The legend Doris Burke on the Warriors-Suns match-up, her sit-down with Draymond, Knicks, Wolves, more. Then Hornets play-by-play favorite Eric Collins on his unique style and the team:
Apple: apple.co/3GcEFvW
Spotify: spoti.fi/31ik4Yk – 9:30 AM

New York Knicks @nyknicks
GAME DAY pic.twitter.com/PTtEpabHKN – 9:30 AM

Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Saturday matinee at The Garden!
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/BIwDV4R03s – 9:00 AM

Marc Berman @NYPost_Berman
Knicks two-way power forward Luka Samanic, a former Spurs first-round pick, with 36 points and 12 rebounds for Westchester Knicks last night. – 8:34 AM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks Sunday column: Homecoming goes sour, but Kemba Walker stays positive newsday.com/sports/columni… via @Newsday – 8:10 AM

Steve Popper @StevePopper
Knicks’ Taj Gibson back after ejection and the Knicks need him – and every center – with Nikola Jokic and Nuggets at Garden today. newsday.com/sports/basketb… via @Newsday – 8:09 AM