On Thursday, the San Antonio Spurs had their first home game of the series. In this game, the Spurs beat the Denver Nuggets 118-108.
The Spurs had an impressive Game 3 with a career night from their starting guard, Derrick White who scored a career-high 36 points. White also had five rebounds and five assists. White became the first player since Dwyane Wade to have a game of 35 points, five rebounds and five assists in his first or second season. Wade did it in his second season in a series against the Detroit Pistons.
The mild-mannered guard showed emotion as he kept scoring. He discussed his performance after the game.
”I just had a chip on my shoulder,” White said. ”This is the way I’ve played since I was young. Just try to go out there, compete and have fun.”
White was one of six players to score in double figures. DeMar DeRozan had 25 points. LaMarcus Aldridge had a double-double with 18 points and 11 rebounds. Rudy Gay had 11 points off the bench and Bryn Forbes and Jakob Poetl had 10 points each. The Spurs’ starting lineup played well and had help from Gay.
The Spurs gained a 2-1 lead over the Nuggets with their home win. They gained their first win in the first game of the series. They beat the Nuggets in a surprising 101-96 win. The Spurs are the lower seed in this first round matchup. They are the seventh seed of the Western Conference and the Nuggets are second in the conference. The Nuggets started the series in Denver, but loss the first game.
The Nuggets were arguably the favorite in this series. They had an excellent regular season and nearly became the first seed of the West. But, the Spurs look like the more experienced team in this series.
Some of the Spurs’ top players are no stranger to the playoffs. Aldridge has been in the playoffs nine times during his career. He has playoff experience with both the Portland Trailblazers and the Spurs. DeRozan has been in the playoffs six times in his 10-year career. His previous playoff experience is with the Toronto Raptors. Other Spurs such as Patty Mills and Marco Belinelli also have playoff experience. The Spurs also have a future hall-of-fame coach in Gregg Popovich. The Nuggets are the better seed, but the Spurs look like the better team.
Game 4 is on Saturday. The Spurs have another chance to win at home. If they win, the gain a 3-1 lead over the Nuggets. For now, the Spurs have the advantage in this series. There is a good chance they keep their advantage and pull off the upset win. The Spurs have what it takes to win.
Featured image courtesy of USA Today
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers along with Davion.