Nuggets vs. Pistons: Play-by-play, highlights and reactions
The Denver Nuggets (24-21) play against the Detroit Pistons (35-35) at Little Caesars Arena
Game Time: 7:00 PM EST on Tuesday January 25, 2022
Denver Nuggets 46, Detroit Pistons 37 (Q2 08:07)
What’s the buzz on Twitter?
Michael Singer @msinger
While there’s (justifiably) a lot of attention on the potential of the Jokic-Forbes pairing, the Bones-Forbes pairing can do some things, too, becuase of his Bones’ ability to collapse a defense. – 7:44 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Bones being able to create is so important for the Nuggets bench. Without his ability to break down defenses, there are so few options without being predictable on offense. – 7:44 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
These are COLD 📸 pic.twitter.com/tv8Nu1320H – 7:40 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Malone calls TO 25 seconds into the second quarter after Frank Jackson scores on a layup.
Lineup was Bones/Facu/Bryn/DeMarcus/ Zeke. – 7:39 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Plenty of points so far pic.twitter.com/RQjl1MY8DB – 7:38 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Now Bones Hyland enters the game for…Davon Reed? – 7:38 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic just had 11 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists in the first quarter. – 7:37 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
🍝 @Cade Cunningham got ’em lost in the sauce 🍝
@BallySportsDET | #NBAAllStar pic.twitter.com/7xXE7fvqEj – 7:37 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Every Nuggets game follows the same script. And it’s a pretty underwhelming script. – 7:36 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Clocked in to work tonight 💼
🔹 @Cade Cunningham: 13 PTS / 2 REB / 3 AST / 5-6 FG / 3-3 3PT
🔹 @SaddiqBey: 9 PTS / 3-4 FG
🔹 @Frank Jackson: 3 PTS / 1-1 3PT pic.twitter.com/FL4o1C210V – 7:36 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Frank Jackson subbed in with 50 seconds left, and closed the quarter with a 3. His first game since Dec. 29.
End of 1: Nuggets 34, Pistons 32. Detroit closed the quarter with a 15-7 run.
Cunningham: 13 points, 3 assists
Bey: 9 points – 7:36 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Joker should have 11/9/5 after that first quarter. Some strange box-scoring so far. Either way, #Nuggets up 34-32. Pistons bench ends quarter on 6-1 run. – 7:36 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Nice drive-and-kick by Killian Hayes to Frank Jackson, who drills his first basket since returning.
Nuggets lead 34-32 going into 2Q.
Cade Cunningham with 13 points; Saddiq Bey has nine points – 7:35 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Runway was cleared for takeoff 🛫 pic.twitter.com/z5lg5NwTcL – 7:34 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Frank Jackson is checking in – 7:32 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
The Nuggets offense has been so fun to start in Detroit, 11 assists on 14 made field goals. – 7:31 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
AG getting 𝕗𝕒𝕟𝕔𝕪 with it 😍 pic.twitter.com/e7AbrmMWyC – 7:30 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nikola Jokic’s first 10 minutes vs. Detroit: 11 points, 9 rebounds, 3 assists, per the box score. – 7:29 PM
Michael Gallagher @MikeSGallagher
*in @DrewDinkmeyer voice*
Jokic has 11 points, nine boards and three dimes in 10 minutes.
Willy Hernangomez has 13 points in nine minutes against the Joel Embiid matchup. – 7:28 PM
Vincent Goodwill @VinceGoodwill
Cade Cunningham just pulled a nasty move on the MVP for a step back three. Impressive – 7:27 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Cade just got Jokic with the Jordan-Russell pull-back crossover and drained the shot. Sheeseeeeeeeeesh – 7:27 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Cade Cunningham is gonna be so good. – 7:27 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Cade is cooking. That was nasty – 7:27 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Cade Cunningham has back-to-back triples from the same spot. – 7:26 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Nikola Jokic is in complete control right now on both ends. – 7:24 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Jokic has nine points, nine rebounds and three assists in seven minutes. Absurd – 7:24 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
This is wild. Jokic’s imprints are everywhere. He’s already got 9 boards, 6 points, 4 assists in seven minutes.
Nuggets up 22-15. – 7:24 PM
TJ McBride @TJMcBrideNBA
Jokic is out of his mind throwing that pass and yet it’s so normal these days. – 7:23 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Which Cade a Cunningham go-to is better? – 7:23 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Hamidou Diallo just got T’d up. Didn’t like the no-call on his drive. – 7:22 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Oh, Uncle Jeff is BACK 😤 pic.twitter.com/4lpavQAjdj – 7:21 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
Jokic begins the game with 5 points, 6 rebounds, 3 assists, and a steal.
This really is the best I’ve ever seen him. – 7:19 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Jokic has gotten a hand on a lot of Cade Cunningham’s pnr passes between this game and last one. Seems to have a great read on the rookie. – 7:19 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Nuggets lead the Pistons, 14-11, with 6:55 left in 1Q. Saddiq Bey with 7 points. – 7:18 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
3⃣,0⃣0⃣0⃣ Assists
Another career milestone for the MVP! pic.twitter.com/qqQMONjXoK – 7:16 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
The #Nuggets have 12 points so far. Nikola Jokic has scored (5 points) or assisted (3) on every one of them. Four boards and a steal, too, in four minutes of work. – 7:16 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Saddiq Bey with two 3s early. – 7:14 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Saddiq already has a pair of 3’s for six of Detroit’s first eight points – 7:14 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
hello JOK3R – 7:12 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Because DETails matter, our court attendants tonight are wearing the Goin’ To Work garage power coveralls. 🚧🦺
🛒: https://t.co/bqkN2mAqLK pic.twitter.com/SlXJj6M0Yc – 7:04 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
What can’t this man do?! 😯 pic.twitter.com/xErjMuOsjD – 7:00 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
How different is the NBA cap landscape for the summer of 2022 looking vs the last few years? I project just three teams to have cap space in July (pre-trade deadline projections):
1. DET $30.7M
2. ORL $25.2M
3. SAS $20.1M
Full pre-deadline projections coming soon for @spotrac! – 6:53 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
We’ve got @Jason Terry in the house tonight to support the squad! ✈️ pic.twitter.com/FyUyCpgK4p – 6:50 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Let’s run it back in the 313 tonight 🏠
@Kia | #Pistons pic.twitter.com/bVnoosxE09 – 6:42 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Pistons starters: CoJo, Cade, Diallo, Bey and Stewart – 6:41 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Cory Joseph will start over Killian Hayes again. Other four starters are the same as well – 6:41 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Frank Jackson is active tonight against the Nuggets after missing time with an ankle sprain and Covid. – 6:36 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Nuggets starters: Monte, Austin, AG, Jeff Green and Nikola.
Barton’s out tonight. – 6:32 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
First 5⃣ in the Motor City!
#MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/DcLMhSn5GZ – 6:31 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Frank Jackson is active tonight – 6:28 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Jeff Green 🐇🐇 pic.twitter.com/XMmAuHvof3 – 6:27 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Nuggets-Pistons pregame lounge is going live
youtu.be/412b2LKXdBk – 6:22 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
I’m told JaMychal Green will be active tonight, but don’t expect him in the rotation. – 6:10 PM
Matt Dery @DerySpeaks
On Today’s Locked on Lions pod: An angle on Payton leaving the #Saints that may help the #Lions. Is Hard Knocks a lock for Detroit? Crazy Stafford/Lions playoff stat. #FirstListen. JAN 25. https://t.co/5tXHOhtefr pic.twitter.com/VeKkRhDcNJ – 5:59 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Tonight’s @HenryFordNews injury/status report against the visiting Denver Nuggets: pic.twitter.com/FZCBlDnNTO – 5:56 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Monte Morris bought about 20 tickets for tonight’s, we’ll call it homecoming, vs. Detroit. – 5:54 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Will Barton (right hamstring tightness) is OUT for tonight’s game.
Jeff Green (left quadriceps contusion) is ACTIVE for tonight’s game.
#MileHighBasketball – 5:51 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Work hard, drip harder 🔥
@Cade Cunningham
@Isaiah Stewart
@SabenLee
@Cory Joseph
@Cassius Stanley
@SaddiqBey
#ULTRADrip | @MichelobULTRA – 5:43 PM
Keith Smith @KeithSmithNBA
New episode of @FrontOfficeShow is up! @Trevor_Lane and I talk about James Harden cooling on BKN, Jerami Grant drawing interest around the league and the Hawks maybe looking to move John Collins. We’re closing in on 15K subscribers. Put us over the top!
youtu.be/B4mBUCg8ab0 – 5:42 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Stop by @DiscountTire Power Hour today on the concourse to get a first look at our newest merch drop, the Goin’ to Work collection 🔥 pic.twitter.com/kQAeODgScM – 5:41 PM
Katy Winge @katywinge
Injury Update for Denver tonight:
Will Barton is OUT (right hamstring tightness)
Jeff Green is IN (quad contusion)
Coach Malone said he would be surprised if JaMychal Green was able to go, he’s still getting back to basketball shape post health and safety protocol. – 5:38 PM
Michael Singer @msinger
Malone: Jeff Green is available tonight, Will Barton is out. JaMychal Green is doubtful. – 5:35 PM
Harrison Wind @HarrisonWind
Will Barton (hamstring tightness) is out tonight, Michael Malone says. Jeff Green will play. JaMychal Green is doubtful. – 5:35 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Casey said Isaiah Livers took some time off dealing with foot soreness. “I think he’s getting close to getting back.” – 5:34 PM
Adam Mares @Adam_Mares
Will Barton is out tonight. Jeff Green is in. Per Michael Malone. – 5:34 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Detroit drip 🥶
#ULTRADrip x #MileHighBasketball pic.twitter.com/ittuUWceM0 – 5:31 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
Dwane Casey said Frank Jackson will go through warmups, and they’ll see if he’s able to play. “Hopefully he does.” – 5:25 PM
James Edwards III @JLEdwardsIII
Frank Jackson is a game time decision. – 5:24 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Food, drinks and tickets on us! 🤯
Make your picks for tonight’s game and you could win two (2) all-inclusive lower level club tickets for the #Pistons vs. Memphis Grizzlies game on Thursday 2/10!
🔗: https://t.co/xNUmhNrBRf pic.twitter.com/KoFQRKx22s – 5:00 PM
Detroit Pistons PR @Pistons_PR
Cory Joseph and Rodney McGruder are currently leading the NBA in 3-point percentage in January (min 15 3FGM). Joseph is shooting .571 3FG% (16-28) and McGruder has posted a clip of .515 3FG% (17-33) throughout the month. #Pistons
(via @nbastats) – 5:00 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR MVP Predictor, determined by Rolling Player Ratings and team success:
1. Nikola Jokic: 16.22
2. Giannis Antetokounmpo: 15.38
3. LeBron James: 14.94
4. Joel Embiid: 14.31
5. Kevin Durant: 14.21
6. Stephen Curry: 13.85
7. Trae Young: 13.79
8. James Harden: 13.23 pic.twitter.com/qfoLnDbC19 – 4:30 PM
NBA Math @NBA_Math
RPR ROY Predictor standings, determined by our Rolling Player Ratings and team success:
1. Scottie Barnes: 5.51
2. Evan Mobley: 5.37
3. Franz Wagner: 4.88
4. Josh Giddey: 3.62
5. Herbert Jones: 3.38
6. Cade Cunningham: 3.3
7. Chris Duarte: 2.85
8. Omer Yurtseven: 2.16 pic.twitter.com/Zgk5rc8Oo3 – 4:20 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
What’s up #Pistons fans!
🧢 We’re giving away FREE Pistons knit caps presented by @MotorCityCasino at the doors for tonight’s game 🧢 pic.twitter.com/uiMn6MYzw9 – 4:00 PM
Golden State Warriors PR @WarriorsPR
On this date in 1960, Wilt Chamberlain scored an NBA-rookie record 58 points — a feat he accomplished twice that season — in a 127-117 victory over Detroit. His 58-point outing remains the most by a rookie in a single game in league history. pic.twitter.com/kT7FjFisYR – 3:41 PM
Chris Dempsey @chrisadempsey
#Nuggets F Zeke Nnaji’s sister, Maya, was just named to the 2022 McDonald’s All-American girls roster pic.twitter.com/XmDVViCPgw – 3:40 PM
Denver Nuggets @nuggets
Over/Under 43 rebounds for the squad tonight?
Sign up with @PointsBetUSA to receive your first bets risk-free up to $2K: bit.ly/3DlZTq7
#MileHighBasketball – 3:30 PM
Omari Sanfoka II @omarisankofa
NBA just announced a new format for the Rising Stars Challenge. Four seven-player teams competing in a mini-tournament. 12 rookies, 12 sophomores and four G League players.
Pistons should have at least one player participating in this pic.twitter.com/AZTBVQzNJm – 3:21 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Let’s go to work!
This collection recalls the Goin’ To Work era #Pistons and shows off that Detroiters give 100% effort to get the job done.
Click the 🔗 below and grab some new merch from our latest capsule.
🚨: https://t.co/63ezB2x31R pic.twitter.com/jJloSUqi9j – 3:19 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 2016, the @Sacramento Kings DeMarcus Cousins scored a career-high 56 points in a loss to the Hornets.
Cousins, who scored 48 points the previous game, is the only player in franchise history to score at least 45 points in consecutive games. pic.twitter.com/HrSdUhYS99 – 3:01 PM
Justin Kubatko @jkubatko
📅 On this day in 1973, the @Milwaukee Bucks Kareem Abdul-Jabbar scored 48 points in a loss to the Rockets, setting an NBA single-game record for most points scored in a game without a FT attempt.
Abdul-Jabbar’s mark was surpassed by Jamal Murray on Feb. 19, 2021 (50 points). pic.twitter.com/ZHwOeQUdZw – 2:01 PM
Detroit Pistons @DetroitPistons
Cade said: 🖐 🚫
This swat from 2️⃣ earns Block of the Week, presented by @Acronis. pic.twitter.com/1GN76iPGsN – 2:00 PM
Ryan Blackburn @NBABlackburn
I am endlessly curious how the Nuggets plan to structure their rotation of all but Murray, Porter, and Vlatko are available.
You’re hopeful you can get away with less than stellar bench play in Detroit, but the bench needs to be solid the rest of the way. Denver needs wins. – 1:26 PM
