NBA Summer League: Baby Nuggets Bash 76ers

Dahntay Jones had a team-high 21 points on 8-15 shooting, and newly acquired Arkansas rookie Sonny Weems had 17 points, three rebounds, three assists for the Nuggets, as they defeated the Philadelphia Sixers, 99-85.

Fellow Denver rookie Elton Brown (out of Virginia), joined in on the fun scoring 13 points and grabbing 11 rebounds.

Thaddeus Young had a game-high 22 points in a losing effort; Marrese Speights scored 14 points and contributed five rebounds. And ''Mr. Versatile'' Jamont Gordon had 12 points and a game-high five assists.

The contest started off evenly matched, with Elton Brown seemingly dominating. Nine of his 11 points came in the first quarter, along with four boards.

However, this proved to be an illusion, as the Nuggets only managed a 28-25 lead going into the second quarter.

Weems came alive, and scored eight points in the second quarter to finish with 10 at the half. But the 76ers were determined to keep the game close, going on a 6-2 run in the final 1:29, and the first half ended with the Nuggets nursing a slim lead, 48-47.

The third quarter proved to be the most pivotal. Dahntay Jones was a sparkplug, and poured in 12 points—including nine in a crucial 11-6 run that put the game on ice for the 76ers.

The turning point came with 3:33 left in the third, as Jones started the run by slicing his way through a series of Philly defenders and dunked the ball—certainly reminiscent of his days at Duke.  

The Nuggets continued their onslaught in the final period, leading by as much as 20 with 1:34 left in the game—after Dahntay delivered yet another dagger with a tough layup.

The game concluded with the final score 99-85, Denver.

I am satisfied with the results of the win, although one gray area that got to me was Taurean Green (4 pts, 2 ast, 4 TO in 25 minutes).