The Denver Nuggets’ game on Sunday was interrupted once again by a problematic rim, just days after a similar incident. The game was put on hold for 35 minutes when officials discovered that one of the rims had been bent, allegedly by the Boston Celtics’ Robert Williams III during a recent match.
The delay was a frustrating echo of the previous week’s game, which had been postponed due to a crooked rim, though that issue was resolved in less than 10 minutes using a wrench, as reported by ESPN.
During the delay, Nuggets guard Jamal Murray took the opportunity to mingle with fans, snapping selfies as the players and spectators waited for the game to resume.
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone didn’t hide his irritation after the game, which saw his team secure a 121-108 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers. Malone quipped about the situation, “Don’t get me started. It’s not good for my blood pressure.”
Nikola Jokić delivered a standout performance, registering 28 points, 15 rebounds, and 10 assists for his 10th triple-double of the season. Murray added 18 points to the scoreboard, helping to seal the win.
Meanwhile, across the league, the Charlotte Hornets made headlines with a historic first quarter on Friday. They exploded for 51 points against the Milwaukee Bucks, equaling the NBA record for the most points scored in a single opening quarter and setting a new franchise record for any quarter.
The Hornets also set a franchise record for points in the first half, with 84, en route to a 138-109 victory. Terry Rozier led the Hornets with 39 points, and LaMelo Ball chipped in 24 points.
In Los Angeles, LeBron James made a triumphant return from illness, leading the Lakers to a 130-114 win over the Atlanta Hawks. James scored 25 points, guiding the Lakers to their fourth consecutive victory.