Gordon scores 13 in Denver debut, a 126-102 win over Hawks

DENVER — Aaron Gordon scored 13 points in his debut with Denver, and the Nuggets beat the Atlanta Hawks 126-102 on Sunday night.

Denver acquired Gordon from Orlando at the trade deadline and he got the start, playing 21 minutes. Paul Millsap, who had been starting at power forward, came off the bench. JaVale McGee, who was traded to Denver from Cleveland in a deadline deal, didn’t play.

Nikola Jokic finished with 16 points, 10 rebounds and eight assists, and Michael Porter Jr. had 15 points and 10 rebounds for Denver.

The Hawks entered the game having won nine of 11, but couldn’t stay with the new-look Nuggets.

Trae Young scored 21 points, but had seven turnovers to go with seven assists. Danilo Gallinari had 14 points against his former team.

Gordon had seven of his 11 first-half points in the second quarter and the Nuggets took a 10-point lead at the break. The lead was extended to 20 points early in the third quarter.

Atlanta got within 13, but Denver took a 97-79 lead into the fourth quarter. A quick start in the fourth gave the Nuggets a 25-point lead, and the Hawks never got the deficit below 20 points the rest of the way.

TIP-INS

Hawks: F De’Andre Hunter missed his third straight game with right knee soreness. “We’re trying to get that removed before he gets on the floor again,” coach Nate McMillan said before the game. “He hasn’t done anything for the last three days.” … G Lou Williams, acquired Thursday, will join the team in Phoenix.

Nuggets: JaMychal Green led Denver with a season-high 20 points and Jamal Murray finished with 17 points. … G Monte Morris (left quad strain) missed his ninth straight game. … F Gary Clark, acquired from Orlando along with Gordon, is not with the team.

FAN APPRECIATION

The Nuggets will have fans in the stands for the first time this season when they play Philadelphia on Tuesday night. There are expected to be approximately 4,500 health-care workers and first responders in attendance.

UP NEXT

Hawks: At the Phoenix Suns on Tuesday night.

Nuggets: Host the 76ers on Tuesday night.


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