The Denver Nuggets' three-game winning streak came to a dramatic halt Thursday night when they fell to the Portland Trail Blazers, with Anfernee Simons hitting the game-winning layup as the clock expired. The final score of 126-124 not only marked the end of Denver's recent success but also exposed some troubling patterns for the team this season.
Denver had initially taken control of the game, leading by five points after the first quarter. But the second quarter turned the tide dramatically, as the Blazers dominated, scoring 36 points and tying the game at halftime. By the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets found themselves chasing after being outscored by 17 points.
Throughout the game, issues with defensive consistency reared their head. According to reports, the Nuggets, who were facing one of the league's weakest offenses, struggled to contain the Trail Blazers' scoring threats, allowing Portland to collect numerous second-chance points due to poor rebounding. The Blazers finished the game with 15 offensive rebounds, translating to 21 second-chance points, which made a significant difference.
Despite these challenges, the Nuggets fought back fiercely. With only 17 seconds left on the clock and the game tied, Michael Porter Jr. energized the Denver squad with a powerful dunk, briefly putting the Nuggets on top. Yet the Blazers quickly responded, as Simons and Shaedon Sharpe both converted free throws to regain the lead.
Earlier, the game had also showcased the scoring prowess of Nikola Jokic, who netted 34 points and delivered eight assists. Jamal Murray added to Denver's offensive efforts, contributing 24 points and 10 assists. Russell Westbrook was another bright spot for the Nuggets, scoring 19 points and providing significant defensive pressure throughout the game, though he got beaten on the final possession.
A key moment came when Denver’s bench unit, led by Westbrook, started the fourth quarter with vigor, going on a 16-2 run to temporarily pull Denver back from the brink of defeat. This rebound showcased their potential, even without Jokic on the floor during tumultuous stretches.
Michael Malone, Denver’s head coach, voiced his frustration post-game, questioning why his team had to wait until falling behind by 17 points to finally find their drive. “Why does it take being down 17 points to start the fourth quarter to play hard?” he challenged. “That shouldn’t be the emphasis behind playing hard. We should be playing hard because we wanna be a great team.” Malone's comments reflect the disappointment felt throughout the organization, as they grapple with the inconsistency displayed throughout the early part of the season.
For the Blazers, the game signified more than just a win; it was their first victory after six consecutive losses. Simons led Portland with 28 points and 10 assists, but he was aided by solid performances from sharp-shooting Sharpe and Deni Avdija, who scored 27 and 19 points, respectively. Deandre Ayton also had a noteworthy performance by contributing 15 points and 13 rebounds, showcasing his resilience after missing two games due to illness.
This win has revived hopes for the Blazers as they now look toward their upcoming matchup against the San Antonio Spurs. With signs of improvement, the team aims to build on this victory and regain momentum heading toward the mid-season mark.
The defeat for the Nuggets aged like fine wine—leaving behind questions and lessons to mull over. Denver is now 14-11 on the season and sits sixth place within the Western Conference standings. While there’s still significant time for turnaround—especially with talents like Jokic at the helm—the loss against one of the league’s lesser teams poses considerable questions about Denver's depth and consistency. Heading forward, the Nuggets will need to address their defensive lapses and find ways to maintain intensity throughout the entirety of games to avoid similar heartbreaks.
With their next game scheduled against the New Orleans Pelicans, the Nuggets will aim to refocus and rebound from this tough loss. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers, buoyed by this triumph, will seek to capitalize on their newfound confidence as they continue through the season.
