The Denver Nuggets suffered their second consecutive defeat as they have been handed a 109-128 loss by the Portland Path Blazers.
Taking part in with out MVP contender Nikola Jokic, the Denver Nuggets appeared to battle within the second-half, permitting the younger Path Blazers to attain 74 factors on them.
Aaron Gordon, Russell Westbrook and Michael Porter Jr. mixed to attain 58 factors, whereas Jamal Murray stayed quiet all through the sport, scoring solely 10 on 5-10 capturing from the sphere.
Coach Michael Malone was visibly annoyed along with his workforce’s efficiency and went off in his post-game press-conference.
“That was embarrassing, that was only a joke.
“11 video games to go and that’s the hassle we put forth, I’m embarrassed by that recreation and the strategy and the way we performed.
“I don’t know what our guys are considering with 11 to go and I problem our guys to take a look at the standings and have a look at our remaining schedule and if we proceed to play the way in which we’re enjoying we might be within the play-in match,” mentioned Malone.
Followers have been additionally not notably happy with the Nuggets’ efficiency on the night time.
One fan mentioned: “The Denver Nuggets are usually not contenders imo. Fireplace Calvin Sales space yesterday.”
Whereas one other added: “Watching The Denver Nuggets with out Jokic is like bleeding out of your eyes slowly.”
A fan additionally said it was not a good time to be a Nuggets fan.
“It sucks to be a Nuggets Fan proper now,” he mentioned.
One fan opined: “I’m nonetheless attempting to see why persons are saying duck Denver Nuggets within the playoffs. They actually had one dominant playoffs the place they received all of it. And that 12 months, they dominated within the common season, too. They don’t look nothing just like the Denver workforce that received it. Smh.”
A fan had a robust admission about Malone. “Michael Malone appears to have misplaced this workforce. Gamers are usually not listening to him anymore. We want a brand new coach subsequent 12 months who can get the perfect out of his gamers.”
The Nuggets’ loss to the Blazers has pushed them to fourth place within the Western Convention standings they usually may go additional down as Memphis Grizzlies are only a recreation behind them.
What makes it powerful for the 2023 champions is their upcoming video games, as they’ve the likes of Houston Rockets, Minnesota Timberwolves and Golden State Warriors ready for them.
Jokic’s absence has severely hampered the workforce they usually must have a look at options to bounce again from the disappointing outcomes.
Murray, who sat out for the video games in opposition to LA Lakers and Golden State Warriors must elevate his recreation within the remaining matchups.
Gordon has put up some huge performances, however that has not been sufficient for the workforce.
With greater than three groups vying for a direct spot within the playoffs, the Nuggets can not afford to drop video games as that would have severe repercussions for them.
