The Denver Nuggets suffered their fourth consecutive loss, falling to the Indiana Pacers 125-120 in a detailed contest on Sunday evening. This defeat dropped their report to 47-32, and their dropping streak comes at a crucial time, with simply two video games separating the No. 3 to No. 8 spots within the Western Convention standings.
Nikola Jokic had one other outstanding efficiency, posting 41 factors, 15 rebounds and 13 assists to hold the load within the absence of Jamal Murray. Christian Braun additionally contributed with 30 factors, nevertheless it wasn’t sufficient to safe the win.
The Nuggets held a 99-98 lead with quarter-hour left within the fourth quarter, however the Pacers went on a 15-5 run to take a 113-104 benefit. The Pacers, who had been with out Pascal Siakam, then fended off the Nuggets’ late comeback makes an attempt to safe the five-point win, with Myles Turner and Obi Toppin main the Pacers with 24 and 22 factors, respectively.
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Listed here are three takeaways from the Nuggets’ loss to the Pacers.
3 issues we discovered from Denver Nuggets’ loss in opposition to Indiana Pacers
#1. The Nuggets miss Jamal Murray
Jamal Murray, who signed a major extension within the offseason solidifying his function because the Nuggets’ No. 2 possibility, has been absent for the previous 5 video games, together with the loss to the Pacers.
With out him, the Nuggets have struggled to copy his contributions. Since February, Murray has averaged 23.8 factors, 6.0 assists and three.3 rebounds.
#2. Nikola Jokic can’t do all of the heavy lifting
Nikola Jokic delivered one other dominant efficiency, and previously three video games, all losses, he has averaged 45.0 ppg, 12.3 rpg and 10.7 apg. This features a 61-point, 10-rebound, 10-assist sport in a double-overtime loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.
Whereas Jokic continues to place up celebrity numbers, he wants a dependable No. 2 possibility. Not too long ago, Christian Braun, Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon have stepped up, however none have been persistently excellent.
#3. The Nuggets must step up on protection
The Nuggets’ protection was missing, with gamers lacking rotations and struggling to cease the Pacers. Since dropping Bruce Brown and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, the Nuggets have been unable to copy the sturdy protection that helped them win the championship in 2023, and it was evident tonight.
The Nuggets gave up 15 3-pointers on 44 makes an attempt and allowed six Pacers gamers to attain in double digits. Even with a 55-47 benefit in rebounding, they could not safe key defensive stops when it counted, and allowed the Pacers to shoot 59.6% on 2-point makes an attempt.
The Nuggets’ highway forward will solely get more durable as their subsequent three video games are in opposition to groups preventing for playoff positions — the Sacramento Kings, Memphis Grizzlies and Houston Rockets. Solely the sport in opposition to the Grizzlies will likely be at dwelling.
