Nuggets pummeled by Raptors and Jonas Valanciunas

December 3, 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jordan Hamilton (1) during the second half against the Toronto Raptors at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 113-110. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets came up against a beast named Jonas Valanciunas and were pummeled 95-78 by the Toronto Raptors. After four games in as many days the Nuggets looked tired and had no answer for the Raptors Big Man. He dominated the paint throwing down monstrous dunks and made his presence felt, pushing the Nuggets bigs around like children. Valanciunas finished the night with a double-double 15 points and 12 boards.

Despite the loss, Jordan Hamilton and Quincy Miller continued to impress. Hamilton had a game high 25 for the Nuggets. He was 10-21 on the night with 4 of those shots coming from 3 point land. Miller meanwhile had 10 points and 7 boards but, where he stood out was in the post. He was the only Nugget to have any success against Valanciunas.

I asked Quincy about his matchup with Valanciunas after the game and this what he had to say “I’m a three so I’m usually guarding a three. That was kind of different but, right now I’m the tallest guy on the team. That’s the only reason for the matchup”

With the loss the Nuggets are eliminated from tournament play and will finish up summer league action today against the Memphis Grizzlies at 6:30 MT.  Denver has struggled in Vegas so far with a record of 1-4 but hopefully your Nuggets can end on a high note with a win.

As for what the Nuggets plans are for their final game coach Ryan Bowen told me they would rest their guys and try to look at some guys who haven’t seen much action yet.He said that he wasn’t sure of anyone getting a training camp invite but this was also an opportunity for guys to show their skills to other teams and scouts from overseas.

Keep checking Nugg Love for more updates and follow me on twitter @bobbygeezo for in-game tweets.