Feb 8, 2014; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Denver Nuggets small forward Jordan Hamilton (1) guards Detroit Pistons point guard Brandon Jennings (7) during the fourth quarter at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Pistons won 126-109. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets came into their game against the Detroit Pistons following a very disappointing loss to the Knicks on Friday night. If you thought the Knicks game was ugly, this one made that look like a close game. The game started off fairly well for the Powder Blue Crew as they had energy and effort that contributed to an early 23-14 lead in the first quarter. But that’s when the wheels came off for the Nuggs. The Pistons went on a 9-3 run to end the quarter and only trailed 26-23 at the first break. They would steamroll the Nuggets from there outscoring them in the remaining 3 quarters for the convincing win.
The Pistons came into the game off of a nice win against the Brooklyn Nets Friday night and kept the momentum in this game after a back and forth first quarter. Brandon Jennings was the catalyst for the Pistons on this night as he went off for 35 points and 12 assists but was aided by Josh Smith who tallied 30 points and 10 rebounds on the evening. Randy Foye was one of the only bright spots for the Nuggets as he cashed in on 25 points that included shooting 5-12 from behind the 3 point line.
To add injury to insult for the Nuggets, their leader and best player, Ty Lawson, left the game in the third quarter with what was originally called a lower back strain, but turns out to be a broken rib, and the Nuggets never recovered from Lawson’s absence. According to NBA.com, Lawson is doubtful for the Nuggs game Monday at Indiana but chances are he will not play for the foreseeable future. The sting of this loss and the injury to Lawson could cause the Nuggets to take a tailspin on the last 2 games of the 4 game road trip. Let’s hope that the team rallies after two embarrassing losses and brings great energy and effort on Sunday against the Pacers. Follow your Nuggets on Twitter @Nugg_Love.