The Nuggets were out matched by the Spurs from the very start of the game.
The Denver Nuggets came into San Antonio completely unprepared. The Spurs smelled blood in the water instantly and made the young Denver team pay.
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Led by their stars, Kawhi Leonard and LaMarcus Aldridge, San Antonio played a complete game while the Nuggets looked discombobulated throughout the entire night. Only two players for the Nuggets were drastically effective for them against San Antonio.
Gary Harris and Nikola Jokic were the only ones who broke double figures. However, Harris did not shoot his best in this game despite posting 18 points and Jokic came close to a triple double (23 points, nine rebounds and seven assists.)
The Spurs defense was on a whole, different level as they limited Denver to only 34.9% shooting while they shot 52.6% from the field. They also only shot a dismal 25% from three point territory which really hindered the fluidity of the Nuggets offense throughout the entire night.
If there is one positive from this game, it would be that Coach Malone went deep into his bench. Guys like Emmanuel Mudiay, Richard Jefferson, Kenneth Faried and Malik Beasley saw time for the second straight game. However, part of the reason for this was due to the out come being a blow out.
The Spurs continue to be one of the most dominant teams in the NBA while the Nuggets are clinging on for dear life on to the seventh spot in the Western Conference as teams like the New Orleans Pelicans and Los Angeles Clippers slowly, but surely creep up on them.
It was one of the worst losses of the year for the Nuggets. Even though many expected them to lose this game, the manner in which they lost was unacceptable.
Next: Nuggets derailed by Spurs
They need to come out much more aggressive against the Mavericks in their next match up.