The Nuggets dropped a close one with the LeBron-led Cavaliers , 113-108 at Pepsi Center.
The Denver Nuggets dropped back into 9th, tied with Utah in the hotly contested Western Conference playoff race. It was Denver’s 10th loss at home this season and their overall record fell to 35-30.
More from Nugg Love
- Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
- Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
- Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
- What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
- Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know
The Nuggets were led by Nikola Jokic’s 36 points while the Cavaliers were paced by LeBron James’ 39. LeBron scored 9 of those 39 in the final two minutes to seal the game for the visiting Cavs.
The Nuggets, who hit 19 three-point shots in Cleveland on Saturday managed only 10 threes last night.
The Nuggets posted another 20+ turnover game with 21. They are 24th in the NBA in turnovers.
After a sluggish first quarter (23 points) that saw the Denver squad facing a 16-point deficit, the Nuggets rebounded for 35 in the second.
The Nuggets 108 points were dead on their season average of 108.6. The Cavaliers 113 was slightly higher than the Nuggets opponent season average of 107.1.
No significant injuries to report, Nikola Jokic had a knee-to-knee scare in the first half and Jamal Murray appeared to take knee to the head from James but Coach Malone said he doesn’t expect the Nuggets guard to enter concussion protocol.
The Nuggets shot 48.6% from the field and 37% from three. The Cavaliers were 50.6 and 44.8, respectively.
Mason Plumlee led the Nuggets bench with 12 points and five rebounds in 14 minutes of action. Will Barton played 28 minutes off the bench. The Cavaliers were led by Jeff Green’s 10 points off the bench.
Next: Denver Nuggets: Unheralded players we loved
The Nuggets next game is Friday at home against the (29-35) Los Angeles Lakers.