The Denver Nuggets dropped a close one to the LeBron-led Cavaliers in front of a raucous, sellout crowd at Pepsi Center.
The game felt a lot better than the Mavericks game the previous night. Asking this Nuggets squad to beat the Cavaliers on the second night of a back-to-back proved a tall order.
It was a valiant effort and solid comeback. The difference between this game and the Saturday contest in Cleveland, however, was the show put on by LeBron James. King James poured in 39 points, grabbed eight rebounds and dished 10 assists. Nine of James’ 39 came in the final two minutes. The surge by the Cavs forward held off a Nuggets fourth quarter charge.
The Nuggets dropped back into a tie with Utah for 9th in the West. Four of the teams ahead of them lost or are on a losing streak, allowing the Nuggets to keep pace in a tight playoff race.
Let’s look at some specific takeaways from last night’s game: