Nuggets: Player grades after ugly loss to Heat

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: (L-R) Commentators Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen talk prior to game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 01: (L-R) Commentators Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen talk prior to game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
1 of 6
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 01: (L-R) Commentators Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen talk prior to game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 01: (L-R) Commentators Mark Jackson, Jeff Van Gundy and Mike Breen talk prior to game between the Miami Heat and the Denver Nuggets at HP Field House at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 01, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)

How did the Denver Nuggets look in their first seeding game of the 2019-20 season?

The Denver Nuggets had an ugly loss to a talented Miami team today with a final score of 105-125. Denver was missing three starters in Jamal Murray, Will Barton and Gary Harris and their absence became more and more apparent as the game progressed.

Missing those three players really limited the Nuggets guard play and that was exploited by the Heat the further into the game they got. The Nuggets’ defensive effort was lacking and ultimately they were unable to rally as time ticked away.

Regardless of the outcome there were a and handful of bright spots and an equal number of issues.