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3 takeaways from Nuggets’ heart-wrenching Game 4 loss

By Quenton S. Albertie

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - AUGUST 23: A Tissot ad is shown during the second quarter in a game between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 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 23: A Tissot ad is shown during the second quarter in a game between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 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) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Mamba Forever signage is shown on the boards during the third quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – AUGUST 23: Mamba Forever signage is shown on the boards during the third quarter in Game Four of the Western Conference First Round between the Utah Jazz and the Denver Nuggets during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on August 23, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

The team’s energy is much improved

Building on the last takeaway, Denver’s energy in Game 4 was a far cry from the effort and body language they displayed in Game 3’s blowout. Jokic was dunking more than anyone had seen in three years, Murray was trying to put his team on his back to win, Millsap was finally being aggressive offensively. Even backup center Mason Plumlee was playing with more effort.

Another positive was seeing how the bench kept up their energy whenever a player would score. There was no moping on the court and players weren’t hanging their heads on the sideline. They showed a level of mental fortitude that they should have shown earlier in the series, for sure, but it was better late than never.

If they can have that type of energy in Game 5 (which they should considering it’s objectively a must-win game), they can leave the bubble with their dignity even if they lose the game or the series. The way were playing in Game 3 and Game 2 (primarily the former) was an embarrassment and a serious indictment on the team’s leadership.

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