It's been a rough stretch, to say the least. The Nuggets currently can't win a game in the clutch against an opponent who matters, but Brian Windhorst says "not to feel terrible," Nuggets fans. While that may not sound optimistic, he brings up a couple of points everyone needs to remember. Hope is on the horizon.
It may seem difficult to find a positive in the latest clutch collapse for the Nuggets, but on the "Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective" podcast, Windy points to Nikola Jokic's improved shooting and Aaron Gordon's sterling performance as two reasons. "Aaron Gordon was excellent. He looked spectacular," he said. "[Jokic] shot it very well last night. 12 of 19, three of six from three. That's certainly an encouraging sign."
And he's right. It's not like the Nuggets got blown out. It was a step-back last-second three from reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander that did the Nuggets in, losing to the Thunder 129-126. That's the thing. As bad as it is, they've been close in so many games, you almost have to feel a cascade of close wins is coming, too.
Peyton Watson is close to a return
Windhorst also pointed out that the impending return of Peyton Watson was just around the corner. "Peyton Watson is close, possibly this week. That'll be a big boost for them as well," Windhorst proclaimed. And the Nuggets need that boost.
They're currently going through a bit of a Cam Johnson problem, who hasn't been the replacement for Michael Porter Jr. that anyone had hoped he would be.
Watson plays better defense than Cam, and his offense has been head-and-shoulders above anything Cam has sustained this year. Watson was averaging 21.1 points per game since the end of December, after Jokic had left the lineup, and continued his hot hand until he went out of the lineup. Cam is only averaging 11.1 points per game.
It's an uphill battle, but the Nuggets are still one of the favorites
The Nuggets have the most difficult remaining schedule of any team in the league, but that didn't stop Tim Bontemps from lumping the Nuggets in with the Thunder and Spurs as favorites to come out of the West. Even down, the Nuggets command a level of respect other teams aren't getting.
Which is now becoming a theme. The Nuggets are down, but they certainly aren't out, because they have the Joker. And as long as he and his running mate, Jamal Murray, have all their band members playing the same tune, Nuggets fans have reason to stay optimistic.