The Nuggets' inability to close out clutch games this season has come as a bit of a shock to many fans. We've been accustomed to seeing them pulling it out late, watching the Joker and Jamal Murray do their thing in the final five minutes of the fourth quarter. But as Brian Windhorst says, for the struggling Nuggets, "it's just not happening this year."
On the newest Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective, Windhorst said it plainly, "They now have a losing record when games go to the clutch. They're 14-15." That number pales in comparison to years past, like the championship-winning season of 2022-23 that saw the Nuggets finish 22-15 in clutch games, or 2023-24 when they went 26-14, and last season when Denver finished 21-16.
"It's been baffling, clutch misery for them," said Tim MacMahon as he rattles off the Nuggets' terrible record since Nikola Jokic returned from injury. "4-6 since Joker returned, including 1-5 in clutch games," he continued.
Those numbers really stand out. For the wrong reasons. The stark contrast of how poorly the team has played since the leader, the three-time MVP, returned to the lineup is alarming.
Is it just a blip? Or was Aaron Gordon the glue in seasons past? His presence has been sorely missed not only on the defensive end but also for his offensive capabilities in the crunch as well.
Health is paramount to the Nuggets' postseason success
"I still would say that they're going to be right there in the thick of things, if they have a healthy roster come playoff time," MacMahon said, emphasizing the "if." Which is the thing that's been keeping Nuggets fans from smashing the panic button. However, we're looking at it longer with each passing loss.
But we aren't hitting it until we see what this team looks like with Aaron Gordon back in the lineup. And, per head coach David Adelman, that will take place as soon as March 5th, when the Nuggets have 20 games remaining, at the earliest. They should also be looking at the return of Peyton Watson.
Two huge upgrades on the wing defensively, and each is in the middle of career years in scoring, too. Head coach David Adelman is going to have his hands full figuring out where everyone plays together as he eases Gordon and Watson back. But that's a luxury feeling now compared to what he dealt with at times in January.
However, it's a luxury that couldn't have come at a better time for Denver. They've got the toughest remaining schedule in the league, including three more games against both the Thunder and the Spurs. At least they'll be battle-tested, and we'll see what we've got at full strength going into the playoffs.