The Denver Nuggets faced a disappointing defeat against the San Antonio Spurs, marking their elimination from the NBA Cup. Despite leading by 18 points during the second half, the Nuggets ultimately fell short, losing 139-136 at their “flatiron red” Ball Arena on December 8, 2023. This loss underscores ongoing defensive flaws that have plagued the team throughout the season.
The NBA Cup, introduced to enhance competition during the early part of the season, offers financial incentives, including a prize pool for the eight teams that advance to the knockout stage. Jamal Murray acknowledged the allure of the tournament, stating, “It’s a great bonus… guys want to go to Vegas and have some fun.” Yet, the Nuggets have struggled to capitalize on this opportunity, failing to advance past the group stage for the third consecutive year.
With a chance to secure first place in their group and a quarterfinal matchup against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Nuggets fell flat when it mattered most. Coach David Adelman expressed frustration, saying, “All these offensive stats are shiny, and you still lose the game. So we’ve gotta grow up and compete defensively.” This sentiment reflects a larger issue within the team, as they have now allowed an average of 120.6 points per 100 possessions over the last eight games, placing them 27th in the league during that span.
Defensive Struggles Surface Again
Even before the matchup against the Spurs, the Nuggets had been on a concerning trajectory defensively. Last season, they ranked among the bottom ten for defensive efficiency, and while they briefly improved to second-best earlier this month, it appears that this uptick was more about small sample sizes than a genuine turnaround.
Peyton Watson, who has stepped up in the absence of Christian Braun, emphasized the necessity of learning from these tough experiences. “We need to know the things we aren’t good at to work on and continue to sharpen,” he remarked. Watson’s defensive potential has been critical, especially with injuries impacting team chemistry and performance.
Adelman acknowledged the need to identify the right lineup capable of competing defensively, stating, “I have to rotate guys through to find the right five that’ll compete defensively. Because I know we’re going to score. We score a ton, all the time.”
The impact of injuries to key players like Braun and Aaron Gordon is evident, as the team struggles to maintain its defensive integrity. The Spurs exploited this vulnerability, hitting over 15 three-pointers, a trend that has plagued the Nuggets throughout the season.
Looking Ahead After the Loss
The Nuggets’ defensive lapses against San Antonio were reminiscent of their struggles from the 2024-25 season. Their inability to effectively navigate screens and maintain tenacity left them vulnerable, as Adelman noted, “They hit us over and over and over. We have to understand that in this league, you have to fight through that stuff.”
As the team prepares for upcoming games against the Sacramento Kings on December 11 and the Houston Rockets on December 15, they will need to refocus on their defensive strategy. The league has adjusted the schedule for eliminated teams, allowing the Nuggets to regain momentum in traditional matchups rather than on the novelty courts of the NBA Cup.
“We’re scoring well. Playing well. Moving the ball well,” Murray stated, highlighting a silver lining in their offensive play. Yet, the challenge remains to improve defensive efforts, as they will face teams that are adept at capitalizing on defensive lapses.
In the competitive landscape of the NBA, the Nuggets must address their defensive shortcomings to advance their aspirations this season. The upcoming games will serve as critical opportunities for the team to recalibrate and strive for improvement.
