DENVER — In a testament to their championship resilience, the Denver Nuggets orchestrated a stunning comeback to defeat the Portland Trail Blazers 112-103 on Sunday night. Despite trailing by as many as 14 points in the first half, the Nuggets did not secure their first lead until the closing moments of the third quarter, showcasing their ability to shift gears when it matters most.
Jamal Murray, who contributed 21 points and a commendable 10 assists, expressed a desire for the team to adopt a more proactive approach from the outset, emphasizing the need to match their opponents’ intensity from the start. Nikola Jokic led the scoring for Denver with 29 points, underscoring his pivotal role in the team’s success.
The Nuggets’ young talents, Christian Braun and Peyton Watson, were instrumental in the final quarter, energizing their team to secure a second victory against their division rivals within 48 hours. Watson, in particular, made a significant impact, scoring 10 of his 12 points during Denver’s decisive fourth-quarter surge, which solidified their formidable home record to 21-4.
Despite the Blazers’ efforts, led by Deandre Ayton with 27 points and Anfernee Simons with 26, they were unable to maintain their lead in the face of Denver’s relentless pressure. The Nuggets executed a pivotal 16-0 run, transitioning from a nine-point deficit to taking control of the game, a shift that Blazers’ missed shots and turnovers during a critical stretch helped facilitate.
Denver’s coach Michael Malone praised the team’s defensive improvement as the game progressed, highlighting the transition from minimal to robust defense as a key factor in their victory. The Blazers, while disappointed with the outcome, remained positive about their performance, with Simons acknowledging the challenge of facing a veteran, championship-caliber team like the Nuggets.
The Blazers’ offensive struggles were evident in the second half, managing only one 3-pointer on 13 attempts after hitting 10 in the first half. Key players for Portland, including Jerami Grant and Malcolm Brogdon, were sidelined due to injuries, paving the way for younger talents like Scott Henderson, who added 14 points, to step up.
As both teams look ahead, the Blazers are set to host the Detroit Pistons, while the Nuggets will face a challenging encounter against the Los Angeles Lakers, with both teams eager to build on their performances and carry their momentum forward.
