Nuggets come back from double digit deficit to hand Blazers 4th straight loss

The Portland Trail Blazers give up a double-digit lead to the Denver Nuggets to further endanger its home court advantage.

Needing just one win to clinch home court advantage, the Blazers travelled to Denver to face the Nuggets. Equally as much rested on this game for our divisional rivals, though. Tied with Minnesota for eighth seed in the West, a win for Denver keeps them in the playoff hunt.

Game Story

First Half

CJ McCollum opened up the scoring with a three-pointer, but the Nuggets answered with 12 straight points. Solid interior defense by the Blazers slimmed the deficit. By the end of the first quarter, Portland trailed 28-23 despite a significant advantage in rebounds.

A few chippy fouls between opposing big men kicked off the second quarter. Not benefitting from the calls, the Blazers still managed to regain its first lead since 3-0. Jusuf Nurkic showing up his old team kept Portland in front for the rest of the quarter. After a Damian Lillard buzzer-beater layup, the Blazers entered half ahead, 49-42.

Second Half

Nurkic maintained momentum through halftime and helped the Blazers jump out to a double-digit lead. It lasted for a majority of the quarter until Mike Malone stopped a fastbreak by complaining a no-call on the previous possession. This got the Denver crowd on its feet and fueled a comeback. Heading in to the final 12 minutes, Portland led 69-66.

Then the last of a four-game road trip fatigue began to show. The Blazers couldn’t buy a bucket, even from the free throw line, for the entire fourth quarter. A painful 12 minutes of bad shot choice and bad calls later, Portland loses its fourth straight to Denver, 82-88.

Player of the Game

Jusuf Nurkic once again showed up his former team. While Nikola Jokic posted a triple double, Nurk scored 20 points and grabbed 19 rebounds (1 shy of tying his career-high).

He started the second half strongly to push Portland ahead by double figures. The lead eventually slipped, but he worked hard down low to prevent it. En route to the 19, he collected a career-high 8 offensive boards for much needed second chance points.

Play of the Game

Entering today’s matchup, the Denver Nuggets were on a tear offensively. However, the Blazers defense showed up, holding its opponent to just 88 points. CJ’s quick hands in the video illustrate the team’s attentiveness on defense.

5 Stats from the Game

• The Blazers outrebounded the Nuggets 34-22 in the first half. By the end of the game, Portland held the advantage, 57-52.
• Jusuf Nurkic recorded a career-high 8 offensive rebounds en route to 19 total rebounds.
• Portland shot 33% from the field and 21.2% from three – the shooting woes continue.
• The Blazers tallied 10 assists and 17 turnovers (which led to Denver outscoring Portland in fastbreak points, 17-7).
• The foul discrepancy was 28-18 in the Nuggets’ favor.

Next: Ed Davis returns just in time for playoffs

Four straight losses has Portland reeling before playoffs begin. Not only is the third seed at stake, but so is home court advantage now. The team heads home to host the Utah Jazz, who have its eyes set on third place.

The Blazers not only need the win against Utah for ranking purposes, but also to recover some confidence before entering a competitive playoff series.