The Denver Nuggets have dropped to 0-2 in the NBA preseason after a crushing 130-104 defeat against the Boston Celtics. This marks their second consecutive loss in the NBA Abu Dhabi Games 2024, leaving many to wonder if the Nuggets were exposed in this early preseason stretch. Friday’s nail-biting 107-103 finish had fans hopeful for a comeback, but Sunday’s game was nothing short of a meltdown.
Is Denver’s Depth a Myth? Nuggets Exposed in Abu Dhabi Games
As expected, Nikola Jokić played like a star, putting up 20 points with 7-of-13 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 3 assists—all in just 19 minutes. Yet, despite his stellar performance, his supporting cast failed to make a significant impact. The Nuggets simply couldn’t keep up with the Celtics’ firepower.
One glimmer of hope came from Julian Strawther, who contributed 17 points, shooting 6-of-12 from the field and 2-of-5 from beyond the arc. His aggressive approach to the basket earned him five free-throw attempts, and his persistence showed flashes of potential.
Off the bench, Dario Šarić made his presence known. The eight-year veteran posted 11 points, going 4-of-6 from the field. He dominated in the post, exploiting mismatches and grabbing 5 rebounds, 4 of them on the offensive end. Šarić also chipped in with 2 assists, proving to be a valuable asset. But even his performance wasn’t enough to turn the tide.
The absence of Aaron Gordon and Michael Porter Jr., who sat out due to precautionary reasons, was keenly felt. Without their offensive prowess, Denver struggled to maintain rhythm. Jokić and Jamal Murray started but didn’t see action in the second half, leaving Denver vulnerable to Boston’s sharp shooting.
Denver’s shooting woes were glaring. They managed a measly 8-of-34 from three-point range, a disappointing 23.5%. Meanwhile, Boston sank 18-of-47 from downtown, sealing Denver’s fate. It’s clear that without better perimeter defense and more consistent shooting, the Nuggets are in trouble.
The Nuggets will now return home to face the Phoenix Suns on October 13th, hoping to break their losing streak. But fans are left wondering—are these preseason losses a wake-up call, or just a fluke?
The Nuggets are skating on thin ice. While it’s only preseason, their shooting struggles and lack of depth are concerning. Jokić can’t carry this team alone, and the absence of key players like Gordon and Porter Jr. only highlights their vulnerability. It’s high time the Nuggets reassess their strategies before the regular season kicks off.
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