The Denver Nuggets experienced the highs and lows of an NBA season in just a few days.
After a commanding win over the Lakers on Saturday, Denver stumbled against the New York Knicks on Monday, suffering a 108-98 loss at Madison Square Garden. Jamal Murray, one of the Nuggets’ key leaders, offered a candid assessment of the team’s performance and admitted their lack of focus played a significant role in the defeat.
Nuggets Struggle to Match Knicks’ Intensity
From the opening tip, the Knicks controlled the tempo, outplaying the Nuggets in nearly every facet. The absence of Denver’s signature intensity was evident, with the Knicks winning every quarter and holding Denver to 44% shooting from the field. New York capitalized on their opportunities, shooting an impressive 60% from the field and a scorching 52% from beyond the arc.
The disparity in shooting percentages was stark. While Denver connected on just 11 of their 33 three-point attempts, the Knicks converted 19 of 36. Despite a strong showing at the free-throw line—where the Nuggets shot 25-of-27—their struggles from the field proved insurmountable.
Jamal Murray Calls for Better Focus
After the game, Murray addressed the media, pulling no punches about the team’s shortcomings. “It’s a long season,” Murray said. “Guys have lives outside of basketball. We just beat LA in LA. We’ve got some guys who live in LA, so they stayed in LA… That’s what happens when you don’t have focus.”
Murray’s comments reflected a broader concern about the team’s readiness. He pointed to their sluggish energy and lack of urgency as key reasons for the loss. “It’s a tough one to watch back, or even accept, but it was expected if that’s the kind of energy the whole team brings to start a game,” Murray added. “We’ve been on the other side of it. And tonight, we took the wrong end.”
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Jokic and Watson Struggle as Knicks Shine
While Nikola Jokic, the reigning MVP, has been dominant throughout the season, even he couldn’t lift the Nuggets against the Knicks. Jokic posted a relatively quiet performance by his standards, while Peyton Watson had an off night, further hampering Denver’s chances.
On the other side, the Knicks executed a well-rounded game plan. OG Anunoby stole the show, pouring in 40 points and anchoring New York’s offense. The Knicks displayed remarkable cohesion, rebounding from a loss to the Jazz with a statement win against one of the NBA’s top teams.
Defensive Lapses Cost Nuggets
Denver’s inability to contain New York was particularly glaring. The Knicks exploited mismatches and found open looks with ease, often catching Denver’s defense out of position. Their dominance extended to every facet of the game, leaving the Nuggets scrambling for answers.
Moving Forward: A Test of Resilience
With an 82-game season, lapses like this are not uncommon. The true measure of a championship-caliber team lies in how it responds to adversity, and for the Nuggets, the upcoming schedule provides an opportunity to regroup.
Denver faces a critical stretch, starting with a matchup against the Utah Jazz. The Jazz, known for their disciplined play, will test the Nuggets’ ability to refocus and bring their trademark energy. Following that, Denver will face the Clippers, Warriors, Cavaliers, and Wizards in a span of 10 days, a run that will demand their best.
Jamal Murray’s Leadership Will Be Key
As Denver looks to rebound, Murray’s leadership will be pivotal. His willingness to call out the team’s lack of focus speaks to his role as a vocal leader both on and off the court. For the Nuggets to return to their winning ways, they’ll need Murray to set the tone and rally his teammates.
What’s Next for Denver?
With their eyes on the ultimate prize, the Nuggets can’t afford to dwell on the loss. Instead, they must learn from it and use it as motivation to sharpen their game. As Murray noted, “It’s a long season,” and Denver has plenty of time to right the ship.
With the talent and depth to compete with any team in the league, the Nuggets remain a formidable contender. However, as their loss to the Knicks demonstrated, consistency and focus are non-negotiable if they hope to reach their full potential.
Denver’s next opportunity to make a statement comes on Wednesday against the Jazz, where the team will aim to prove that Monday’s misstep was nothing more than a blip on the radar.
