The Denver Nuggets are facing turbulent times after a humbling 145-118 loss to the New York Knicks at Ball Arena.
This defeat not only exposed glaring weaknesses in the reigning champions’ performance but also extended a troubling trend for Michael Malone’s squad. With four losses in their last six games, Denver’s 9-7 record paints a stark contrast to the high expectations surrounding the team at the start of the season.
Postgame, Nikola Jokic offered a brutally honest take on the situation. The Serbian star, known for his measured responses, didn’t shy away from addressing his team’s shortcomings. “It’s always good to get punched in the face, just to wake up,” Jokic said. “There’s always something to learn from games like this. We’re all asking ourselves how it got to this point.”
The loss to the Knicks was as one-sided as the score suggests. Denver trailed 76-53 by halftime, with New York putting on a shooting clinic. “They played an incredible game; they were really good, and we didn’t make anything difficult for them. It looked easy for them. They shot exceptionally well, hitting 19 three-pointers, and we just didn’t show up,” Jokic admitted.
A Worrying Trend of Slow Starts
One of the most pressing issues for the Nuggets has been their sluggish starts. Jokic highlighted this recurring problem, saying, “We are in the games, we always down 20 at a half. I don’t know. Do we don’t warm up or do we don’t wake up, or we just don’t play hard enough? I don’t know what it is, but collectively, we need to do a better job.”
Denver has found itself trailing early in five of its last six games. While they managed to claw back and win against teams like the Dallas Mavericks and Los Angeles Lakers, those efforts are proving unsustainable. The losses to the New Orleans Pelicans, Memphis Grizzlies, and now the Knicks have underscored their inability to recover from significant first-half deficits.
Advertisement
Latest Press Conference
We’re on Social Media
Michael Malone’s Call to Action
Head coach Michael Malone hasn’t minced words about his team’s recent performances, and his postgame remarks following the Knicks defeat were no exception. Malone called on his players, particularly his stars, to step up and show leadership.
Jokic agreed with his coach’s criticisms. “I mean, he was right,” Jokic said. “We were down 10 I think in LA too. We were down 20 against Dallas. Seems like we are always down and we always catching behind.”
Malone’s frustration stems from the team’s lack of effort and consistency. As Jokic put it, the Nuggets need to “play hard enough” from the outset, something they’ve struggled to do across multiple games.
Learning from the Knicks’ Dominance
The Knicks’ victory over Denver wasn’t just about the Nuggets’ flaws; it was also a showcase of New York’s precision and energy. The Knicks hit 19 three-pointers and maintained control throughout the game, capitalizing on Denver’s defensive lapses.
Jokic acknowledged the gap in intensity, saying, “They played urgent, motivated basketball. We didn’t match their energy or execution.” Denver’s inability to disrupt the Knicks’ rhythm left them scrambling, and by the time they adjusted, the game was out of reach.
What Lies Ahead for the Nuggets
Despite the recent setbacks, the Nuggets remain a talented and experienced team capable of turning things around. Acknowledging their struggles is the first step, and both Malone and Jokic appear committed to addressing the issues.
With 16 games already behind them, the Nuggets are well aware that their margin for error is shrinking. To regain their footing in the Western Conference, Denver must find answers to their slow starts and rediscover the intensity that propelled them to last season’s success.
Final Thoughts
The loss to the Knicks served as a wake-up call for the Nuggets. As Jokic pointed out, “It’s always good to get punched in the face,” but it’s up to Denver to respond with the resilience and effort fans expect from the defending champions. With a long season ahead, how they adapt and grow from these struggles will determine their place in the Western Conference hierarchy.
