The Denver Nuggets' struggles in closing out clutch games this season have left fans puzzled. We're used to seeing Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray shine in those critical final minutes, but this year, it's been a different story.
On the latest episode of "Brian Windhorst and the Hoop Collective," Windhorst highlighted the issue: "They now have a losing record when games go to the clutch. They're 14-15." This is a far cry from their past performances, like the 2022-23 championship season where they finished 22-15 in clutch situations, or the 2023-24 season with a 26-14 record, and last year's 21-16 finish.
Tim MacMahon added to the discussion, pointing out the Nuggets' struggles since Jokic's return from injury: "4-6 since Joker returned, including 1-5 in clutch games." These numbers are concerning, especially considering Jokic's role as a three-time MVP.
The absence of Aaron Gordon might be a key factor. His defensive prowess and offensive contributions in crunch time have been missed. Could his presence have been the glue holding past successes together?
Health remains crucial for the Nuggets as they eye the postseason. MacMahon remains optimistic, saying, "I still would say that they're going to be right there in the thick of things, if they have a healthy roster come playoff time." This "if" is what keeps fans hopeful, despite the mounting losses.
The anticipation is building for Gordon's return, potentially as soon as March 5th, with 20 games left in the season. The Nuggets are also expecting Peyton Watson back, both players bringing defensive upgrades and strong scoring seasons.
Head coach David Adelman will have the task of integrating Gordon and Watson back into the lineup, a challenge he's likely to welcome given the tough schedule ahead. With three games each against the Thunder and Spurs, the Nuggets will be battle-tested. Having a full-strength roster could be just what they need to make a strong playoff push.