The Denver Nuggets are getting used to life without their stars - and they’re finding ways to win anyway.
With Nikola Jokic still sidelined and the Nuggets missing all five of their opening night starters by the second half, Denver dug deep and pulled out a gritty 102-100 win over the Milwaukee Bucks. It was a night that showcased the team’s depth, resilience, and a breakout performance from a young player who’s been waiting for his moment.
Julian Strawther steps up in a big way
Julian Strawther hasn’t seen consistent minutes this season, but when opportunity knocked, he kicked the door down. The rookie guard poured in a season-high 20 points, leading a balanced Nuggets attack that saw six players score in double figures.
Strawther was aggressive and confident from the jump, knocking down threes, attacking closeouts, and getting to the line. He looked like the version of himself Nuggets fans had hoped for - the one who made noise in the preseason and flashed serious scoring chops in college. This wasn’t just a hot streak; it was a composed, complete performance in a high-pressure game.
Earlier this week, Strawther gave a preview of what he could do with 15 points in 20 minutes against Charlotte. But this performance felt different.
It had weight. It came against a contender, on the road, with the Nuggets missing key pieces.
Whether this is the start of a rotation push or simply a flash of what’s possible, Strawther gave the Nuggets exactly what they needed - and maybe a little more.
Tim Hardaway Jr. finds his rhythm when it matters most
After struggling through three straight tough shooting nights, Tim Hardaway Jr. found his stroke off the bench, finishing with 17 points - including two clutch free throws that gave Denver a 101-97 lead with just over 10 seconds to play.
Hardaway’s ability to shake off a slump and deliver in crunch time speaks to the veteran presence he brings to this young, injury-depleted roster. He didn’t force shots, stayed within the flow of the offense, and hit big ones when the Nuggets needed them most.
Aaron Gordon aggravates hamstring, exits early
The win didn’t come without a price. Aaron Gordon, who’s been managing a nagging hamstring issue all season, re-aggravated the injury just before halftime and did not return. It’s a tough blow for a team already dealing with a long list of absences.
Gordon had been doing solid work defensively in the first half, using his size and strength to make life difficult for Giannis Antetokounmpo. But after logging 33 minutes the night before in Washington, his body didn’t hold up for the back-to-back. The Nuggets will now be holding their breath as they await updates on one of their most versatile two-way players.
Jalen Pickett continues to impress
Jalen Pickett turned in another strong showing, finishing with 13 points and 7 assists. He’s been steady in extended minutes, running the offense with poise and showing a knack for making the right read. For a rookie, his decision-making and composure have stood out - and with Jamal Murray still out, Pickett’s presence has been crucial.
Another night, another short-handed battle
Denver was without Jamal Murray, Jonas Valanciunas, and Peyton Watson - all resting after last night’s win - as well as Jokic, Christian Braun, and Cam Johnson, who remain sidelined. That meant another night of patchwork rotations and heavy minutes for role players.
But once again, the group responded.
Bruce Brown chipped in 15 points and gave the Nuggets a spark with his energy and defense. Zeke Nnaji and Spencer Jones provided valuable minutes, helping to hold the line in the paint and on the glass. It wasn’t always pretty - Denver nearly coughed up a 20-point second-half lead - but it was gritty, determined basketball.
Giannis held in check, exits late
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with 22 points, 13 rebounds, and 7 assists, but Denver did a solid job containing him for most of the night. He never quite found his rhythm, and with under a minute to go in the fourth quarter, he exited the game due to injury. There’s no word yet on the severity, but it was a quiet night by his standards - and a testament to the Nuggets’ defensive game plan.
Bottom line
This was a win that said a lot about the Nuggets’ culture. No Jokic.
No Murray. No Gordon in the second half.
And still, they found a way.
It’s been the story of their season so far - next man up, and make it count. Whether it’s Strawther’s breakout, Hardaway’s clutch shooting, or Pickett’s steady hand, Denver’s depth is delivering when it matters most.
And when the stars do return? This team might be even more dangerous for having gone through the fire.