The Nuggets' recent tumble against the Clippers has sparked a wake-up call for fans who once saw their team comfortably in the top five of the NBA power rankings. While they were once nestled in fifth place in Marc Stein's rankings back in December, the latest loss has shone a light on some glaring issues that can't be ignored.
Sure, it's easy to get caught up in the excitement of supporting your team, but reality has a way of setting in, and Stein's latest update highlights why the Nuggets have slipped to sixth place. It's a position that, given their recent performances, might even feel a bit generous.
The sting of another narrow defeat, marked by late-game struggles, serves as a reminder that there's work to be done. Stein didn't even touch on these clutch-time failures, yet they're a glaring part of the Nuggets' current narrative.
The Nuggets' Challenges
Stein does acknowledge that when fully healthy, the Nuggets could be the biggest threat to the Thunder in the West. But right now, that's not the case.
Injuries to key players like Aaron Gordon and Peyton Watson, both sidelined with hamstring issues, have been a significant setback. They'll need a few more weeks before they're back in action.
The scoring balance is another area of concern. Yes, the Nuggets lead the league in scoring, but their defense is a different story.
Ranked 24th, they're only just ahead of teams eyeing the top pick in the upcoming draft. This defensive struggle becomes even more pronounced in tight losses.
Adding to their challenges is the toughest remaining schedule in the league. With 26 games left, their opponents boast a winning percentage of .553. The Nuggets will face the Thunder three more times, as well as matchups against the Spurs and top Eastern Conference teams like the Knicks and Celtics.
It's a steep climb ahead, where every game and every point will be crucial. They've already slipped to fourth in the Western Conference.
The Nuggets have the championship pedigree and the mindset to succeed. They've been there before, winning a title and pushing OKC to seven games last year.
But right now, they're not hitting the mark, and it's a tough reality to face. Each close loss seems to chip away at their confidence, leaving them searching for the form that once made them contenders.