The Denver Nuggets flew into San Antonio late on Friday night after defeating the Memphis Grizzlies in Denver to snap a three-game losing streak, but Denver’s third game in four nights was too much to overcome as they fell to the Spurs by a score of 110-80.
The first half was a story of a rested Spurs’ squad against an exhausted Nuggets’ team playing on the second night of a back-to-back. The Spurs were a ridiculous 18-2 at home prior to taking on the Nuggets as they proceeded to notch their 19th win of the year on their home floor thanks to seemingly every shot falling short for Denver — who shot 7-28 from three-point distance on the night.
The first quarter finished with the Spurs doubling up the Nuggets by a score of 32-16 — which happened to be very representative of how the first frame was played. Thankfully, Denver rallied in the second quarter and was able to slim the deficit from 16 points down to just 12 points at halftime. While it may seem like a minor accomplishment, it was needed to give Denver hope and momentum heading into the second half of basketball in San Antonio.
Nikola Jokic and Gary Harris were the stories of the third quarter. To start the second half, Jokic was as engaged as he has been. He was dishing out assists, drawing charges, getting tough layups to fall, and doing everything he could to get his Nuggets’ team in a position to make a run at a comeback. Harris looked well-rested as he played strongly on both ends of the floor, hit a couple threes, and continued to gobble up steals.
The Nuggets — behind Jokic — managed to go on a 6-0 run to start the third quarter and closed within six points of the Spurs. That would be a precursor to a third-quarter full of runs, but Denver was not able to close within six points. The Spurs were able to go into the fourth quarter with a 13-point lead by a score of 82-69.
By the time the fourth quarter started rolling, it was all over for the Nuggets, who only managed to score a measly 11 points in the final frame. San Antonio pushed the lead past 20 points and the Nuggets’ reserves were put into the game for garbage time with over six minutes remaining in the game. The Nuggets are now 1-4 in their last five games and fall to 22-21 on the year after the 110-80 loss at the hands of the Spurs.
Denver has two days off until they return home to take on the Dallas Mavericks at the Pepsi Center. Denver will be looking to return to their winnings ways.