The Denver Nuggets lost another heartbreaking game, once again to the our neighbors to the north – the Toronto Raptors.
The final in this one was 113-111 with turnovers once again being the main reason the Nuggets were unable to finish on top. Their 19 turnovers resulted in 25 points for the Raptors. This has been the story all season long.
Another game, another learning experience for the Nuggets. Postgame head coach Michael Malone said his team needs to be come more disciplined. Until then, things will remain the same.
“You have to have your head in the game.” Malone said after the game. “We need more discipline. A disciplined team wins most times, and the undisciplined team is going to lose. We as a team have to be more disciplined.
“It’s driving me nuts, but it shows that we are close. Now, how do we get over the hump? How do we stop making the same mistakes time and time again in close games?”
Don’t get it twisted; the Nuggets played a solid game, owning the Raptors in field goals, rebounds, free throws, assists, blocks, fast break points, and bench points. However, two costly turnovers by Emmanuel Mudiay and Jameer Nelson made the difference.
This team showed a lot of heart by playing the defending Eastern Conference finalists hard in both meetings this season, but they still need to master the basics before they are ready to be on the same level as a team of Toronto’s caliber.
It’s going to come down to the basics for the Nuggets.
Can they close out games? Can they stay consistent? Can they limit their turnovers?
All three of these fixing points have one common theme: Discipline.
The Nuggets have two more games on their four-game home stand. The Utah Jazz pay visit Sunday, followed by the Chicago Bulls on Tuesday.
