The Denver Nuggets are staring down a serious crisis heading into Game 4 of their first-round series against the Los Angeles Clippers. After getting embarrassed in a 117-83 blowout loss in Game 3, not only are they trailing 2-1 in the series, but they are also battling a brutal wave of injuries that could derail their playoff hopes completely.
NBA insider Marc J. Spears summed up the concern on NBA Today by saying,
“I’m worried about this team, man. Let’s see if they have the heart of a champion. They got some injuries. MPJ may not play Saturday, Jamal’s hurting, Russell’s hurting, Aaron can barely jump right now.”
“How much heart do you have left after everything that’s happened the last couple of weeks? Cancun sounds cool right now. Let’s see if they prefer vacation or trying to fight back.”
The Nuggets’ injury list reads like a nightmare for a team trying to defend their championship crown. Michael Porter Jr. is questionable for Game 4 with a left shoulder sprain, a major blow considering Denver already struggles for wing scoring when he is off the floor.
Russell Westbrook, who was already battling inconsistency, exited Game 3 with left foot inflammation and is also questionable for Saturday. Jamal Murray, Denver’s second-best offensive weapon, has been playing through a painful hamstring issue, which has noticeably limited his explosion.
To make matters worse, Aaron Gordon, their versatile forward, is barely able to jump due to lingering calf issues that have plagued him all season.
This physical collapse could not come at a worse time. Denver got absolutely manhandled by the Clippers in Game 3 at the Intuit Dome.
Kawhi Leonard led the way with 21 points and 11 rebounds, James Harden poured in 20 points, and Norman Powell added another 20 off the bench. Meanwhile, Nikola Jokic, despite recording a 23-point, 13-rebound, 13-assist triple-double, was largely ineffective because his supporting cast fell apart around him.
The Clippers outscored the Nuggets 23-2 during a devastating stretch between the first and second quarters, hitting 18 three-pointers compared to just seven for Denver.
The bench disparity was shocking as well, with the Clippers’ reserves outscoring Denver’s second unit 31-6. Denver’s defense was shredded, their offense looked disjointed, and mentally, they appeared broken as the game slipped away.
Jokic, who has had to carry a monumental load all season long, looked exhausted and frustrated on the bench, an alarming sight for a player who rarely shows visible signs of stress.
Now, facing injuries to four of their top six players and momentum firmly on the Clippers’ side, the Nuggets are at a crossroads. Will they summon the resilience that made them champions, or will they fold and see their season end in the first round?
Game 4 is shaping up to be a battle not just of skill, but of will. If Denver wants to avoid packing for Cancun, it will take every ounce of heart and toughness left in their battered roster.
