The Denver Nuggets are staring down the barrel of a 2-0 deficit to the Golden State Warriors in the 2022 NBA Playoffs. While the Nuggets were never favorite to qualify to the second round due to the injuries that have plagued the roster, they look way off the mark in their first two games against the Warriors.
The Nuggets have trailed by over 20 points in Game 2, with the team just not being able to defend the Golden State Warriors. In the third quarter, there seemed to be a lot of commotion around the Nuggets bench, with DeMarcus Cousins and Will Barton getting into an argument that caused the team to step in and separate the two players.
This is not a good sign for the Nuggets, whose chemistry looks completely shot. Despite Nikola Jokic headed for a likely consecutive MVP, the Nuggets’ performances in the Playoffs through the first two games have bred some serious frustration, as the clash between Barton and Cousins shows.
The Dubs have the Nuggets frustrated 😲 pic.twitter.com/AjYXr42wJm
— Warriors on NBCS (@NBCSWarriors) April 19, 2022
The Warriors are looking destined to make it to the second round at this point. However, everyone knows the Nuggets is a team that has mastered the art of the comeback after their performances in the 2020 Playoffs. However, this team doesn’t look to have that same energy flowing.
Jamal Murray’s absence is being felt, with the load on Jokic increasing every game. Jokic looks fatigued from the regular season and is not being able to contribute at the level Denver needs him to be competitive.
Arguments between role players like Barton and Cousins can be catalysts for change. But usually, they are a sign of locker room frustration. With 2 losses left in the series, Denver doesn’t have much time to gather themselves and come with a refocused mentality. This might just be another lost season for Denver,
