David Adelman is frustrated tonight. Mentioned multiple times that the defensive rebounding and second chance points were an issue, that Denver “gave the game away.” Also made some mention of Denver’s 2-man game needing other guys to be playmakers and more aggressive.

Final Rotations for the Nuggets who lose 118-110 to the Blazers, who move to 5-1. Denver got outscored 60-44 in the second half. Jamal Murray with 35 points, did everything he could. Not enough guys going with him. Now, there's a Cam Johnson injury to worry about too.

Halftime Rotations for the Nuggets as they lead the Blazers 66-58. Jamal Murray - 20 points, 5/9 FG, 9/9 FT Nikola Jokic - 12-5-5 Nuggets are shooting 26 FTAs compared to Portland's 12.

Jamal Murray is welcoming back Damian Lillard to Denver by bullying him.

Denver tried an all-bench lineup for 90 seconds to start Q2 with Trevon Brazile. Then, Aaron Gordon came in for him. Denver's not having a lot of success with this group though. Jamal Murray and Christian Braun both back on the floor now.

Nice start for the Nuggets. Jamal Murray got an early 7 points off his aggression. Christian Braun downhill drive to set up Jokic was good.

This is going to be an interesting matchup. Portland's offense has been pretty good, and as I asked Adelman about their shot profile, I think it's a good test to see if Denver can allow the right kinds of threes and paint looks or if they get twisted into knots.

David Adelman also says the Nuggets expect Alpha Diallo to be available tonight. “He will be in jersey if we need him…love Alpha. If we need him, we will throw him out there.”

Asked David Adelman about Portland leading NBA in 3PAs and 2nd in FTAs: “If they’re going to take 45-50 threes…you’ve gotta hope that the majority of those are guys you want to shoot them…containing for the right reasons.” Also noted Avdija/Lillard drawing fouls well.

Updated Financial Sheet for the Nuggets after declining DaRon Holmes' option for 2027-28. Denver's got a projected $20.8 million in luxury tax space, but they've only got 7 players on roster. No Cam Johnson. We will see what Jokic does. Gonna guess Zeke Nnaji opts in.

Going LIVE on Locked On Nuggets to chat about Christian Braun's big night, Jamal Murray turning on the jets, and the Nuggets getting it done in Phoenix. youtube.com/live/gC4PvAA...

LNN: Have a night Christian Braun and Jamal Murray. Nuggets begin 1-0 in NBA Cup Group Play.

Jamal Murray is now 24-4 in his career vs Devin Booker.

Final Rotations for the Nuggets as they defeat the Suns in NBA Cup Play. Career high 31 points on 7 threes for Christian Braun 39-8-5 for Jamal Murray Denver's defense genuinely good in the second half. Jokic great there despite rebounding. Nuggets 1-0 in NBA Cup.

Christian Braun, have a night. 29 points, 7/9 from 3 to go with 3 steals. Nuggets are going to win this one in large part because of a career night from CB.

Once again, the issues for Denver start once they sub. For whatever reason, the run doesn't go there way, or guys start thinking a bit more rather than playing. Not sure how to explain it.

Dillon Brooks doing what he can to slow down Jamal Murray's hot shooting by kicking him directly in the balls.

Ryan Blackburn@ryanblackburn.bsky.social · 3d ago

I'm sorry Phoenix, but you should probably guard the guy who has a personal 23-4 record against Devin Booker. Jamal Murray getting hot from three here.

I'm sorry Phoenix, but you should probably guard the guy who has a personal 23-4 record against Devin Booker. Jamal Murray getting hot from three here.

Halftime Rotations for the Nuggets who lead 71-67. Christian Braun: 6/6 from 3 is a major statement DeRozan has 5 assists again. Denver's 2nd quarter was super encouraging after poor close to the 1st.

In very normal basketball news, Christian Braun is 5/5 from three in the first half against the Suns.

I wish Adelman would’ve gone to these lineups in the preseason, but I’ve been really impressed with his willingness to mix and match starters in the non-Jokic minutes to start the year. Sometimes it’s just AG. Murray and AG. Tonight, it was Cam and AG. Not perfect but real good.

What an absolute dart by DeRozan for a cross-court pass for three.

Looking forward to seeing what the Nuggets can do tonight. Suns starting Khaman Maluach against Nikola Jokic in the frontcourt. Miles Bridges vs Aaron Gordon. If Nuggets can win both matchups on the interior, the decisions become easier on the perimeter.

The Nuggets aren’t going to calm down the noise immediately, but they made a nice first step in New Orleans. milehighsports.com/denver-nugge...

Denver Nuggets road win featured positive moments to build upon in near future - Mile High Sports

Sometimes, getting away from distractions at home and playing on the road is what's needed.

milehighsports.com

LNN: Nuggets calm the waves a bit with a wire-to-wire win as Nikola Jokic gets his 200th career triple-double. Lots of good from this game.

Final Rotations for the Nuggets in a 13-point win. Nikola Jokic collects his 200th regular season triple-double! Very close to the record. 23 and 6 for Jamal Murray 15 and 4 with 3 steals and 3 threes for Christian Braun Solid win for Denver. Led wire-to-wire.

Braun raises his hand to the heavens as he hits his third of the quarter. The Nuggets are gonna win here.

Ryan Blackburn@ryanblackburn.bsky.social · 5d ago

Christian Braun back-to-back threes was absolutely the difference maker in the fourth. If those don't go in, I think the momentum goes back to NOP.

Christian Braun back-to-back threes was absolutely the difference maker in the fourth. If those don't go in, I think the momentum goes back to NOP.

Pretty notable to me that we've seen more Christian Braun drives and even some mid-range action tonight. Continuing to struggle with the three, but that kickout to Aaron Gordon is a really big action to simply have in the bag for Denver, especially when Murray's pressured up top.

My god man, Trevon Brazile just gets off the ground so fast. That cut and dunk was insane. Really good stuff to start the quarter again. Good defense from Murray and Jokic.