Christian Braun provided a significant spark off the bench for Denver, contributing 17 points, eight rebounds, six assists and three steals. Kentavious Caldwell-Pope added 13 points and Michael Porter Jr. nearly had a double-double with 12 points and nine rebounds. DeAndre Jordan and Collin Gillespie also made valuable contributions, each scoring 11 points as the Nuggets continued their good form, winning 14 of their last 16 games.
Despite missing key players, the Nuggets demonstrated their depth and resilience, overcoming the challenge posed by a shorthanded Portland team. The Trail Blazers, who were missing key players including Deandre Ayton, Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons, started five rookies on their roster. Duop Reath led the way for Portland with 24 points, while Scoot Henderson and Toumani Camara contributed 22 points and 16 points, respectively.
In a rare case, the Trail Blazers fielded an all-rookie starting lineup, a testament to the team’s injury problems and commitment to developing young talent. It was only the second time in NBA history that a team featured an all-rookie starting lineup since starters began being tracked on box scores during the 1970-71 season. . The last case was in 2012, when the Golden State Warriors released five rookies, including Klay Thompson..
Despite a late surge from the Trail Blazers, who narrowed the gap to just two points in the final moments, Denver managed to hold on for the win. The Nuggets kept their composure down the stretch, with Jackson sharing two free throws to secure the victory.
Throughout the game, both teams fought hard, with Portland rallying from a 15-point deficit to briefly take the lead in the fourth quarter. However, Denver responded with a crucial 9-0 run, highlighted by key contributions from Porter and Braun, to regain control of the game and ultimately emerge victorious.
With this victory, the Nuggets demonstrated their resilience and ability to overcome adversity, solidifying their position as a contender for Western Conference competition.
(Contributions from Reuters)
