The Denver Nuggets are off to a shaky start this season. They came into the 2024-25 season as a potential contender, but early on, they have struggled. The Nuggets mostly stayed pat during the offseason (although they did lose Kentavious Caldwell-Pope), but is that coming back to haunt them?
The Nuggets Hope To Get Back On Track After Rough Start
The Nuggets started their season with a loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Thunder are a familiar foe, as both the Nuggets and Thunder are a part of the Northwest Division. Both teams battled for the top spot of the Western Conference last season. Oklahoma City ended up at the No. 1 seed, and Denver was second in the West. Both teams had different playoff journeys, as the Thunder swept the New Orleans Pelicans in the first round, but lost to the Dallas Mavericks in the second. The Nuggets were also knocked out in the second round, but they lost a seven-game series to the Minnesota Timberwolves. The top two seeds went down earlier than expected, and for the Nuggets, that cost them a chance at repeating.
The first game of the season was a chance for both teams to get things going and build some momentum with a win over a division rival. The Thunder came away with the win and beat the Nuggets 102-87. For a season opener, especially one on their home floor, this was not the ideal way to start the season. However, it is the NBA and anything can happen.
The Nuggets Fall to the Clippers, Go 0-2
After the loss to the Thunder, the Nuggets took on the Los Angeles Clippers. This was another home game, and it was a chance for the Nuggets to even things up and go 1-1 after their loss. The Clippers put an end to those hopes, and beat them 109-104. It was a closer affair than their first game, but it was still not enough. The loss spoiled a big performance from Nikola Jokic, who finished the game with 41 points. The Nuggets fell towards the bottom of the conference after the loss. They are currently 0-2, and the only other West teams with that record are the Utah Jazz and the Sacramento Kings. On the Eastern Conference side of things, the only teams without a win are the Washington Wizards and the Detroit Pistons. Chances are the Nuggets will get in the win column shortly.
Jokic and Malone Speak on the Nuggets’ Early Season Struggles
Things have not been easy for the Nuggets so far this season. The frustration is there, and it shows. Nuggets head coach Mike Malone spoke on their slow start after the loss to the Clippers. He mentioned that while this was not the start they wanted, it is something they have to deal with.
Michael Malone:
“It’s not the start that we wanted, but it’s our reality. So embrace it, and let’s try to go on the road, find our rhythm, and kind of get this shitty taste out of our mouths.” pic.twitter.com/h7DquU7pa3
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) October 27, 2024
Jokic talked about his strong performance in the loss to the Clippers, and mentioned that the team as a whole needs to play better.
Nikola Jokić on his patience:
“Just because I scored 40 today, that doesn’t mean I played good…I don’t think we need to question my patience, because I’m with the guys. I’m not separate from them…I think we all need to play better.” pic.twitter.com/qWvY0jWh7G
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets) October 27, 2024
Malone and Jokic realize things are tough, but there is also a silver lining. The Nuggets can get back on track and play well throughout the rest of the season. The Nuggets are trying to figure things out. They have their core guys, but are also trying to acclimate new additions like Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric. Westbrook has struggled early on, but there is still time to turn things around. If he and the Nuggets bench can get going, that will help out tremendously. Then, in due time, the Nuggets will work their way back to the top.
Is it time to push the panic button on the Nuggets and their season? Not quite. But if they do want to get back on track, it needs to start soon.
