The Denver Nuggets blew a late-game lead to the powerhouse Golden State Warriors, losing in overtime 129-128 of their first of two preseason games to be played at Pepsi Center.
The Nuggets and Dubs were neck and neck for most of the night, although the Nuggets held a nine-point lead with under 2:00 to play, but Denver’s youth proved to be the deciding point at the end of it all.
Head coach Michael Malone ran with the youthful lineup of Jamal Murray, Malik Beasley, Juancho Hernangomez, Jarnell Stokes, and Robbie Hummel to close out the game.
Although it would have been nice to get the W, Malone understands his young roster will be forged being thrown into the fire.
“We played really well for most of the game.” Malone said. “It’s all brand new for those [young] guys … Overall, really happy with how we played, a lot of good things. I think we got better tonight which is what we are looking for.”
Three point defense and discipline remain big issues for the Nuggets, and Coach Malone is determined to fix that.
“Once again turnovers, 17 of them, and three point defense, ” Malone said as to why his team fell Friday. “At some point we have to do a much better job at defending the line.”
With the loss came with a bit of a scare.
Sophomore guard Emmanuel Mudiay left the game in the middle of the 3rd quarter with a right ankle sprain. Thankfully, it appears to be nothing serious, according to Malone.
Jamal Murray shined, racking up 16 points, seven assists, and five boards, pretty productive for a 19-year-old rookie against the defending Western Conference champions.
Danilo Gallianri also shinned, putting up 19 points, hitting all four of his three point attempts.
Overall, there was a lot of good that came out of the game, especially since the Warriors played their starters consistently through the first three quarters of action.
There is a lot of work to be done, but definitely an overall productive night for the Denver Nuggets.
