Nuggets' First Back-to-Back Without Key Players Shows Team Depth
David Adelman managed a 10-man rotation for the Denver Nuggets during their first back-to-back game of the season, despite missing Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. The team demonstrated a strong, efficient performance regardless of who was on the court.
Game Recap
On Saturday, the Nuggets secured a 117-100 victory over the depleted Indiana Pacers. Even without their second- and third-best players, Denver (7-2) finished a flawless four-game home stand, showcasing contributions from multiple players.
Key Performances
- Nikola Jokic recorded 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists despite committing eight turnovers.
- Peyton Watson stepped up with 16 points, seven rebounds, and three steals as a starter.
- Another bench player added a strong 17-point performance.
The Nuggets remain unbeaten at home this season with a 6-0 record and have never trailed in the second half at Ball Arena.
Injury Updates
Jamal Murray has been experiencing intermittent calf tightness over the past week. Aaron Gordon was officially sidelined for left hamstring management. Their absences were mainly precautionary, given Denver faced their first back-to-back game on just 24 hours of rest.
“If you feel something that you know could turn into something worse, I think there is a little bit of apprehension,” said David Adelman regarding Gordon’s injury report. “But he had some explosive plays last night. And Aaron’s a guy we have to protect in that sense … just because there’s just not that many human beings that are that big, can jump that high, can explode like that.”
The team demonstrated resilience and adaptability, emphasizing depth even without two key players.
Summary: The Nuggets showcased their depth and resilience by winning their first back-to-back without Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon, maintaining dominance at home and highlighting key bench contributions.