Nuggets' First Back-to-Back Without Key Players Shows Team Depth
David Adelman used a 10-man rotation in the Nuggets’ first back-to-back of the season, missing Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon. Despite these absences, Denver looked efficient and controlled the game well.
On Saturday, the Nuggets secured a 117-100 victory over a depleted Indiana Pacers team. Without their second and third-best players, Denver finished a perfect 4-game home stand with balanced contributions.
Standout Performances
- Nikola Jokic overcame eight turnovers to post 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists.
- Peyton Watson stepped up as a starter, scoring 16 points with seven rebounds and three steals.
- Off the bench, another player contributed a strong 17-point effort.
The Nuggets are now 6-0 at home this season and have not fallen behind in the second half at Ball Arena. Murray has been managing calf tightness, while Gordon’s absence is due to left hamstring care.
“If you feel something that you know could turn into something worse, I think there is a little bit of apprehension,” said David Adelman about Gordon’s injury. “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.”
Both absences were largely precautionary since Denver faced a back-to-back with only 24 hours of rest for the first time this season.
Author’s summary: The Nuggets demonstrated strong depth and resilience in their first back-to-back this season, succeeding without key players and maintaining perfect home dominance.
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