Denver Nuggets: 3 takeaways from Game 6 loss vs. Blazers

Unable to avoid defeat in Game 6 against the Portland Trail Blazers, the Denver Nuggets will now face their second consecutive Game 7 of the 2019 NBA Playoffs.

After one quarter of play, it looked as though the Denver Nuggets were well on their way to advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 2009. They outscored the Portland Trail Blazers 34-26 in the first quarter, but after that, they were outscored 93-74 on their way to a 119-106 defeat.

It was not an efficient game for the Nuggets on either side of the ball. They shot just 38.4 percent from the field while allowing Portland to hit 46.1 percent of its shot including 15-of-33 from beyond the arc.

Nikola Jokic continued to make the historical look routine, finishing the loss with 29 points, 12 rebounds and eight assists. The four other starters also scored in double-figures on the night, led by Jamal Murray‘s 24.

The Trail Blazers got a tremendous effort out of their guards. The terrifying duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum combined for 62 points on 48.9 percent shooting from the field. Rodney Hood broke out and dropped 25 big ones off the bench. Zach Collins also showed up with 14 points and five blocks in the win.

With the series all knotted up at 3-3, the Nuggets will once again face a do-or-die elimination game on their home court. Having likely picked up a thing or two in their battle against the San Antonio Spurs in round one, their nerves will settle in much quicker. We’ll have to see if that can play a part in extending this magical season, but for now, here are three takeaways from Game 6.