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

1. A lack of effort defensively

The talent both Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum exude on a nightly basis is no secret by now, and Game 6 was no exception. The two scored or assisted on 79 of Portland’s 119 points, or 66.6 percent of the team’s total production offensively.

While stopping those two is an ideal scenario for any opponent, the task is easier said than done, and it’s one many teams have failed to accomplish. What was not acceptable for Denver was allowing Rodney Hood to drop 25 points on 8-of-12 shooting in 31 minutes off the bench.

A solid rotation piece, Hood averaged just 9.6 points per game for the Blazers during the regular season. Prior to his outburst, he was putting in only 8.8 points per game during these playoffs. The 25 were the most points he’s scored in any game of his postseason career, and his highest overall total since March 3.

Portland was the sixth-highest scoring team during the regular season, relying on its backcourt to produce a combined 46.8 points per game. Outside of them, guys like Hood and Al-Farouq Aminu get hot at times, but not with enough consistency to be fully relied upon. When they’re on, the Blazers are that much more difficult to slow down.

Denver can look to stifle the Blazers’ backcourt and dare their teammates to beat them. They can also allow Dame and CJ to combine for 75 and shut down everyone else. Both are solid options. The Nuggets simply have to pick one and stick with it, or, they’ll open the door for an offensive barrage in the most important game of their season.