Well, it finally happened. The Nuggets came back down to earth.
After winning six straight — five without Jamal Murray after he went down with an ankle injury Jan. 25 against the Suns — Denver has cooled off in its last two, getting blown out by the Pistons Monday before falling to the Nets Wednesday.
Defense has been the main issue this week. The Pistons shot over 40 percent from beyond the arc against the Nuggets and Brooklyn drained an incredible 55.9 percent from deep.
At the root of the Nuggets defensive woes — like many — is effort.