There were mistakes the Nuggets could’ve, would’ve, should’ve avoided as their lead slipped away in the last four minutes Saturday night: one-on-one defensive coverages blown, uncharacteristic turnovers committed, possessions stretched too dangerously to the tail end of the shot clock.
But on the other side of those failures was a team Denver recognizes as a serious Western Conference challenger. In a 118-117 loss to Oklahoma City, there might have been regret, but there wasn’t shame.
The Nuggets (17-10) will get another home-court swing at the Thunder two weeks after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander’s mid-range jumper with less than a second to go handed them their second home loss of 2023-24.