Lack of execution dooms Nuggets late against Bucks

The Nuggets’ offense might not be completely back, but it’s on the right path towards rediscovering its form from a season ago. But after three quarters of encouraging offense, Denver’s lack of execution down the stretch cost the Nuggets as Milwaukee topped Denver 121-114.

Denver trailed 81-74 after an 11-0 Milwaukee run in the middle of the third put some separation between the two teams. But like they’ve done time and time again this season, the Nuggets’ bench rallied.

Behind Monte Morris, Malik Beasley, Trey Lyles, Mason Plumlee and Jamal Murray, Denver’s second unit erased a double-digit deficit and went on a 21-6 run to lead by two points with under five minutes remaining in the fourth.

Denver couldn’t manufacture good looks on offense late in the game and only scored five points in the last 5:36 of the fourth.

Brook Lopez scored 28 points and hit 8 of his 13 three-pointers. Giannis Antetokounmpo added 22 points. For Denver, Paul Millsap scored a season-high 25 points, 23 of which came in the first half. Nikola Jokic finished with 20 points, six rebounds and six assists.