Denver Nuggets lose to Oklahoma City Thunder 111-98 despite Emmanuel Mudiay's 22 points

THE RUNDOWN

Another day, another different starting lineup for Nuggets head coach Michael Malone as he went with the starting five of Emmanuel Mudiay, Will Barton, Danilo Gallinari, Wilson Chandler and Joffrey Lauvergne in Oklahoma City.

Denver’s only lead of the game was 2-0 as Oklahoma City was in the driver’s seat throughout. An encouraging sign was the Nuggets continued resolve to battle back and remain competitive, despite trailing for all but one minute of the game. Oklahoma City led by as many as 21 points and won by a final score of 111-98. The loss drops the Nuggets to 4-2 while Oklahoma City improved to 4-1 in the preseason.

Prior to the game Thunder head coach Bill Donovan announced that he planned to give increased minutes to Oklahoma City’s big three of Kevin Durant, Russell Westbrook and Serge Ibaka. Not surprisingly the big three led the way for the home team as Durant finished with 23 points on 9-14 shooting from the floor, Westbrook contributed 17 points to go along with 12 assists and Ibaka posted 18 points and 11 rebounds. Additionally, Enes Kanter proved to be a nightmare down low for the Nuggets bigs as he collected 18 points on 6-9 shooting to compliment going 6-6 from the free-throw line.

The Nuggets were led by rookie sensation Mudiay who played well after sitting out against the Suns on Friday night. Mudiay finished the game with a team-high 22 points on 8-17 shooting. Gallinari chipped in 16 points as did Erick Green. It should be mentioned that J.J. Hickson recorded a DNP-CD (Did Not Play – Coach’s Decision) for the second consecutive game. Hickson has not played well this preseason and could be in danger of becoming an afterthought in Malone’s rotation as final cuts are looming.

WHERE/WHEN

Chesapeake Energy Arena – Oklahoma City, OK | Oct. 18th | Preseason Game No. 6

STARS OF THE GAME

1.) Emmanuel Mudiay hit a baseline step-back jumper over Steven Adams right after halftime that gave Nuggets fans another sample of how much talent he possesses (video below). Mudiay has improved each and every game this preseason. He looks miles ahead of most rookies with his displays of maturity and poise. Denver drafting him No. 7 overall could end up being the steal of this year’s draft.

2.) Erick Green played well tonight and that is exactly what he needed to do as he is locked in a battle with Nick Johnson to make the team. Green shot 3-3 from three-point range and 6-12 overall in finishing with 16 points tonight. He will need to come out and build upon tonight’s performance in Thursday’s preseason finale against Utah to help his case in becoming a member of the 2015-16 Nuggets.

3.) Danilo Gallinari played very well in 21 minutes. Gallo flashed speed in the transition game as he dunked home baskets on a couple of fast breaks in the second quarter. All in all, he is continuing to look like he is ready to have a career year for the Nuggets this season.

PLAY OF THE GAME

Step-back, fadeaway baseline jumper … swish from Mudiay.

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME

Billy Donovan announcing that he was going to play KD, Russ and Ibaka extensively tonight.

FINAL SHOTS

Darrell Arthur played tonight and finished with 7 points and 4 rebounds in 14 minutes of action. It was nice to see the former Kansas Jayhawk get playing time after fighting through an injury stemming from a bone bruise in his knee this preseason.

Oklahoma City dominated the paint in this game. The Nuggets could be undersized at the power forward and center positions with certain lineups they are likely to roll out this season. Growing pains might be a result for young big men such as Nikola Jokic and King Joffrey.

Johnson did not play well tonight. He struggled shooting the ball, as he went 1-7 from the floor. It would be surprising to see him make the final roster as Green has outplayed him of late.

WHAT’S NEXT

One more game until they count! Denver will travel to Utah and face the Jazz in the preseason finale on Oct. 22nd. The Nuggets will face old friend Ty Lawson and the Houston Rockets in the regular season opener on October 28th in Houston.