Lack of execution burns Nuggets, they lose heated game against Grizzlies

In a game of ups-and-downs, the Nuggets nearly out-grind the Grizzlies in the Grind House, but ultimately fail due to lack of execution. After nearly falling into a blowout in the second quarter, Denver showed resilience as they fought back in the third quarter and made tonight’s game an entertaining one to say the least.

THE RUNDOWN

First Quarter – Starters: Jameer Nelson, Gary Harris, Danilo Gallinari, Darrell Arthur, Nikola Jokic

Nikola Jokic continued to impress in the starting lineup as he single-handedly pushed the Nuggets to a 7-2 start, hitting his first three shots.

After Jokic got into some foul trouble, Danilo Gallinari continued his momentum by scoring 14 points in the quarter (4-7 shooting) by repeatedly attacking the paint. Great to see Gallo being aggressive when the Nuggets needed him.

The Grizzlies stayed in the game with their outside shooting but the Nuggets’ rebounding dominance put them over the top. They grabbed a 17-7 advantage on the boards as they seemingly had their hands on every single loose ball. This team was hungry for a win.

End of first: Nuggets up 30-29.

Second Quarter – Starters: Randy Foye, Barton, Mike Miller, J.J. Hickson, Joffrey Lauvergne

Yes you read that lineup correctly. Hickson made his first appearance after being benched for 14 straight games. Malone loves to have his lineups stay together in order to not to mess up any cohesion, but Hickson quickly reminded fans of their frustrations with his play. He was immediately bodied by Zach Randolph in the post and had several defensive lapses.

Hickson inexplicably played nearly the entire quarter, somehow managing to register a -10 while shooting 1-5 from the field in just 11 minutes. The Grizzlies also feasted on the swiss cheese defense and made Mike Malone pay for his faith in Hickson.

Jokic checked in with just a minute left in the quarter and by then it was too late — the decision had already destroyed all momentum the Nuggets had garnered in the first quarter and rekindled the hate for Hickson in the hearts of many.

Memphis clamped down on defense and forced six turnovers in the second quarter. In the last 9:37 of the quarter, the Nuggets scored only one basket from the field. Embarrassing.

End of second: Grizzlies up 49-37.

Third Quarter – Starters: Nelson, Harris, Gallinari, Arthur, Jokic

The Nuggets came out of the locker room flipping the usual script as they fought back from a deficit instead of blowing a lead.

The Gallinari and Jokic show was back on as Gallo started attacking aggressively again after not registering a single shot in the second quarter.

The Italian Stallion put up nine points in the quarter as well as making plays all over the court. This was the good side of Gallo we all love to see, no sticky hands in sight.

Jokic played so well with Gallinari it’s scary, both providing the threat of scoring as well as the ability to create for others. Defenses seemingly couldn’t make a single mistake with the two in unison, or else they paid the price. This was an extremely encouraging sign for the future.

Arthur absolutely caught fire in the quarter as he poured in nine quick points, including a stretch where he hit three midrange jumpers back-to-back-to-back. The team simply played better with Arthur on the floor and it was great to see his patented midrange jumper falling.

The gap was now closed.

End of third: Grizzlies up 67-66.

Fourth Quarter – Starters: Foye, Barton, Miller, Lauvergne, Nurkic

The Nuggets came out aggressive and it paid off as they managed to get into the bonus with 8:01 left in the quarter.

The game was getting feisty with emotions running high, something that’s become a staple when Nurkic plays the Grizzlies.

Unfortunately for the Nuggets, the Grizzlies were more adept at grinding out a game. Randolph had an absolute field day in the fourth as he scored 10 points in the quarter on his way to a 24-point night.

Mario Chalmers hit a huge three to put the Grizzlies up seven with just 1:29 left in the game. The Nuggets missed their shot, but luckily forced a miss on the other end. Unfortunately, Tony Allen hustled and snatched the ball right before Denver’s eyes. What had been a strength for the Nuggets all night long had sealed the nail in the coffin as Chalmers hit yet another cold-blooded three to put the game out of reach.

Final: Grizzlies win 91-84.

WHERE/WHEN

FedEx Forum, Memphis, TN | Jan. 8th | Regular Season Game 37 (13-24)

TURNING POINT OF THE GAME

The turning point of the game was in the third quarter where instead of lying down and giving up, the Nuggets fought back from a morale-crushing second quarter.

The Nuggets played some of their best basketball of the season as Gallinari and Jokic executed perfectly with each other and made plays for the entire team.

Arthur also played an absolutely vital role in the comeback as he caught fire and made the defense pay for helping their teammates.

The Nuggets finished the quarter 29-18 and brought the once 12-point lead to just a single point.

STAR OF THE GAME

Gallinari was the single driving force behind the Nuggets tonight, scoring at will and making the game easier for his teammates. Anytime the Nuggets needed a basket, Gallo was there on his way to a game-high 29 points on 8-18 shooting and 8 boards.

PLAYS OF THE GAME

Lauvergne throws down a KING JOFFREY SMASH!!

Harris with a gorgeous spin move leading to the baseline dunk:

Nurkic going RIGHT AT Marc Gasol as he bullied himself to an And-1:

BY THE NUMBERS

Gallinari made an absolute living at the free-throw line shooting 11-11 as he showed his aggression all night long.

Jokic was perfect from the floor and it would’ve been nice to see the team get him more involved in the game after he scored Denver’s first seven points.

The Nuggets grabbed a season-high 59 rebounds, giving them a chance in a game where they shot a putrid 36.8 percent from the field and 21.1 percent from three. Not gonna win many games with those bricks.

Nuggets also need to look at cutting down the unforced turnovers as they gave the ball away 17 times tonight. Execution is of the utmost importance if the Nuggets wish to ever be an elite team.

LASTING IMPRESSION

The Nuggets fall to 13-24 for the season, dropping a win right before a tough stretch. Starting Sunday they play the Hornets, Warriors, Heat, Pacers and Thunder before hosting the Grizzlies in a grudge match. Fortunately for Denver, especially Nuggets fans, they will play the next eight games in the Pepsi Center.

WHAT’S NEXT

The Nuggets will fly to Denver tonight and prepare to face the Charlotte Hornets, a team that is currently on a five-game losing streak. A perfect opportunity to rebound from tonight’s loss. Tip off is at the Pepsi Center on Sunday at 6:00 p.m. MT.