The second unit that was on the floor for the Nuggets to end the third quarter was nearly unrecognizable. No Nikola Jokic or Paul Millsap, who were both resting Sunday night in Portland. Denver was also without starting point guard Jamal Murray, who watched Monte Morris and Isaiah Thomas handle the point guard duties for the Nuggets in a black sport coat.
Still, the Nuggets battled. A lineup featuring Thomas, Malik Beasley, Torrey Craig, Juancho Hernangomez and Jarred Vanderbilt played together for the first time all season and held strong to end the period as they helped Denver outscored 32-26 in the third quarter.
The Nuggets’ second unit opened the fourth on a 12-4 run but eventually ran out of steam. Damian Lillard turned on his afterburners, leading the Trail Blazers on a late 17-1 run that left Denver in the dust as Portland eked out a 115-108 win.
A loss wasn’t the worst thing in the world for Denver.
The Nuggets got a chance to rest their key players, who have all gone through a grueling regular season and other than Jokic have dealt with their fair share of injuries. Millsap has dealt with a broken toe and an ankle injury. Murray has battled ankle injuries as well.
Plus, after the Trail Blazers’ win, they still have a chance to catch the Rockets for the third seed in the West. If Houston drops its final game of the regular season in Oklahoma City and Portland wins its final two games against the Lakers and Kings, the Rockets would fall to the four, meaning the Nuggets would avoid them during the first two rounds of the playoffs.
Then again, the Trail Blazers taking care of business is no sure thing based on how Portland has played over the last week.
The Nuggets got big performances from Gary Harris (18 points on 8-12 shooting), Trey Lyles (15 points, nine rebounds), and Mason Plumlee (10 points, 11 rebounds, six assists). Harris played aggressively Sunday, driving to the rim and embracing contact, aspects of his game that haven’t always been on display during his injury riddled season.
Malik Beasley added 15 points off the Nuggets’ bench. Isaiah Thomas finished with 10 points on 4-14 shooting in 24 minutes, the most he’s played since Feb. 24.
Damian Lillard led the Trail Blazers with 30 points.
The Nuggets face the Jazz in Utah on Tuesday.
