Denver Nuggets

Houston Rockets Humiliate the Denver Nuggets in Primetime Matchup

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Dec 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets forward Corey Brewer (33) guards Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets suffered a devastating defeat at home in a primetime matchup against James Harden and the Houston Rockets.

The Denver Nuggets, who were in their first ESPN primetime game, suffered a humiliating loss as the Rockets role players completely annihilated Denver’s defense. The Denver energy just did not seem there in front of their home court.

After a double OT victory, one would assume that James Harden and his Rockets would be tired and play a half-hearted game. Well, if you thought that, you were wrong. James Harden, accompanied by Ryan Anderson and Eric Gordon were on fire tonight.

The Rockets won 128-110. 128 points. The Nuggets scored more than their usually 106, but they gave a horrendous 128. This game was over early as the Rockets scored 73 in the first half and took a 20 point lead into halftime.

For any team, it would hard to comeback from a 20 point halftime deficit. This has been a problem for the Nuggets all season. The energy for Denver was just not their. They failed to guard the three point line as Houston was 17-37 from deep.

Along with that, Denver shot themselves by shooting 9-16 from the free throw line. While not a huge factor, this game would have been respectable if they could have made 14 or 15 of these. Missed opportunities have defined Denver’s season so far, and this 7-12 team must find their identity of their moderately easy six-game road trip.

Now, after the sad part was out of the way, let’s see who the studs and duds are of this humiliating defeat.

Dec 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets guard Patrick Beverley (2) guards Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Studs

Wilson Chandler

Wilson Chandler was really the only Nugget that played well in this game. His 10-28 from the field helped the Nuggets in desperate times.

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He ended the game with 24 points and 3 triples. Here’s the thing. If Wilson Chandler continues to be the best Nugget, he should have the most minutes. Ill Will has the third most minutes for the Nuggets, and he should be rewarded with more since he has been on fire as of late.

The Entire Rockets Team

The Rockets ended with six players in double figures and four over fifteen. Both Ariza and Anderson has four threes and all of Anderson’s were in the first half which helped the Rockets put the Nuggets away early.

Harden was his general self. He controlled he offense, and he ended with their team-high in scoring with his 20 points. His 6-16 could have been better, but Harden overall was his usual dominate self.

Dec 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Houston Rockets center Clint Capela (15) guards Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Duds

Jusuf Nurkic

Jusuf Nurkic has taken the starting spot from Nikola Jokic, and since then, he has struggled to put up starter numbers. His 10 points, 7 rebounds, and four turnovers were just not good enough tonight. He had a -21 +/- and was the weak point in the pick-and-roll.

Before this game, I said the Nuggets would have a hard time winning if they were attacked in the pick-and-roll with Nurkic defending. I’ll be darned. Nurkic struggled defensive and offensively, and it showed.

Emmanuel Mudiay

Emmanuel Mudiay was actually better than his usual turnover self. His one turnover with six assists was one of the key highlights for the Denver Nuggets, but his nine points on 3-12 shooting and 1-6 from three did hurt Denver also.

While not a terrible game for Mudiay, he didn’t do enough tonight. His casual play landed him as a dud.

The Denver Nuggets need to excel in this upcoming road trip in order to try to sneak back into playoff contention. This team is skilled and should be able to streak as long they as play with more energy than they had tonight.

Hopefully this team can put tonight behind them and play well in Utah tomorrow.

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