While no team ever wants to lose, Sunday’s defeat was one the Nuggets could tolerate.
Nikola Jokic (hamstring), Jamal Murray (knee management), Aaron Gordon (ankle) and Kentavious Caldwell-Pope (ankle) didn’t even travel, let alone play, as the Nuggets fell, 128-98, at the Timberwolves.
Though the injuries were all legitimate, the team’s decision, in part, had a lot to do with the fact that only 22 hours separated Saturday’s game from Sunday’s contest. Not to mention, Denver, now 37-17, will host the Timberwolves on Tuesday at home.
Rather than risk any injuries to their core players, the Nuggets played numerous reserves.