Before spectators began filling seats in Ball Arena and 45 minutes ahead of TNT going live with its national telecast, two rays of hope could be found in this Nuggets winter of discontent, when a team with championship aspirations has been beset by devastating injuries, shaken by COVID protocols and frustrated by big blown leads.
Fewer than 50 feet apart on this Thursday night, guard Jamal Murray and forward Michael Porter Jr. went through private workouts, firing mid-range jump shots at opposite ends of the court, at one point ripping the nets by swishing 19 of 20 shots in a row.