PORTLAND – The Nuggets could’ve navigated Sunday’s contest one of two ways, with either outcome yielding a positive result.
As it played out, the Nuggets rode a group of reserves down the stretch and were unable to overcome Damian Lillard’s clutch fourth-quarter shooting en route to a 115-108 loss. Denver fell to 53-27 on the season.
A win would’ve inched the Nuggets closer to clinching the No. 2 seed, but the loss could potentially help in the long run. With two games remaining – Tuesday at Utah, Wednesday vs. Minnesota – the Nuggets can still dictate their future.