Instant Analysis: 3 Key Takeaways From The Nuggets’ 90-105 Loss Against Grizzlies

The Memphis Grizzlies delivered a commanding performance, cruising to a 105-90 victory over the undermanned Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Jaren Jackson Jr. led the way with 20 points as Memphis built a commanding 24-point lead in the fourth quarter. The win marked the Grizzlies’ fourth consecutive triumph on their home floor.

Memphis capitalized on Denver’s absences (although Ja Morant did not play either), with Nuggets star Nikola Jokic sidelined for personal reasons and Aaron Gordon out due to a strained right calf. Denver struggled offensively without their centerpieces, dropping their second straight game.

Key factors in the victory included Memphis’ relentless pace, which yielded 20 fast-break points, and improved long-range shooting. The Grizzlies drained nine first-half threes, finishing 13 of 39 from beyond the arc. Rookie Jaylen Wells contributed 15 points for the Grizzlies, while Desmond Bane recorded a well-rounded 11 points, 11 rebounds, and seven assists.

Denver found a bright spot in Julian Strawther, who led his team with 19 points, but Christian Braun and Jamal Murray managed just 13 points apiece and struggled from beyond the arc, combining for only 1 of 8 on three-point attempts.

The game’s momentum shifted in the second quarter when Memphis unleashed a 14-1 run, transforming a close contest into a comfortable lead. The Grizzlies outscored the Nuggets 27-18 in the frame and then opened the third quarter with a 10-0 burst, further solidifying their control.

The two teams will face off again in Memphis on Tuesday in an NBA Cup matchup. Following tonight’s result, we have three major takeaways from the Nuggets’ frustrating loss.

Nuggets Missed Their MVP Desperately

Nikola Jokic’s absence was glaring for the Nuggets in this matchup. Denver lacked his elite playmaking, scoring, and rebounding, all of which are integral to the team’s success. Jokic’s 29.7 points per game and ability to command double-teams often create opportunities for his teammates (11.7 APG), and without him, Denver struggled to generate consistent offense. The Grizzlies exploited the void left in the paint, using their size and athleticism to dominate inside while also getting out in transition.

Denver’s inability to match Memphis’ fast pace highlighted how much they rely on Jokic’s ability to slow the game down and dictate the tempo. His absence forced Jamal Murray and Christian Braun to step into bigger roles, but their struggles with efficiency left the team without a reliable offensive engine. The lack of Jokic’s all-around impact made Denver’s game plan predictable, and Memphis took full advantage.

Aaron Gordon Needed To Be Available For Defense

The absence of Aaron Gordon left Denver vulnerable, especially on the defensive end. Gordon’s versatility and ability to guard multiple positions would have been critical against Memphis’ dynamic attack. Jaren Jackson Jr. and Desmond Bane found opportunities to exploit mismatches, with Jackson scoring 20 points while Bane flirted with a triple-double.

Denver’s defense struggled to contain Memphis in transition, as the Grizzlies racked up 20 fast-break points. Without Gordon’s presence, the Nuggets lacked a key defensive anchor who can disrupt passing lanes and contest shots at the rim.

Denver’s inability to slow down Memphis’ second-quarter surge—when the Grizzlies went on a 14-1 run—underscored the need for Gordon’s ability to hold the team together defensively. His absence was felt not only in the individual matchups but also in the overall defensive intensity that could have stymied Memphis’ rhythm.

Inconsistent Scoring Halted The Offense

Denver’s offense faltered under the weight of inconsistent scoring performances. While Julian Strawther led the team with 19 points, Jamal Murray and Christian Braun couldn’t find their rhythm, shooting a combined 1-for-8 from three-point range. The lack of offensive balance meant the Nuggets couldn’t keep up with Memphis’ relentless pace, especially during the decisive second and third quarters when the Grizzlies pulled away.

Russell Westbrook came off the bench to drop 12 points in 23 minutes, but the team needed more tonight. The absence of steady contributions from the supporting cast amplified the issue. Without Jokic to facilitate and Gordon to finish plays, Denver’s offense lacked structure and flow.

Memphis capitalized on the disjointed scoring efforts, frequently forcing tough shots and turning those missed opportunities into transition points on the other end. The Nuggets simply do not have enough manpower when Jokic and Gordon don’t play, while the Grizzlies will always find offense even if Ja Morant does not play.