The Denver Nuggets suffered a devastating blow to their NBA Cup hopes, falling to a shorthanded San Antonio Spurs team in a high-scoring affair. The Spurs, playing without key players like Victor Wembanyama, pulled off a 139-136 upset victory in Denver, marking the Nuggets' third home loss of the 2025-26 season.
Spurs Explode on Offense, Nuggets Can't Keep Up
The game was a showcase of offensive firepower, with a combined 275 points scored. Devin Vassell led the charge for the Spurs, exploding for 35 points on an efficient 12-17 shooting from the field, including a blistering 7-9 from beyond the arc. Julian Champagnie also stepped up significantly, contributing to the Spurs' victory.
For the Nuggets, Jamal Murray continued his impressive early-season form, pouring in 37 points on 13-20 shooting. However, his efforts weren't enough to overcome the Spurs' offensive onslaught.
Defense Nowhere to Be Found
The lack of defensive intensity was evident throughout the game. Both teams struggled to contain the opposing offenses, resulting in a back-and-forth battle. While the Nuggets are usually comfortable in high-scoring games, they couldn't find an answer for the Spurs' hot shooting.
Second-Half Collapse Dooms Denver
After a dominant second quarter, where they outscored the Spurs 41-18, the Nuggets took a 15-point lead into halftime. They even extended their lead to 18 points in the second half. However, the Spurs mounted a furious comeback, going on an 18-4 run to seize the lead. Despite Denver's efforts to regain control, San Antonio held on for the win, eliminating the Nuggets from the NBA Cup contention.
This loss marks a disappointing end to the Nuggets' NBA Cup campaign. The team will look to bounce back quickly as they face the Phoenix Suns in a back-to-back game.