The Denver Nuggets kicked off their 2024-25 season with a tough game, losing to the Oklahoma City Thunder 102-87.
Team Performance:
The Nuggets struggled with their shooting, only hitting 35.7% of their shots from the field and a mere 18.4% from beyond the arc, making just 7 out of 38 three-point attempts. Nikola Jokic, who managed a triple-double with 16 points, 13 assists, and 12 rebounds, had some honest words about the team’s performance.
Jokic’s Thoughts:
Nikola Jokic shared his thoughts on Twitter: “We are not a good shooting team, except Mike and Jamal. All of us are kind of streaky, not streaky, but just average shooters.” He believes they might have other strengths on the court that they can use to their advantage.
Nikola Jokic: "We are not a good shooting team, except Mike and Jamal. All of us are kind of streaky, not streaky, but just average shooters."#MileHighBasketball
— DNVR Nuggets (@DNVR_Nuggets)
Coach Malone’s Concerns:
Head coach Michael Malone echoed Jokicโs concerns after the loss. He mentioned that shooting was already a worry for him as they entered the season. The departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic in July was particularly hard for them since he was one of their reliable shooters.
Last season, Denver shot well overallโ49.6% from the field and ranked fourth in the NBAโbut this game showed different results.
Shooting Stats Breakdown:
Jamal Murray led last season with a strong three-point percentage at 42.5%, while KCP followed closely at 40.6%. However, in this game against Oklahoma City Thunder, Murray and Michael Porter Jr. together made only five out of fifteen three-point attempts; meanwhile, their teammates combined for just two successful shots out of twenty-three tries from long range.
Fans hope they’ll find another way to shine despite these challenges!
