The Nuggets got several key players back into their lineup, but it wasn’t enough against a determined Thunder team, falling 113-101 in Oklahoma City.
Denver had a full contingent with Will Barton III, Mason Plumlee and Michael Porter Jr. returning to action after an extended absence due to injury, but the rust from a nine-day All-Star break appeared to be a factor for the Nuggets throughout Friday’s contest.
“It’s a convenient excuse, coming off All-Star break, working guys back in. But if I’ve missed a month or a week, [you can still] defend, rebound and take care of the ball,” Nuggets head coach Michael Malone told reporters after the game. “I think there was definitely was a little bit of rust.”
Nikola Jokić led the Nuggets with 32 points, seven rebounds and five assists while Chris Paul helped the Thunder snap a seven-game losing streak to Denver, powering the home team with 29 points and four boards.