## Three Takeaways From Nuggets' NBA Cup Elimination Loss to Spurs The Denver Nuggets faced a disappointing setback in their bid to reach the NBA Cup quarterfinals, falling to the San Antonio Spurs in their third home loss of the 2025–26 season. Despite Nikola Jokic’s consistent production, Denver’s defensive lapses and lack of intensity proved costly. ### 1. Defensive Focus Slipped at Key Moments Throughout the season, head coach Michael Malone has stressed the importance of defensive consistency, but against San Antonio, that message didn’t translate onto the court. The Nuggets allowed too many easy baskets in transition, while miscommunication in rotations repeatedly gave Spurs shooters open looks. The result was one of Denver’s lowest defensive efficiency ratings of the year. ### 2. Lack of Energy From the Supporting Cast Nikola Jokic turned in another near triple-double performance, anchoring Denver’s offense, but the supporting cast struggled to match his output. Jamal Murray showed flashes of aggressiveness early but cooled off in the second half. Players like Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon contributed sporadically, but the team lacked collective energy when it mattered most. > "We didn’t play with the urgency this game required," Malone admitted postgame. "And that’s on all of us — players and coaches alike." ### 3. Spurs Youth Outworked Denver's Veterans San Antonio’s young core, led by Victor Wembanyama, displayed poise and hustle on both ends of the floor. Wembanyama’s presence in the paint disrupted Denver’s rhythm, while guards Devin Vassell and Malaki Branham hit timely shots. The win underscored the Spurs’ growing confidence and the Nuggets’ need to address depth and defensive rotations moving forward. ### Looking Ahead The Nuggets still hold a strong position in the Western Conference standings, but their elimination from the NBA Cup serves as a wake-up call. To return to championship form, they must reignite their defensive identity and find more consistency from their bench. > "Every team gets tested," Jokic said after the loss. "What matters is how we respond." *** *Author’s summary: Denver’s NBA Cup exit exposed defensive flaws and energy issues, showing how San Antonio’s youth and urgency overcame the Nuggets’ experience.*

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Sports Illustrated on MSN — 2025-11-29