Nuggets’ first back-to-back of season without Murray and Gordon shows depth and poise
Assistant coach David Adelman used a ten-player rotation during Denver’s first back-to-back series of the year as Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon sat out. Despite missing their key contributors, the Nuggets maintained their signature composure and efficiency.
On Saturday, Denver (7-2) secured a convincing 117–100 victory over the short-handed Indiana Pacers, finishing a perfect four-game homestand. Nikola Jokic led the way with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and 14 assists, compensating for eight turnovers. Peyton Watson started in Gordon’s place and added 16 points, seven rebounds, and three steals, while the bench contributed solid scoring, including 17 points from a hot hand off the bench.
The Nuggets remain unbeaten at home (6–0) and have not trailed in the second half of any game at Ball Arena this season.
Injury updates and rest decisions
Murray continues to manage intermittent calf tightness, while Gordon was held out for left hamstring management. Both absences were considered precautionary, particularly with Denver playing on just 24 hours of rest for the first time this season.
“If you feel something that you know could turn into something worse, I think there is a little bit of apprehension,” David Adelman said regarding Gordon’s appearance on the injury report. “But he had some explosive plays last night. And Aaron’s a guy we have to protect in that sense … just because there’s just not that many human beings that are that big, can jump that high, can explode like that.”
Team resilience on display
Even without two of their top three players, the Nuggets delivered another commanding performance, showcasing depth and maturity as defining qualities of their early season success.
Author’s summary: Denver demonstrated depth and control in their first back-to-back, overcoming key absences while Nikola Jokic led another complete team effort at home.