In their season opener against the Oklahoma City Thunder, the Denver Nuggets struggled mightily with shooting, falling 102-87 in a game that underscored several preseason concerns. Denver’s dismal 35.4% field-goal shooting and 17.9% from beyond the arc highlighted their offensive vulnerability—a stark contrast to the Thunder’s defensive grit and depth.
Despite reigning MVP Nikola Jokic’s playmaking, Denver’s lack of reliable shooters hindered spacing, enabling OKC to clog the paint and force difficult shots. Jokic and Jamal Murray, integral to Denver’s offense, were impacted as Thunder defenders neutralized their moves with intense pressure. The shooting woes, compounded by roster adjustments after key departures like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, put Denver’s depth in question.
With a thinning bench and limited outside shooting, Denver faces a difficult path ahead if they can’t resolve their offensive imbalance. For now, the Nuggets must rethink their approach as they attempt to defend their spot among Western Conference contenders. Will their shooters bounce back, or is Denver’s weakness from beyond the arc too big to overcome in a competitive West? The coming games will reveal if adjustments can save their season.
