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The Denver Nuggets rode a three-game win streak and a season best two-games-over-.500 record into Thursday night's game with the Portland Trail Blazers, but they could not continue their potent offensive output.
Thursday, Dec. 20
Portland Trail Blazers 101, Denver Nuggets 93
During the three-game win streak prior to Thursday, the Nuggets had averaged 111 points per contest on their way to three victories. However, their offense failed them against Portland, especially from behind the arc where the Nuggets were an astounding 0-for-22. Ty Lawson, Andre Iguodala and Corey Brewer led Denver in scoring with only 13 points. Danilo Gallinari scored six points and was 1 of 10 from the field.
Contrarily, several Portland players recorded outstanding performances. Nicolas Batum and Wesley Matthews each scored more than 20 points, while rookie Damian Lillard had a double-double with 12 points and 10 assists. J.J. Hickson also contributed with a monster game inside, scoring 18 points and grabbing 18 rebounds.
The Nuggets look to get back into the win column Saturday against the Charlotte Bobcats.