The Nuggets finally lost a game of runs.

On Saturday night, Denver fell short against the Sacramento Kings, 123-117. The Nuggets are now two games behind the top-seeded Minnesota Timberwolves in the Western Conference with a 14-7 record after the defeat.

Head coach Michael Malone blamed Denver’s demanding schedule for the defeat after the game. Denver has five games in a span of seven days on Saturday. In the first 20 games, the club has already experienced two five-in-seven-day runs.

“We played 21 games, and we’re the only team in the league that’s played two five-in-sevens this early in the season,” said Malone. “I believe you could see it, and I’m proud of our guys for trying.” We are down seventeen. We could have lost the game, and it might have turned nasty. With about two and a half (minutes) remaining, we trimmed it to two. Thus, I like the battle. On a night when we weren’t at our best, I admire that our players stuck with it and gave it a go.”

After finishing with 13 of 23 points, 13 rebounds, and 14 assists, Nikola Jokić concluded with 36 points. It was his 27th 30-point triple-double in his career.

After missing four games in a row, Aaron Gordon returned and ended with 17 points and 7 rebounds.

“I felt Aaron was a kind guy. He was reliable. It’s wonderful to have him back,” Malone said. “What I really liked about Aaron’s game tonight is I thought he was aggressive and assertive, playing downhill, attacking the basket, running the floor in transition, and sitting down for early post-ups in the paint, and that’s what we need from him.”.

Once again, Reggie Jackson performed well in Jamal Murray’s absence, with 20 points and 8 assists.

Malik Monk and De’Aaron Fox both scored 26 points for Sacramento. Big shots from both players came late.

Malone said, “Malik Monk is just a hell of a player.” “Among the NBA’s top bench players. His influence off the bench, in pick-and-rolls and transition, was, in my opinion, a major decisive factor today.”

The Nuggets’ three-point shooting proved to be the fatal factor in the end. They did not attempt a three-pointer until the second half and only hit 6 of 25 long-range attempts (24 percent). Leg fatigue definitely seemed to play a part.

Jokić dominated the first few minutes of the match, making a ton of hard strokes against Domantas Sabonis. The Nuggets led 30–25 going into the second quarter, and The Joker ended with 16 points on 7–of-11 shooting.

Fox put on a brilliant second-quarter shooting display to really turn things up. The Kings were able to win 27–7 as a result. In contrast, the Nuggets were very chilly and only hit 38.5 percent of their shots throughout that time. Additionally, they shot a dismal 64–50 after failing to hit a single three-pointer prior to the halftime siren.

The third quarter was a sprint competition. The Kings went on a 15–6 run to start the stanza. The Nuggets had a 16–4 run of their own to come back. After Denver cut Sacramento’s advantage to five points, Sacramento finished the quarter badly and led 88-78 going into the fourth.

Denver went on a 7-0 run to start the fourth quarter. After retaliating, Sacramento increased the lead to 13 points. Then, after a 15–6 run, the Nuggets managed to cut the deficit to three points with five minutes left. With little over three minutes left, Jokić made a big three-pointer to tie the score at two points. However, Fox, who is now the Clutch Player of the Year, made two huge shots. When Denver’s defense faltered, Monk made a huge pick-and-pop three-pointer, and the Nuggets eventually ran out of steam.