Recap: Denver 133, Cleveland 95 (or, High-Altitude Dumpster Fire)

More than most, Cleveland fans can explain that there are very, very different ways to lose a game. Frustration at being close in the end, or overachieving and then falling short, of being underestimated and then making noise against highly ranked opponents even a loss — there is a sting, but still some honor in the loss; something can be recuperated. In their prior match against the Phoenix Suns, the Cleveland Cavaliers had led part of the way and were in a position to win, but could not focus or execute in the final two minutes and lost. This game against Denver, however, was a blowout essentially from wire to wire, giving little succor to fans or organization supporters about the future of the franchise, let alone hopes that this year might result in a playoff berth or play-in contention. In short it was vexing and demoralizing.

The Nuggets might have had a chip on their shoulder coming into the game, as they were on a three-game skid, have lost more than half of their home games in this pandemic season, and are not performing to their high standard from last season, when they overcame not one but two 3-1 game deficits and reached the Western Conference finals, only to be slain by that prodigal son of Akron, LeBron James. The Nuggets had also not beaten the Cavs in the regular season, having lost two matches to the Cavs prior to the pandemic, including one at home.

Thirteen months ago, John Beilein began his press availability postgame in Denver with the words “Another happy locker room and a great road trip thus far…”