The Denver Nuggets entered the season with sky-high expectations, as they took the Oklahoma City Thunder to seven games in the Western Conference Semifinals before losing the decisive game. However, they headed into the offseason and improved their quality and depth tremendously, positioning themselves for another title run.

After starting the season off with a loss to the Golden State Warriors, they managed to pull off three straight wins heading into their NBA Cup match against the Portland Trail Blazers. Despite being on the road, the Nuggets had the edge, but lost in a close one, 109-107. After the game, head coach David Adelman addressed the team's loss.

"It hurt us," Adelman said, regarding the pressure that Portland's defense put on Denver. "We couldn't get the ball to Jamal [Murray], initiate offense, we got sped up, too many possessions we were not organized. Still, had full control of the game, we should've won the game."

Portland has some of the best defenders in the NBA, led by All-Defensive wing Toumani Camara, who had two steals and two blocks in the win. He helped win the game for the Trail Blazers with a massive block on Cameron Johnson, which set up game winning free throws for Jerami Grant.

"A lot of that was us, the mistakes we made and the turnovers. We fouled a lot in the fourth quarter; they shot 13 free throws. It's the anatomy of how to lose a game in the NBA," Adelman added.

Even though it was a tough loss for Denver, there are still some positives to take away from this game and the season as a whole. While Christian Braun and Cameron Johnson didn't have good offensive performances, Johnson led the team with a +14 plus-minus as he continues to find his shooting touch with the Nuggets.

As for the bench, the production has been far improved, with Tim Hardaway Jr., Jonas Valanciunas, and Peyton Watson all contributing double-digit scoring efforts while Bruce Brown added five points and three rebounds as well.

At 4-2 on the season now, the Trail Blazers might be a playoff team this season, even if that is without their head coach, who is currently being investigated by the FBI.

Looking at what's ahead for Denver, they'll look to get back on track with a slate of four straight home games, starting with the Sacramento Kings on Monday. Some time to get recalibrated over the weekend, the Nuggets can't afford a loss to the Kings.