The Denver Nuggets' hot outside shooting against the San Antonio Spurs isn't enough.
The Nuggets have remained winless against the Spurs in San Antonio this season, even though they drilled at least 15 3-pointers in all three games played in the Alamo City.
In Denver's 118-108 loss to San Antonio in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series, the former shot 15 of 29 from 3-point range. Shooting guard Malik Beasely led the way with five trifectas.
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In their regular season game at AT&T Center on December 26, 2018, the Nugs made 18 of 40 3-point attempts. They still lost, 111-103. Denver power forward Juan Hernangomez made six triples.
On March 4, the Nugs made 17 of their 40 3-point tries. This time, point guard Jamal Murray led the charge with six threes. However, Denver lost by one point on the road, 104-103.
To put things in perspective, the Nuggets shot 42 percent or better in those three losses. Their combined 3-point shooting line: 50 of 109. This represents a respectable 45-percent clip.
The takeaway: It takes more than great 3-point shooting to beat Gregg Popovich and the Spurs. Denver head coach Mike Malone and his players must diversify their arsenal if they want to beat San Antonio on the road in Game 4.
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The loss at AT&T Center on Thursday marks the Nuggets' 14th consecutive loss to the Spurs on the latter's home court. Denver hasn't beaten San Antonio on the road in seven years.
The Nuggets must tighten the screws on defense. They couldn't stop Spurs point guard and Colorado native Derrick White in Game 3. He poured in a game-high 36 points to help San Antonio pull away for good on Thursday.
It wouldn't mean a thing for the Nuggets if they continue shooting lights out from the perimeter in a losing effort. Let's see if Malone and Co. make the necessary adjustments in Game 4.
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