"It's great for us to have to face it, see where we make mistakes and then be able to learn and grow from it," says coach J.B. Bickerstaff.

The Denver Nuggets have been a leading contender for the championship over the past five seasons, primarily due to Nikola Jokić's contributions.

Jamal Murray led Denver with 31 points, including five 3-pointers. Nikola Jokic got to the free-throw line for 11 attempts en route to 23 points, 17 rebounds and 15 assists. Christian Braun was the beneficiary of many of his passes, making 10 of 14 shots in a 23-point performance.