The Denver Nuggets continued their hot streak Friday night, overpowering the Portland Trail Blazers in a high-stakes NBA Cup group play matchup. With both teams jockeying for early-season position in the Western Conference, Denver’s depth and star power proved too much for a shorthanded Portland squad.
Nuggets Extend Win Streak, Murray Leads the Charge
The Nuggets entered the contest riding a three-game winning streak and wasted no time asserting their dominance.
Jamal Murray, Denver’s dynamic guard, was the story of the night, averaging an impressive
27.0 points per game on
50% shooting and a remarkable
94.1% from the free-throw line this season. His aggressive playmaking and clutch shooting set the tone, helping Denver build a comfortable lead early.
Denver’s victory pushed their record to
4-1, solidifying their spot near the top of the Western Conference standings. The Nuggets’ balanced attack and defensive intensity have made them one of the league’s most formidable teams in the opening weeks.
Trail Blazers Battle Without Thybulle
Portland, now
3-3 after the loss, faced a significant setback with the absence of
Matisse Thybulle. The versatile guard/forward underwent surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb and will be reevaluated in four to six weeks, leaving a defensive void for the Blazers. Despite the setback,
Deni Avdija stepped up, averaging
22.6 points per game on
48.1% shooting, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Denver’s firepower.
The Blazers, who had been on a two-game win streak, struggled to contain Denver’s offense and lacked the perimeter defense that Thybulle typically provides.
Western Conference Standings: Early Season Shakeup
Here’s how the Western Conference looks after Friday’s action:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Win % | Games Behind | Streak |
|----------------|------|--------|-------|--------------|--------|
| Oklahoma City | 6 | 0 | 1.000 | - | W6 |
| Denver | 4 | 1 | .800 | 2 | W4 |
| Portland | 3 | 3 | .500 | 3 | L1 |
| Utah | 2 | 2 | .500 | 3 | L1 |
| Minnesota | 2 | 3 | .400 | 3.5 | L2 |
Denver’s win keeps them within striking distance of the undefeated Thunder, while Portland will need to regroup and adjust their rotation in Thybulle’s absence.
What’s Next for Both Teams?
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Denver Nuggets: With momentum on their side, the Nuggets look poised to challenge for the top seed in the West. Jamal Murray’s leadership and the team’s depth will be crucial as they navigate a tough November schedule.
-
Portland Trail Blazers: The Blazers must find ways to compensate for Thybulle’s absence. Expect more minutes for Avdija and other young players as Portland tries to stay afloat in a competitive conference.
Expert Takeaway
The Nuggets’ early-season form is a warning shot to the rest of the NBA: this team is deep, disciplined, and hungry for another title run. For Portland, the loss of Thybulle is a blow, but it also presents an opportunity for emerging talent to step up and make their mark.
Sources
1. Nuggets vs. Trail Blazers (1 Nov, 2025) Live Score - - ESPN (SG)
2. Damian Lillard - Wikipedia
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4. NHL News Today | Betting Updates & Analysis - Dimers.com
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