Denver Nuggets stumble as the Houston Rockets ignite from deep, exposing questions about Denver’s resilience when top stars stumble. Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray struggle on an off night, while Kevin Durant drops 31 points and Reed Sheppard punishes the Nuggets’ defense, pushing the Rockets to a statement 115-101 win. Tension flares as David Adelman is ejected and old rivalries between Bruce Brown and Durant resurface—was this a preview of an intense playoff matchup?

Matt Moore breaks down the Nuggets’ shooting woes, defensive lapses, and rotation shakeups, including Zeke Nnaji’s tough minutes and the need for more from Cam Johnson. Key insights include Houston’s physical game plan, Denver’s lack of shotmaking in the paint, and why Durant’s perimeter barrage proved too much. Can Denver regroup and find answers before facing the Rockets again—and are they built to withstand adversity when their stars go cold?

00:00 Nuggets' Loss Recap & Chat

03:24 Nuggets Defense and Game Plan

08:38 "Rockets' 7-0 Run Analyzed"

10:44 "Gusto: Simplified Payroll & HR"

15:18 "Scouting Shepard’s Unique Skillset"

17:29 Poor Game Plan Discipline

19:59 Denver Outscores Houston, Offensive Issues

23:47 "Exploiting a Mismatch Effectively"

26:55 Denver's Offense Key to Winning

31:42 Player Performance and Rotation Analysis

32:57 Jokic's Impact on Game Outcomes

36:29 Rockets Favored for Division Win

Everydayer Club

If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans.

Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors!

DoorDash

From tipoff to overtime, stay in your bag and order on DoorDash.

Get snacks, drinks, gear — whatever gets you through the season — delivered right to your door.

DoorDash. In your bag all season long.

PrizePicks

Download the PrizePicks app today and use code LOCKEDONNFL to get $50 in lineups after you play your first $5 lineup.

Click Here: https://prizepicks.onelink.me/LME0/LOCKEDONNBA

Robinhood

You expect more from yourself. Expect more from your money. Get started today at robinhood.com/yourmoney. Your money. Your move.

All investments involve risk, including loss of principal. Options, futures, and crypto trading carry significant risk and may not suit all investors. Securities offered through Robinhood Financial LLC, member SIPC. Futures trading is offered by Robinhood Derivatives, LLC and not SPIC or FDIC protected. Crypto offered through Robinhood Crypto, LLC (NMLS ID 1702840), not FDIC or SIPC protected. Portfolio management offered by Robinhood Strategies, an SEC-registered advisor.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDONNBA for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. The NBA and NFL seasons are here, visit the FanDuel App today and start planning your futures bets now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.