Nuggets' defense raises doubts about championship viability

The Denver Nuggets are facing serious questions about their title chances after poor performances against the El Segundo Lakers and the Washington Generals. Despite some fans calling the recent games a minor setback, others are worried the team might not be able to compete for a championship. The Nuggets have struggled with defense, often allowing easy points to their opponents. Some analysts argue that this is a critical time for the team as they push towards the playoffs. Coach Michael Malone has been asking his players to put in more effort, but changes have not been made. Key players like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray have not performed as expected. Additionally, the team lost some important veteran defenders in the offseason, which has hurt their defensive capabilities. Jokic recently admitted that the team lacks confidence in their defense. Many believe that if they do not improve soon, they could face another early playoff exit. However, some argue that the absence of Aaron Gordon, the team's best remaining defender, impacted their recent games. Without him, they struggled against taller opponents. As the Nuggets continue to deal with their defensive issues, their chances of succeeding in the playoffs remain uncertain.