Blazers’ Terry Stotts on Loss to Nuggets, ‘It was a Physical Game’

The Trail Blazers dropped a crucial game to the Nuggets in a 119-110 defeat on Friday. Shortly after the dust had settled, Head Coach Terry Stotts spoke with the media about the action between the two Northwest Division rivals.

Here is the video:

• Stotts explained that each contest against the Nuggets has been tough this season. Despite a run of less-than-ideal results, he is hopeful that the Blazers will capture a victory on Sunday.
• The Nuggets secured seven offensive rebounds in the fourth quarter. Stotts acknowledged that those extended possessions for Denver hindered Portland’s comeback attempts.
• Along with late-game rebounding, Stotts also recognized the contributions that the Nuggets received from their reserves. Forward Torrey Craig finished the game with 18 points off the bench.
• Stotts admitted that Denver was the more physical squad in the first half. That disparity resulted in more free throw attempts for the Nuggets. In the end, the Blazers trailed in the final free throw tally 29-20.

The margin for error in the Blazers’ pursuit of home-court advantage will be slimmer when the Nuggets visit the Moda Center on Sunday.