The Nuggets’ loss on Christmas day was an outlier within the context of this season, in that their offense betrayed them. Their 149-135 loss to the Cavaliers two nights later was more akin to the trend — but in its most extreme form.

The surging Cavaliers, who were led by four players scoring at least 20 points, were able to withstand Nikola Jokic's triple-double to win a shootout on Friday night.

The last time the Cleveland Cavaliers and Denver Nuggets played on Dec. 5, the Cavaliers were able to have their way on offense, scoring in droves. Tonight, the Cavaliers put on a similar, if not better,