Cameron Johnson injury exposed Nuggets issue DeMar DeRozan can’t solve

The Denver Nuggets need more three-point shooting out side of Cameron Johnson.

By Jack Simone · Nugg Love

Published: Friday, 23 October 2026 at 4:22 PM

Key Things to Know

Jack Simone argues Cameron Johnson's ankle injury exposed the Denver Nuggets' lack of three-point shooting around Nikola Jokic.
The Denver Nuggets lost their season-opening game 96-84 against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Denver struggled from deep without Johnson, shooting just 8-of-30 (26.7%) from behind the arc.

The Story in 60 Seconds

The Denver Nuggets suffered a 96-84 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in their season opener on Thursday night. Forward Cameron Johnson left the contest after playing just over 11 minutes due to an ankle issue. Writer Jack Simone argues that Johnson's absence quickly exposed Denver's lack of reliable three-point floor spacing alongside star center Nikola Jokic.

With Johnson sidelined, coach David Adelman relied heavily on mid-range scorer DeMar DeRozan, who Simone argues cannot replicate Johnson's perimeter threat. Denver converted only 8-of-30 three-point attempts, with Aaron Gordon serving as the only Nugget to hit multiple triples, highlighting a potential shooting deficit.

Read the full article on Nugg Love

Cameron Johnson injury exposed Nuggets issue DeMar DeRozan can’t solve

More Denver Nuggets News

Never Miss a Sports Update