The Denver Nuggets faced a setback during their victory against the Toronto Raptors on March 13, 2024, as center Jonas Valanciunas exited the game early due to a calf injury. The injury occurred late in the third quarter, with Valanciunas reporting that he felt a “pop” in his right calf. This incident raised immediate concerns for the Nuggets, who already had star player Nikola Jokic sidelined for at least four weeks due to a hyperextended knee.
Before his injury, Valanciunas had an impressive performance, contributing 17 points, nine rebounds, four assists, and three blocks in just 23 minutes of play. His absence will be significant for the team as they navigate the upcoming games without two key players.
With Valanciunas out, Nuggets head coach David Adelman had to quickly adapt his strategy. He implemented small-ball lineups that featured players like Peyton Watson, Spencer Jones, and second-year rookie DaRon Holmes II. This approach aimed to maintain the team’s competitiveness in the absence of their starting center.
Following the game, Adelman provided updates on Valanciunas’ condition, noting that the center left the arena in a walking boot but was able to walk on his own. This indicates that while the injury is concerning, it may not be as severe as initially feared. The Nuggets will likely conduct further evaluations to determine the extent of the injury and the timeline for Valanciunas’ recovery.
As the Nuggets prepare for their next match, the focus will be on how effectively they can adjust to the loss of both Jokic and Valanciunas. The team’s depth will be put to the test as they aim to maintain their strong performance in the league.
