Running thoughts: Missed shots, third quarter costly for Pacers; Nuggets overcome 18-point hole

Mathurin scored 18 points in the second and the Pacers led by 18 in the third. Jokic overcame foul trouble and the Pacers missed 10 of 12 3s in the fourth.

T.J. McConnell and Myles Turner go through their pregame routine.

Here are my running thoughts from the Pacers’ 122-119 loss to the Denver Nuggets Wednesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse:

• Aaron Nesmith is available, as expected, and will return tonight after missing the past four games with right foot soreness. He played 4-on-4 after practice on Tuesday …