Mile-high tall order in Denver

DENVER — The Nets got arguably their biggest signature win of the season on Wednesday in Phoenix against Kevin Durant and the Suns’ Big 3.

They were unable to back it up Thursday night in the toughest back-to-back in the league, losing 124-101 at mile-high Denver against Nikola Jokic and the reigning champions.

“Yes, its definitely a balance because it’s mental and physical,” coach Jacque Vaughn said. “And so that challenge of not having an excuse of being able to give everything, every ounce that you have. We’ll figure it out; whether it’s shorter rotations, whether there’s more guys, whether it is using every timeout that I have; we’ll do it all to give ourselves a chance to win.”

Between the altitude and the competition, Denver has been tough to beat at home, and almost impossible on short rest. The Nets did earn a 122-120 win on March 12 at Ball Arena, where the Nuggets were 34-7, the NBA’s second-best home mark.

➤ In a blowout on the second night of a back-to-back, the Nets starters all sat the fourth quarter. Day’Ron Sharpe had eight points and seven boards in the fourth, and Trendon Watford added six points and five assists.

➤ Vaughn said he hadn’t planned to rest anybody on the back-to-back, and was true to his word. Dorian Finney-Smith was a late addition to the injury report, questionable and a game-time decision with left knee soreness, but played anyway.

Ben Simmons (left lower back — nerve impingement), Dennis Smith Jr. (upper back sprain) and Lonnie Walker IV (left hamstring strain) were all out.

Asked about the progress of Simmons, who missed a 17th straight game with a nerve impingement in his back, Vaughn said, “He’s just in part of his process of getting back on the floor. He’s at home, not with us, and so going through steps of protocols of getting back to the floor. So hopefully we’ll see him soon. Miss him.”