Denver’s three game win streak was snapped by one of the league’s worst teams at the buzzer.

Here are three takeaways from Denver’s 126-124 loss Thursday in Portland.

1. Both sides of the debate facing Denver’s decision to potentially trade Michael Porter Jr. were on display Thursday night. Porter got off to a hot start, scoring 10 points on five shots and grabbing three rebounds in the first quarter. The other side of the debate was presented over the final three quarters, as Porter added just six more points and three more rebounds the rest of the way. He still finished with efficient numbers, making 6 of 11 shots, and adding three assists and a steal against one turnover, but his involvement waned late. Though Porter’s hardly to blame for the outcome, that’s the kind of loss that could leave the Nuggets’ front office taking a hard look at its few options to improve the roster.

2. Russell Westbrook got beat on the game’s final possession, but he played a large part in giving the Nuggets a chance to win. In the 47 minutes and 43 seconds before Anfernee Simons drove to his right and hit the game-winner off the glass, Westbrook was a force for Denver. His 19 points was third to only Nikola Jokic, who led all scorers with 34 points on 13 of 18 shooting, and Jamal Murray, who added 24 points. Westbrook did so on 12 shots, including a 2-for-4 mark on 3-pointers. He added seven assists, four rebounds, two blocks and a steal. After an inconsistent start to the season, Westbrook has been the only constant positive off Denver’s bench in recent weeks.

3. Jamal Murray’s season is following a familiar trend. He’s gotten off to slow starts for much of his career before turning it up around this time of year. That’s the case again this year. With 24 points Thursday, Murray’s scored 20 or more points in three consecutive games for the first time this season. He’s also back to hitting clutch baskets for Denver. After hitting the game-winner in Monday’s win over Sacramento, Murray hit a step-back 3 over Deandre Ayton to tie the game in the final 90 seconds in Portland. Murray shot just under 50% from the field, hit half of his six attempts from 3-point range and added 10 assists, three rebounds and three steals with just over turnover in more than 38 minutes of playing time. If Murray can keep this up, the Nuggets should be able to end their trend of losing to inferior opponents, something that’s played a large role in Denver’s 14-11 start to the season.

TRAIL BLAZERS 126, NUGGETS 124

What happened: The Nuggets led by five points after the first quarter but gave up 36 points in the second, as Portland tied the game at 66 by halftime. Portland won the third quarter by 17 points. Denver fought back to tie the game with 17 seconds to go before Anfernee Simons hit the game-winner in the final seconds.

What went right: Denver’s second unit stepped up to start the fourth quarter. Without Nikola Jokic on the court, the Nuggets started the final quarter on a 16-8 run to make it a nine-point game when Jokic returned with six minutes to go.

What went wrong: Portland grabbed nine offensive rebounds in the first quarter and turned those extra possessions into 14 points. The Trail Blazers finished with 15 offensive rebounds and turned those into 21 second-chance points.

Highlight of the night: Christian Braun’s back didn’t look like a problem on an emphatic first-half dunk. Russell Westbrook threaded a bounce pass through traffic, and Braun, who missed Monday’s game with a low-back strain, almost got eye level with the rim on his one-handed dunk.

Up next: The Nuggets are back in action Sunday in New Orleans.