The Denver Nuggets keys to finishing the season strong start with beginning where they left off. Heading into the All-Star break, the Nuggets were on a roll, winning 16 of their last 20 games. They must continue their winning ways to head into the playoffs with a strong playoff spot and momentum. Strong playmaking and team involvement have been at the core of their winning streak, which has allowed the Nuggets to currently have the third-best record in the Western Conference.
Denver Nuggets’ Keys to Finishing the Season Strong
Nuggets Playing Unselfish Basketball
Nikola Jokić is one of the most unselfish superstars in NBA history, so the Nuggets need to start with him. His play style has become the core of the Nuggets’ system and a major key to their success. His selfless style of basketball has led to the Nuggets sitting in second place all-time in assists per game in a season. He averages 10.2 of the Nuggets 31.3 assists per game, leading the team and good enough for second in the NBA. He is the only center in the top 20 for assists per game.
Jokić’s playmaking and assists aren’t just a credit to his passing, but the Nuggets shotmaking. As a team, they are first in the league in field goal percentage. Their 51.0% field goal percentage is over one percentage point higher than the second-place Cleveland Cavaliers. The Nuggets’ top three lineups in minutes per game include Jokić and all shoot 53.0% or higher from the field while averaging at least 9.7 assists per game.
Consistency From Denver’s Supporting Cast
Alongside Jokić, the Nuggets have received consistent production from their supporting cast. Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun all have played massive roles for the Nuggets, as they entered the All-Star break with an eight-game win streak. In their Nuggets’ previous 20 games, the trio has combined for 59.3 points per game during that span, accounting for nearly half of the Nuggets’ points per game in those 20 games.
The rest of their supporting cast has been phenomenal as well. Russell Westbrook has turned back the clock and played effective and efficient basketball. Aaron Gordon has contributed and is one of the most versatile defenders in the NBA. Julian Strawther, Peyton Watson and Jalen Pickett are all young pieces that have played well in increased roles this season. The Nuggets have found a rotation that can complement their star players by combining savvy veterans with energetic young players. Even players outside the rotation have played well with the Nuggets dealing with injuries. Plwaywds who have succeeded with expanded roles include Zeke Nnaji and DeAndre Jordan.
Increasing Defensive Intensity
Through the All-Star break, the Nuggets have not been a great defensive team. This season they rank 17th in defensive rating, but since January, they are 12th in defensive rating. What may not seem like a large jump could end up being massive in the playoffs. Although the Nuggets aren’t an elite defensive team, they make up for it with their elite offense. They must be about average, or slightly above, on defense to compete for a championship.
The biggest area of concern for the Nuggets defensively is their paint defense. Despite Jokić being a basketball anomaly on offense, he lacks skills at protecting the rim. If the Nuggets play against a fast, physical team in the playoffs, their lack of rim protection could haunt them. Watson and Gordon are their best wings at blocking shots, so head coach Michael Malone must play one of them alongside Jokić to mask that weakness. With the last stretch before the playoffs upcoming, the Nuggets can focus on defensive schemes. They can turn that defense into offense, a powering factor in their recent winning streak.
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