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Denver Nuggets: How they’ve successfully incorporated mid range jumpers and threes

By Mathew Huff

DENVER, CO - MARCH 15: Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on March 15, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MARCH 15: Devin Harris #34 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Detroit Pistons on March 15, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets’ offense has evolved significantly and two aspects which make it run are mid range jump shots and three point shots.

The Denver Nuggets had one of the most high powered offenses in the NBA this season. During this era of NBA basketball where we are witnessing a three point renaissance, Denver was able to utilize almost every shot effectively.

In today’s NBA, the key seems to either get shots at the rim or three point opportunities while many consider the mid range game “useless,” or “inefficient.” Well, I don’t care what you think, you have to be able to make mid range jump shots.

Look at Golden State. Yes, they are great at three pointers, but they also make a high percentage of mid range shots as well. If you can convert mid range shots, you have a chance to be successful in the game of basketball.

With guys like Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets are not afraid to look to this shot when they need an answer. Murray shot 48% per basketball reference on shots 10 to 16 feet. Jokic shot 45.6% from this same range. Not to mention, the ball movement and ability to screen to free up these open shots has a lot to do with this success. The mid range is a lost art in today’s league and it is time for teams to start embracing again.

Of course, we cannot forget their success from deep this season either. Denver was in the top 10 for the second season in a row in terms of three point shooting which severely stretched their opponent’s defense.

We can only expect this development in offensive production to maintain or get better going forward with this young stable of players in Denver.

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Denver’s offense will be extremely dangerous next season with their ability to shoot threes and mid range jump shots at a high clip.

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