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Northwest Division Power Rankings: A New Leader?

By Blake Holmes

Nov 5, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) drives the ball to the basket during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) drives the ball to the basket during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Mandatory Credit: Leon Halip-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 6, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth faried (35) drives to the basket in front of Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth faried (35) drives to the basket in front of Boston Celtics forward Jonas Jerebko (8) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

4. Denver Nuggets.

Here is a team that I cannot truly figure out. One minute the Nuggets are playing like they can beat any team in the league with no problem, while the next they look horrific. This team is the epitome of the word “streaky,” seeing as they have been incredibly inconsistent. At times while watching this team, I have thought of the possibility of them becoming the possible best team in the division. That is, until I see a few horrible turnovers and missed shots a few possessions later.

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One thing that Denver needs to learn is obvious, they need to play a full four quarters to their potential. Believe me when I say this, but the Nuggets have played like one of the better teams that I have watched so far when they can get clicking. The problem is, they can struggle to get clicking. For example, for the entire season it seemed like Denver was having major trouble while starting a game. They would struggle, but make it up in the second half while playing very good basketball. Kind of reminds you of the Tennessee Volunteers in the early part of their schedule this season doesn’t it? Well, Denver changed that notion while hanging up 77 points in the first half of their game against the Celtics, but they had their struggles in the second half of that game.

So the problem isn’t that they can’t get started, but that they can’t play a full four quarters. This can work sometimes, but it’s a dangerous strategy to follow when they run into a team who does not struggle in the full game.

Like the Wolves, the Nuggets are not a very statistical team. They are 11th in points per game, but 20th in points allowed per game. Their leading scorer is Danilo Gallinari, and their assist leader is the veteran, Jameer Nelson. One bright spot in their stats is that they lead the league in rebounds per game.

Nov 6, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 6, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) shoots the ball over Boston Celtics center Tyler Zeller (44) during the first half at TD Garden. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

The Nuggets are 3-3 after a brutal start to their schedule, after five of the six games being on the road. They will look to improve their record as they take on the Memphis Grizzlies, Golden State Warriors, Detroit Pistons, and Portland Trail Blazers in the upcoming week.

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