Denver’s Wings, Danilo Gallinari and Wilson Chandler, are Flying High

Feb 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) makes a point during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 3, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) makes a point during the second half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 121-117. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports /
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Mar 1, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) drives for the basket as Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Mar 1, 2017; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) drives for the basket as Milwaukee Bucks center Greg Monroe (15) defends during the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

Continuing the Story

Jokic got his triple double again.  He showed the poise expected of him in the end game to hold off the Bucks, who were very rested and determined.

And, as in Chicago the night before, after the game Jokic was again swamped by his Serbian contingency.

Continuing the story, which is slightly hidden due to Jokic’s 3D and Murray’s ascension, is about the play of Danilo Gallinari  and Wilson Chandler.

Gallo is playing like an All-Star the last few games. He has arguably been the best player in a Nugget uniform over time since the Carmelo Anthony trade. He is reliable and mature.

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And he loves the Nugget uniform. Denver should think hard and strong about matching his loyalty and his value. He is a warrior. No wonder Danny Ainge, Boston’s general manager, has a man crush on him.  He is averaging over 20 points plus a game as of late.

Gallo and Jokic are meshing. They feed off each other and play incredible offense together. And defense, too.

When he and the other starters took a breather, the Nuggets were outscored 72 to 42 by the Wolves. Milwaukee scored 61 points the second half.

And how about our other high flying wing, Wilson Chandler? The previous night our iron-man vet had to guard Chicago’s All-Star Jimmy Butler and was largely responsible for holding him to 8 points while scoring 20 himself.

So who does he get to guard on a back to back? Giannis Antetokounmpo. A Durant like 6’11” guard or any other position who averages 23 points per game. Wilson held him to 15.

The Denver Nuggets are very talented and versatile. When playing with the Joker, their best games comes forward. They no longer look like average players. Each of the supporting cast has had their moment due to following the game plan, and following Jokic.

They still let the opposition score too many points and at too high a percentage. The perfect example is their loss to Memphis.  But they out-shoot everyone else. They must continue to examine this weakness before the playoffs and gain some consistency on defense.

Controlling the opposition’s premier scorer is a primary step in this direction. Thank you Wilson Chandler and supporting staff.