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Nuggets need to embrace fast break again

By Mathew Huff

DALLAS, TX - APRIL 11: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball in front of Nicolas Brussino #9 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 11, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
DALLAS, TX - APRIL 11: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets passes the ball in front of Nicolas Brussino #9 of the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center on April 11, 2017 in Dallas, Texas. 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. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets have noticeably slowed down in the transition in the past few years and it is something they should consider getting back to in order to be effective.

The Denver Nuggets used to be one of the best fast breaking teams in the league. During the George Karl era, the team utilized the altitude at Mile High and ran their opponents in the dust killing them with transition points and making them beg for oxygen.

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However, ever since the end of the Karl era, the Nuggets have noticeably strayed away from the fast paced basketball that they found much success with during the days where they were a permanent playoff fixture. This is something that should change if they are truly serious about becoming a contender eventually.

Last season, the Nuggets did actually finish 8th in fast break points per game at 14.2 per game in their defense per teamrankings.com. However, this is still a significant decrease compared to a season like the 2012 year where Denver was ranked first in this category at a nice 19.7 fast break points per game.

It was in the next year where the Nuggets began the significant slide in this department as they went from first to eighth decreasing from 19.7 to 15.7 fast break points per game. While it is understandable for coaches wanting to create more of an offensive scheme approach in today’s NBA, the fact of the matter is it would be foolish for them to ignore the obvious advantage the altitude gives the Nuggets over other teams besides the Utah Jazz.

It is time for Coach Malone to let the players loose and run the floor. Not to mention, with guys like Gary Harris and Nikola Jokic, the team could become extremely deadly in the open floor.

Next: Alex English: The forgotten scoring champion

It is time for Denver to embrace the transition game once again in order to find the success they once possessed.

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