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Fansided

Nuggets’ complacency problem still relevant

By Mathew Huff

SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets gestures from the sideline in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 18, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images)
SALT LAKE CITY, UT - OCTOBER 18: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets gestures from the sideline in the first half against the Utah Jazz at Vivint Smart Home Arena on October 18, 2017 in Salt Lake City, Utah. 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 Gene Sweeney Jr./Getty Images) /
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The Nuggets showed they still have a hard time keeping leads in their loss to the Jazz.

One lingering problem which is still plaguing the Denver Nuggets from last year is blowing fourth quarter leads. Too many of them kept them out of playoff contention last year.

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It will do the same if the team does not correct this issue soon. The Nuggets looked great in the first three quarters against the division rival Jazz, but as soon as the fourth quarter hit, it went downhill.

The Jazz smelled blood in the water as soon as they smelled the complacency the Nuggets exuded. The Jazz took advantage of the putrid Nuggets defense and went on a 27-3 run which Denver was unable to overcome. Denver still has 81 more games to go, but they must fix this issue if the want to make the post season this year, especially in the competitive Western Conference.

This was a huge problem for the Nuggets last season and part of it is Coach Malone not using  the right rotations and calling timeouts when needed. Also, he needs to not be afraid to get in the players faces and get after them when they make a crucial mistake or bone headed play.

The elite teams in the league make sure this doesn’t happen when they go up against a team they are better than on paper and Denver doing this proves they aren’t quite ready to compete with the league’s best, the Golden States and Clevelands of the league if you will.

Denver still has plenty of time to fix this complacency problem, but they must realize what is at stake especially with the new look roster.

Next: Recap: Nuggets at Jazz

If they don’t fix this issue, then they will be on the outside looking in at the playoffs again this season.

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