The Nuggets will battle the Thunder and one key match up will be the battle at the power forward spot featuring Paul Millsap and Carmelo Anthony.
Paul Millsap seems as if he is finally settling into his new role in Denver. After being the go to option for years for the Atlanta Hawks, he is taking on a new role as a veteran star who is mentoring a young and upcoming star in Nikola Jokic, while providing the Nuggets a spark.
Denver Nuggets
The new front court has taken a bit of time to mesh, but if the last few games are any indication, it looks as if things are finally clicking. Now, after Jokic went off for 41 points the other night, it is time for Millsap to have his night in the spotlight.
He will be guarding one of, if not, the best scorer in the league. Millsap will be matched up with Carmelo Anthony who has found a new home with the Oklahoma City Thunder. And, he has moved to the four spot which is where Millsap makes his home on the court.
As a result, Millsap will have a tough challenge keeping the super star forward in front of him and forcing him into tough contested shots and to defer. However, Millsap will have an advantage when Denver has the ball. He needs to take advantage of Anthony’s defensive inefficiencies, all be it he is improved as a defender this season, and keep the Nuggets in the game by scoring at an efficient clip.
If Denver wants to have any chance to win this game, I think Paul needs to get many touches and at least score 20 points. Otherwise, it will be very difficult for this Denver team to keep up with this star studded Thunder squad.
Next: The resurrection of Emmanuel Mudiay
We may be in for a shootout between the former Nuggets superstar and the Nuggets current star and if so, this should be exciting to watch.