76ers at Nuggets: Takeaways
By Mathew Huff
The Denver Nuggets looked lackadaisical from the start of the game against the 76ers.
The Denver Nuggets disappointed in the loss to the 76ers. Despite having a solid second quarter and start of the third quarter, they were ultimately out played and out paced by the young 76ers team led by Dario Saric who finished with 20 points.
More from Nugg Love
- Was trading Bones Hyland a mistake for the Denver Nuggets?
- Did Nikola Jokic and the Denver Nuggets break Anthony Davis?
- Denver Nuggets stars face serious disrespect in recent NBA rankings poll
- What will it take for Denver Nuggets star to become ‘inevitable?’
- Denver Nuggets NBA Training Camp report, other preseason dates to know
Nikola Jokic had an alright game. He finished with 19 points, 13 rebounds and six assists, but do not let these numbers fool you. He failed to convert opportunities when they mattered most and was too passive in the first quarter and not looking to shoot the rock enough.
If there is one bright takeaway from this loss, it would be Trey Lyles and Jamal Murray. Lyles continues to impress as he finished with 16 points on an efficient 50% shooting. He also added eight rebounds to his total. Everyone else on the team struggled tonight. Gary Harris had a hot first half, but cooled down mightily in the second half.
Murray had another 30 point game to add to his collection this year as he finished with 31 points. He also added a solid eight boards to his total and shot 47.8% from the field. The Nuggets reverted back to their defensive selves from last season as they allowed way too many easy baskets. Especially points in the paint. Dario Saric and J.J. Reddick got way too many open opportunities in this game and they capitalized on it.
The Nuggets’ head coach, Michael Malone, also needs to shoulder some blame. He kept his starting unit on the floor way too long in the third quarter and they eventually got wore out and were fatigued.
The 76ers smelled blood in the water once they knew Denver was tired and the momentum shifted instantaneously.
Denver will travel to Phoenix to take on the Suns on January 3 to kick off the new year.