Nuggets trail Spurs at the half
By Mathew Huff
The Nuggets are down to the Spurs at half time.
The Denver Nuggets are actually doing a good job of keeping up with the San Antonio Spurs at the half. They are only down to the Spurs by a score of 61-58.
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However, their defense has been very porous. They are allowing the Spurs’ point guards, Tony Parker and Dejounte Murray to live from the mid range jump shot. Not to mention, Manu Ginobli is looking like a prime Manu Ginobli.
Nikola Jokic has done a good job contributing in many facets of the game. He has done a good job stretching the floor, passing the rock and even driving to the rim for easy looks at the rim. Now, the rest of the team just needs to follow suit. The looks are there for them, but the ball just is not finding the bottom of the net so far. Hopefully, a change of baskets will change that in the second half.
They need to shore up the defense and stop getting burned on the pick and roll and pick and pop plays. San Antonio is living on these plays and it keeps resulting in open mid range jump shots or fouls giving them two free throws. Despite being undermanned, the Spurs are still looking like a championship caliber team and Denver is the ones playing catch up so far.
Every time the Nuggets get within striking distance, the Spurs answer the bell. A case of one step forward and two steps back for Denver. However, this also shows the genius of Spurs head coach, Gregg Popovich.
He is going to be in the hall of fame one day and for good reason. He is showcasing why tonight with the work he is doing with this young squad at the high altitude.
Denver has to come out with tighter defense in the second half and start knocking down their open looks if they want to come out victorious.