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Denver Nuggets: Things to improve after the All-Star Break

By Blake Holmes

HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 22: at Toyota Center on November 22, 2017 in Houston, 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TX - NOVEMBER 22: at Toyota Center on November 22, 2017 in Houston, 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 Bob Levey/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 13: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 13, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 13: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 13, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The second thing the Nuggets need to work on is their defense.

I know, I know, I know, the Nuggets have struggled with defense for a good while now. That does not mean that they cannot improve in any facet. Right now, Denver averages about 108 points per game.

Denver Nuggets
Denver Nuggets /

Denver Nuggets

That’s cool and all, but their opponents average about 107, only a +1 point differential. (per ESPN) While they do average more points scored than allowed, that’s way too close for comfort.

You cannot depend on winning a big game if your defense continues to be lackluster. What’s the famous phrase that I hear several times, about something winning championships? Oh, I remember it.

“Defense wins championships.”

While it may not be as apparent in last year’s Finals, let’s go back to the 2016 NBA Finals. The one that lives in infamy of “The Warriors blew a 3-1 lead.” Yeah, yeah, so original, but there’s a key play that sticks out in this series because of defense. Kyrie’s shot is known by a lot, but probably the most famous play in all of the game and series is the LeBron James chase down block on Andre Iguodala. Without that play, the Cavaliers may not have a single NBA Championship in their history.

That seems like a pretty good incentive to play some defense right?

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