The Denver Nuggets managed a very satisfying win at Pepsi Center over the streaking Los Angeles Lakers.
When they play like this, when all three legs of The Core are engaged, there’s never a point when it feels like they are out of a game. Even when the Lakers took the lead in the fourth quarter, it never really seemed as if the Nuggets would lose.
Therein lies the conundrum for this Denver Nuggets team. Where does that confidence go? What is it that saps the Nuggets confidence?
That has been the subject of many discussions since the abomination in Dallas. What the internet believes is that it boils down to internal struggle for the soul of the team. Commit fully to offense or try to develop defense.
Last night’s game would seem to lend credence to the former. Score 120 and there aren’t many teams that can compete. Other than the Rockets and Warriors, who can put such sustained offensive pressure on their opponents? I’m not sure anyone can, with any consistency. The Pelicans and T-Wolves have that kind of potential but injuries have impacted those two squads.
How about we look at two things that stood out from last night’s game: