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Denver Nuggets: Keys to game vs. Lakers

By Blake Holmes

SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets and Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands before a pre-season game on September 30, 2018 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
SAN DIEGO, CA - SEPTEMBER 30: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets and Josh Hart #5 of the Los Angeles Lakers shake hands before a pre-season game on September 30, 2018 at Valley View Casino Center in San Diego, California. 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 Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets take on the Los Angeles Lakers in their second preseason game tonight at the Staples Center.

What needs to be the focus of this game, and what can we look for? Without wasting any time, let’s get started on the keys to win in the preseason re-match with the LeBron James led Los Angeles Lakers.

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1. Don’t get too carried away, it’s just preseason.

If the Nuggets win tonight, that’s great. If they don’t, it’s not the end of the world. Remember, preseason is not the time to panic or jump to conclusions.

Bringing in another sport, last year in the NFL, the Patriots had a losing record in the preseason while the Browns went 4-0. The Pats then went to the Super Bowl while the Browns went 0-16.

The hometown football team across the street from the Pepsi Center in the Denver Broncos also had a winning preseason record and finished the regular season with a win loss record of 5-11.

That should be a good enough example to explain.

2. Okay, let’s focus on  Nikola Jokic.

Now, I’m not saying that preseason shouldn’t be focused on at all, or that it doesn’t matter. I was intrigued by the play of Jokic in the first game against the Lakers, despite the six turnovers, and I look for him to do it again.

Jokic had 14 points on 37.5% shooting from the field, but he looked like he was in control for the entirety of the game. He commanded the offense with efficiency and showed some flashes of the Jokic we all love from last season.

He is the leader of this team and there’s no question about that at this point. His defense needs to get better, but the Nuggets revolve around him and his unique style of play right now.

3. Keep an eye on Monte Morris.

Monte will probably start the season as the backup point guard due to Isaiah Thomas’ injury. That means the second year guy will have a big test ahead of him. He played extremely well in the first preseason game as he finished with 12 points to go along with a box plus/minus of +30. He also grabbed six rebounds, a solid total for a point guard, especially being the third string point guard on the roster.

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Morris is a tough guy who can make the right decisions to anchor the second unit. Keep an eye on the former Cyclone.

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