Denver Nuggets: Two takeaways from Clippers game

It’s always nice to start of the regular season with a win and last night was no different. Particular satisfying was the fact that the Denver Nuggets managed to get a road win against the Los Angeles Clippers.

Avenging the prior loss against them during the preseason where the Denver Nuggets went four and one.

As the score, 107-98 indicates, the game was far from a blowout. However, that is exactly what made the win so valuable. Albeit in game one, the Denver Nuggets were definitely tested by the Los Angeles Clippers. With the Denver Nuggets having to come back from a late 4th quarter deficit to eventually win by 9 points.

So, how did the Nuggets do it and moving forward what can we takeaway from this game?

Denver’s defense?

As every studious Denver fan knows, how high the Nuggets fly this season will largely be determined by Denver’s defense.

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In just the first game of the season, the Nuggets provided evidence of their ability to do just that. Holding the Los Angeles Clippers to just 8 of 28 from 3 and 35 of 87 from the field.  A big question mark for the Nuggets has been their ability to guard the 3 point line (a huge issue in today’s modern game).

Last night, the Denver Nuggets responded with an emphatic yes. With Danilo Gallinari being the sole Clipper to shoot well from deep (4-7). Interestingly, the Nuggets at least ensured Danilo only scored 5 of 13 from the field. However, it’s worth remembering that the Clippers were 24th in the league last year in terms of 3 point percentage (scoring 35.4%). In other words, Denver Nuggets must remain vigilant on the defensive end to make life easier for themselves.

Denver’s roster

Now that the Nuggets are relatively healthier, compared to last year, the richness of the Nuggets roster is really shining through.

One of the things Denver has in common with the world champion Warriors is its powerful offense. Another thing the Nuggets have in common with the Warriors is an abundance of weapons.

In a game where Jamal Murray only scored 7 points, that fact is offset by Will Barton scoring 19 points. Whilst Trey Lyles scored 10 points in 19 minutes and Monte Morris scores 7 points and adds 4 assists in 16 minutes.

In other words, the Nuggets’ depth once again helped them pull off a win despite their offense underachieving. Mirroring Paul Millsap‘s performance, the Denver Nuggets were savvy enough to find a way to relentlessly move forward with what they had. (Millsap was 1-7 from the field but got to the free throw line and had a game high 16 rebounds).

Again, albeit in game one, this is an amazing sign of Denver’s potential to win games and excel.