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Denver Nuggets: Takeaways from their Warriors win

By Peter Hooper

DENVER, CO - OCTOBER 21: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 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 - OCTOBER 21: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets leaves the court after the game against the Golden State Warriors on October 21, 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) /
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Denver Nuggets: Takeaways from their Warriors win

Denver Nuggets Undefeated

The Denver Nuggets beat the Golden State Warriors 100-98. It looks my wish from my last article was granted. The Nuggets are still undefeated and by beating the Warriors; have shown the NBA that Denver Nuggets is for real.

Clearly, this latest victory is the best so far for the Denver Nuggets. Mainly because they showed that they could beat the world champion Warriors. However, there is more to it than that. As mentioned in my last article, thus far the Denver Nuggets have been great defensively.

The Denver Nuggets Can Do Defense

Last night was a huge challenge (which the Denver Nuggets passed) ultimately because they played great defense against the best team in basketball. Neither the Los Angeles Clippers or the Phoenix Suns were great 3 point shooting teams. Last year, the Clippers were 24th in the NBA shooting 35.4% from deep, Phoenix were dead last shooting 33.4%. Meanwhile, the Golden State Warriors were first in the NBA, shooting 38.3% from deep.

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Moreover, last year the Warriors were 2nd behind the Rockets for offensive efficiency. That was the magnitude of what the Denver Nuggets were facing last night. Notwithstanding, it is early in the season, just three games in, in fact.

Nevertheless, that is true for both teams and thus far, the Denver Nuggets have made good on their potential this season. The golden nugget from this game is that the Denver’s defense was good enough to get a win versus the world champions. Even on a night where their offense had clear struggles.

This is a huge development for the Denver because it means they have the potential to win any game, on any night, against any team in the NBA. Regardless of whether they collectively have their offense going or not.

The Best Yet To Come
To be sure the Nuggets still have plenty of work ahead of them. After all, the quest to win an NBA championship continues. In particular, the Nuggets would have done themselves a favor in this game by simply making more than 24-42 free throws. As far as offense goes, the Warriors shot better from the field than the Nuggets (45.6% to 40.7%) and the 3 point line too (24.1% to 18.8%). However, the Nuggets still won the game because they converted (just about enough) free throws, despite only shooting 57.1% from the charity stripe.

However, this is the type of win, especially against a team of the Warriors caliber, that Denver would never have achieved last year. Hopefully, the joy of still getting the win against the Warriors despite their offensive struggles gives Denver true confidence.

Top defenders in Nuggets' history. dark. Next

After all, the Nuggets are easily capable of a better performance on offense. Moreover now they have seen firsthand the value of playing good defense. Which should mean the best is yet to come for the Nuggets.

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