Denver Nuggets vs Atlanta Hawks main takeaways.
Denver Nuggets Blowout Win
The Denver Nuggets ended their four game skid in convincing fashion blowing out the Atlanta Hawks at the Pepsi Center by no less than 45 points.
We’ll say it again, the Nuggets beat the Atlanta Hawks by 45 points.
Last night’s game was clearly one of the best games the Denver Nuggets have played this season. The Nuggets were back to being the two-way threat of a team that they had showed signs of being earlier this season.
Last night’s game was full of historical significance, not only was last night’s game one of the highest scoring games in Nuggets history. It was also a game where Nuggets point guard Jamal Murray hit two notable milestones. The first being 300 made 3 pointers and the 2nd being 500 assists.
While it is still early days, this could well be the game we look back at, as being the turning point in the Nuggets offense. Whether in terms of getting players back from injury or increased production from the current Nuggets.
The Nuggets always were a team with a ceiling far higher than we’d seen so far this season. Third seed in the West notwithstanding. This game, the Denver Nuggets executed their game plan on both sides of the ball.
The Denver Nuggets Complete Play
Against the Milwaukee Bucks, it was somewhat challenging identifying exactly why the Nuggets lost. Partly because the Denver Nuggets matched a lot of the production of the Milwaukee Bucks.
Against the Atlanta Hawks it was again challenging, but this time it was because Denver did so much right. In retrospect, the main takeaway from last night’s game is that the Denver Nuggets play was exceptional on both sides of the floor.
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First of all Denver’s defense made it a very long night for the Atlanta Hawks. Catching 45 defensive rebounds to Atlanta’s 28 rebounds which helped to ensure the Nuggets’ basket was protected. Meanwhile extra possessions ensured pressure on Atlanta’s defense remained extremely high.
Denver Nuggets In Control
Denver’s defense also limited the Hawks to 21.4% from 3 and 34.8% shooting from the field. Meanwhile, the Nuggets moved the ball and themselves. Cutting and screening to make sure that Denver got the looks they wanted all night long. Last night, the Nuggets had control of the game and never let it go.
So whilst the Atlanta Hawks took more 3’s than Denver (42-31).
The difference was in the quality of the 3’s the Nuggets took with the Nuggets shooting 41.9% from 3 and 56.4% from the field. In Denver’s last game against the Rockets, we noted how important winning the turnover battle was for Denver.
On top of everything else, the Denver Nuggets beat the Atlanta Hawks (with 15 turnovers to Atlanta’s 19) as far as turnovers too, thereby by adding to the long list of problems created for the Atlanta Hawks.
Just like when a shooter gets their touch back. The Nuggets now have in their minds a fresh, complete picture of how they play basketball.
That makes Denver a dangerous team indeed. Hopefully, the Nuggets use the game ahead to reinforce their identity as a team that plays on both ends.
Simultaneously, pushing for a higher seed out West. That feat is something that this Denver Nuggets team is highly capable of.