The Denver Nuggets sit 10-7 and 1.5 games is the difference between 1st and 11th in the Western Conference.
The upcoming slate of games features 4 conference opponents, 3 division foes, and a rematch with LeBron’s Lakers that were the only blemish on a 9-1 start for the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets are having a tough time winning basketball games in the last two weeks going 1-6 in that time, albeit against tough matchups at times with strong performances from various players nightly. The Nuggets were previously 9-1 prior to the game with the Memphis Grizzlies. Despite recent struggles, I believe the Nuggets have all the ingredients to compete with anyone.
They may have to prove just that over the next five games as they start with the Minnesota Timberwolves and finish with the Portland Trailblazers. Two teams currently sitting ahead of the in the division. The implications here early on could be substantial no matter how early it is.
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Nikola Jokic , Jamal Murray , Gary Harris , and Paul Millsap have all been exceptional at times just not often enough at the same time. The bench has played great games with Juancho Hernangomez leading the team in scoring twice and big contributions from Malik Beasley and Mason Plumlee somewhat regularly, but again not always in timely fashion.
In order to make this run, the one that puts the Nuggets back near the top, they’ll need to find the right recipe for more timely basketball and fewer rough stretches. If they can find that rhythm that lead them to 9-1 they may be firmly back in a great playoff position. If not then the losses could come back to haunt them at the end of the season.
So, let’s go Nuggets here comes another stretch of important games.
(Spoiler: they won’t end as long as we’re chasing lofty goals) but that’s what you signed up for to be a contender.