Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways

Denver Nuggets vs Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways.

Denver Nuggets Lose 2nd Straight

The Denver Nuggets fell apart in the 2nd half to lose their 2nd game in a row. As with all 17 games the Denver Nuggets played. Last night’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks was winnable. After the 1st 2 quarters, the Denver Nuggets led the Bucks by 10 points.

Undoubtedly, there are things the Denver Nuggets are consistently doing well, which is why they have been in every game they’ve played. There are also things that need improving. Let’s take a closer look at what the Denver Nuggets could have done to win this game.

Better Defense In The Open Court And Around The Basket

With a talent like Antetokounmpo on the floor, team or help defense especially around the basket is the main area where this game was lost. Thankfully, Giannis is very human when he has to shoot the basketball.

Unfortunately, the Denver Nuggets seem like a deer in headlights when guarding Giannis or any other player in the open court. What the Denver Nuggets need to do is make sure they are well positioned in the middle of the lane, with their hands up and wide.

This has the effect of slowing the game down and encourages the opposing player to pick up the ball. Exactly, what you want Giannis and the Bucks to do. Currently, the Nuggets are failing to do this and are instead getting blown by for higher percentage shots.

Moreover, the help or team defense needs to happen primarily around the basket. In order to discourage free layups or dunks. At the moment, the Denver Nuggets players need to develop a better sense of team defense. Knowing when their player is less of a scoring threat. So that they can sag off a little, providing more ball pressure to bolster the team defense.

Additionally, while Mason Plumlee did get an exceptional block on Giannis.

The  Nuggets need to play the numbers. Ensuring that at least 2 players take up the role of forcing Giannis away from the basket. This will eat into Antetokounmpo’s number of shots around the basket. Thereby limiting the amount of damage he does.

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One of the opening plays of the game was Denver going for an up fake, only for the “Greek Freak” to do what he really wanted to. Put the ball on the floor, drive by his defender, take-off to the skies and then slam the ball through the net.

That one play is symbolic of the fact that the Nuggets still need to figure out their game on defense. Despite their marked improvement here.  The Denver Nuggets should be happy anytime they see Giannis pull up and play team defense any time Antetokounmpo or any opposing player is near the basket.

Denver Nuggets and Turnovers

There is a silver lining, believe it or not, when it comes to turnovers. Both teams had 17 turnovers, however, the Denver Nuggets scored 31 points off of the ones they forced compared to the Bucks scoring 18 off of theirs.

Nevertheless, with the game decided by 6 points. It’s clear that turnovers are still hurting Denver. Jamal Murray (5) and Jokic (3) had the most turnovers.

As mentioned in a previous article, the Denver Nuggets are sabotaging their own good work on the other end. Last night they forced the Bucks’ main ball-handlers: Giannis (4), Bledsoe (4) and Brogdon (3) to turnover the ball. However, the Nuggets must learn to avoid returning the favor.

The Charity Stripe

The Denver Nuggets are currently ranked 16th in the NBA in free throws attempted. With them shooting on average, 23.1 free throws per game. However, many of the best teams in the NBA attempt a below average amount of free throws.

The bottom line however, is that the Denver Nuggets tend to give the opposing team more free throws than they themselves attempt. Hopefully, improved team defense cuts into the number of free throws the Denver Nuggets give away. Presently, the Denver Nuggets are 10th in the NBA in personal fouls made, with an average of 21.4 per game.

Interestingly, Giannis was 3 of 6 from the free throw line, whilst Eric Bledsoe who was 8 of 10 from the field and 3 of 4 from 3, went 4 of 9 from the free throw line.

As the saying goes, hindsight is 20/20. Whereas Bledsoe is averaging 75.6% from the free throw line this year. Giannis is having his worst year from the free throw line with an average of 67.2%. Sending Giannis to the free throw could qualify as forcing Antetokounmpo into a bad shot. Food for thought indeed.

As always, the bright spot in defeat for Denver is that the Nuggets are beating themselves in a lot of ways. If Denver learn from their mistakes they will prove themselves to be amongst the best teams in the NBA.

Moreover, doing so should be a given. As the things that are holding Denver back (help defense near the basket, hands up on defense, especially in the open floor) are easily fixed.

Let’s see how the Nuggets fare against the Timberwolves tomorrow.