Can the Denver Nuggets keep defying the odds?
The Denver Nuggets “still” sit atop the Western Conference despite the long odds they were given to start the season and recently a slew of injuries to key players.
I wrote in the preseason that Denver Nuggets would turn the NBA Power rankings on their head and then they did with a 9-1 start.
Then, they lost six of seven games and slid back toward the middle of the pack. They rebounded from that with a seven game winning streak that again had them on top of the world… and then disaster struck as both Gary Harris followed by Paul Millsap sustained long term injuries.
The next 2 games were losses that had even an avid fan such as myself sensing a collapse and return to a mediocrity in the standings, but this Nuggets team refused to lose with the talent pool depleted. Guys have stepped up and found ways to beat tough playoff caliber teams. How can that be?
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From what I can tell it’s a mindset that has carried over no matter which number is called primarily on the defensive end. The Denver Nuggets have only given up 94.3 PPG in the last 3 wins.
That being to opponents who average a combined 109.5 PPG. Everyone seems to be buying into what Michael Malone is selling and it’s created quite a team dynamic.
That being said it’s still December and some of the aforementioned injuries will require weeks to heal.
So, can the Nuggets hang with the elite even without several starters? The early returns are good, but time will tell starting with what the Nuggets cannot allow to be a “trap game” against Dallas before facing the Clippers.
Assigning the Nuggets as Mortal Kombat characters. dark. Next
Nikola Jokic will have to continue to embrace his role as the face of the franchise and big moments from Jamal Murray may be required on a nightly basis, but as long as the mindset stays strong and someone steps up when their number is called, then this team has the looks of powerhouse.