Denver Nuggets vs. Bulls: Takeaways from 30 point win

Denver Nuggets dominate Chicago.

Everyone in the NBA knows there is no better way to bounce back from a tough loss than with a great win. Thankfully, the Denver Nuggets would know all about that.

Having bounced back from a blowout loss to the Warriors with a blowout win of their own against the Chicago Bulls.

However, the main question is did the Denver Nuggets blowout the Bulls by applying the lessons learned from their loss to the Warriors?

Or did they merely beat a team with far more problems than their own?

Next, we take a closer look at the quality of the Denver Nuggets latest win.

Denver Nuggets Offensive

To begin the season, the Nuggets were amongst the NBA’s best defensive teams. Meanwhile, their exceptional offense from last year (5th best in the NBA) started off rather slow.

Fast forward to where we are now and you’ll find Denver’s offense is once again 5th.

Whilst their defense has subsequently declined to 12th best in the NBA.

All of the above is essentially why the Denver suffered a tough loss against the Warriors. As the then 6th ranked offense failed to outgun the NBA’s top-ranked offense.

Last night the Nuggets blew away the Chicago Bulls by 30 points.

The Denver Nuggets were on fire from 3. Hitting 20 of 40 3 pointers compared to just 10 of 28 (a respectable 35.7%) for Chicago. Simply put, the disparity from 3 was a key difference between the two teams.

Both teams scored 56 points in the paint. The Bulls shot 47.3% from the field (44 of 93) and again 35.7% from 3.

The only other main differences between the two teams is that:

• Chicago got less attempts from 3 (28 compared to 40 for Denver)

• The Bulls got less free throws (11 compared to 20 for Denver)

Underlying both those factors is the Nuggets offense, as Denver were able to generate more open looks from 3.

Whilst at the same time doing a better job of attacking the Bulls’ basket.

The Evolution Of The Denver Nuggets

Frankly put, the Nuggets have been relying on their offense more to win games and last night was a continuation of that.

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Although, in all fairness, Denver’s solid defense did limit Chicago’s 3 point and layup/dunk attempts.

Notwithstanding, playing defense at a high level is more demanding than doing so on the offensive end. It is also more rewarding too.

Simply because elite defense is more reliable than elite offense. One of the main questions surrounding the Denver Nuggets is whether their defensive intensity has taken a temporary dip?

After all, being locked in defensively for 82 games is tough, especially given Denver’s struggles on defense last year.

Or, conversely, are the Nuggets simply biding their time and conserving energy?

One thing is certain, the Nuggets are one of the best teams in the NBA and they are capable of being elite on both sides of the floor.