Denver Nuggets vs. Phoenix Suns: Three takeaways

Denver Nuggets blowout Suns.

In my last article, I mentioned how important it was for the Denver Nuggets to get back to playing at a high level on both sides of the court.

Last night, the Denver Nuggets did just that and it resulted in something very beautiful – a blowout.

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Denver Nuggets Maintain Identity Without Jokic

Another beautiful takeaway from last night’s game is just how deep this Denver Nuggets team is. Furthermore, the Nuggets are for real.

To explain that a little more, Denver is one of the best (3rd in assists per game) passing teams in the NBA. However, the Nuggets franchise player Nikola Jokic who averages 7.7 assists per game this season is central to Denver’s pass-happy offense.

Nevertheless, with Jokic out, Denver showed that ball movement and passing is genuinely central to the Nuggets’ team identity.

Last night the Nuggets managed 26 assists. Mason Plumlee (6), Murray (5), and Barton (5) proved themselves to be particularly adept at finding their teammates scoring opportunities.

Denver’s Depth

However, Denver’s passing was just the beginning of the Suns woes. Denver had no less than a staggering 9 players in double figures. On top of that, Torrey Craig was close to scoring in double figures with 8 points.

In all fairness, the Suns had 7 players of their own in double figures. However, the difference is the Nuggets 9 players scored 121 points between them.

Whilst the 7 Suns players scored just 79 points. Simply put, the Nuggets had the Suns beat in terms of depth and potency. In addition to all of this, every single player for the Denver Nuggets recorded a positive +/- score.

With the Nuggets starting 5 (Millsap, Plumlee, Murray, Barton and Harris) recording the best +/- scores.

Getting It Done On Both Ends

Last night, Denver shot a blistering 50% from the field (47 of 94) and 41.7% from the field (15 of 36). Meanwhile the Suns only shot 42.1% from the field and 23.3% from the field.

In addition to all of the above the Nuggets had a decided advantage in the quality of the shots they got and rebounding.

Denver scored 60 points in the paint compared to just 46 for Phoenix. Whilst Denver beat Phoenix 41 to 33 on the defensive glass 16 to a meager 2 on the offensive glass.

Undoubtedly, the Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns on both sides of the floor. Giving Denver another blowout win and a glimpse into their true potential.

A similar effort will bring the Denver Nuggets victory tonight against the Philadelphia 76ers.