Denver Nuggets at Grizzlies: Who must step up?
By Mathew Huff
The Denver Nuggets hit the road to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Denver Nuggets are coming off a key win over the Philadelphia 76ers.
A win which saw them flex their home court advantage at the Pepsi Center. Now, they will hit the road to take on the Memphis Grizzlies.
The Grizzlies currently lead the Nuggets in the season series by a game as they defeated Denver earlier in the season.
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The Grizzlies started out the year on a promising note as they looked like they were a legitimate post season contender in the Western Conference now that they were finally healthy. However, things have changed as their franchise cornerstones in Mike Conley and Marc Gasol are now on the trading block.
That does not mean they are going to let the Nuggets walk all over them in this game. With that in mind, it begs the question of which player on Denver’s roster has to step up? That would be Monte Morris.
For the second game in a row, Jamal Murray will be out with an ankle injury. As a result, Morris will get more minutes and will have to spend some time guarding Conley.
So far this season, Morris has been a steal for the Nuggets. He is currently averaging 10 points per game, 44.1% shooting from three point territory, an effective field goal percentage of 54.6% and less than a turnover in just 24 minutes of play per game.
He is also averaging an offensive rating of 123, but also has a defensive rating of 112. Morris will be in for one of his toughest assignments of the year as Mike Conley will be an extremely difficult matchup for him.
However, if Monte can maintain his efficient shooting and keep limiting turnovers, then the Denver Nuggets will be in very good shape.
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With all of this in mind, Monte Morris will be the X factor in this key Western Conference road game.