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Denver Nuggets vs Memphis Grizzlies: main takeaways

By Peter Hooper

MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets speaks with the media after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 28, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
MEMPHIS, TN - JANUARY 28: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets speaks with the media after the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on January 28, 2019 at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets eked out a tough win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. Here are takeaways from the win.

The Denver Nuggets deserve a lot of credit for their grit, staying power, self-belief and perhaps above all else, clutch victory against one of the best defenses in the NBA.

Normally the Nuggets hit the ground running from the time the opening buzzer sounds, however last night it was the Grizzlies that would do so, getting out to an 18-4 lead early on over the Nuggets.

Furthermore, like the last time these teams met, the Nuggets were challenged play after play by Memphis’ defense.

The Grizzlies would score 30 points in each of the first two quarters while Denver would score 16 points in the 1st and 25 points in the 2nd.

In some ways, this win was one of Denver’s most valuable. In the past, the Nuggets have tended to cool off in the third quarter.

Last night, things were very different as the Denver Nuggets would ratchet up their defense in the third, holding Memphis to just 17 points and then only 15 in the final quarter.

In many ways what we saw last night were two teams that performed at a similar, high, level.

The Denver Nuggets shot 43.5 percent from the field (37 of 85) whilst Memphis shot 44.9 percent (35 of 78). The Denver Nuggets had 8 made 3 pointers whilst the Grizzlies had 9. Both teams made 13 free throws, grabbed around 50 rebounds and Memphis scored 44 points in the paint compared to 48 for Denver.

Winning Time

The critical difference in Monday night’s game between the Nuggets and Grizzlies is when the best basketball was played. Essentially, the Nuggets would put together more winning plays together on both sides of the court the closer the game got to its end.

One of the best examples of this was the play of Malik Beasley, who was a big crunch time performer for the Denver Nuggets.

However, particularly symbolic of this was around the 3:46 mark in the 4th when Beasley grabbed an offensive rebound and finished the play with an easy lay up. That play Malik was a one man fast break.

Malik then followed that up with a steal and another fast break layup. Next, Malik would find an open Will Barton for a three, cutting Memphis’ lead to just 4 points.

As Beasley’s pass showed, Denver’s latest win was a team win. Malik Beasley and the rest of the Denver Nuggets’ roster were all on the same page. Making winning plays to do what they came to Memphis to do, win.

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Once again Denver showed that they can play at a high level, collectively, on both sides of the floor. Last night was a quality, quality win for Denver that hints of plenty more wins to come. Denver Nuggets basketball, is some of the best basketball in the NBA.

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