3 things to watch: Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder

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DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 24: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Denver Nuggets grabs the ball against the LA Clippers on February 24, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

Will the Nuggets keep crashing the boards?

The Nuggets have been an above average rebounding team all year, averaging 46.8 rebounds per game — good for seventh in the NBA.

But since the All-Star break, they’ve taken it to another level.

They outrebounded the Mavericks 63-42 Saturday night before winning the rebounding battle 65-49 against the Clippers.

“We’re one of better rebounding teams in NBA,” Malone said. And in the last couple games we’ve really shown that. I think that’s a big reason the offense taken off. We defend, we rebound and we run. That’s when we are at our best.”

Like Malone said, defense and rebounding go hand-in-hand. There’s no rebound to be had if the shot goes in.

Denver’s defense has also picked it up since the All-Star break, holding the Mavericks to 104 points and the Clippers to just 96. Against Dallas, the Nuggets team defensive rating was 100.9 and against Los Angleles it was just 87.6.

“We’ve always bought in to the fact that we can be good if we defend,” Mason Plumlee said. “I think guys are getting comfortable playing together on that side of the ball. Guys- like Paul playing the passing lanes tonight — are getting steals. Guys are just more in the right place and that’s led to better defense.”

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