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3 things to watch: Denver Nuggets vs. OKC Thunder

By Chris Bolin

DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 14: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 14, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - DECEMBER 14: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on December 14, 2018 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 2018 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- FEBRUARY 22: Russell Westbrook #0 and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after a game against the Utah Jazz on February 22, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- FEBRUARY 22: Russell Westbrook #0 and Paul George #13 of the Oklahoma City Thunder celebrate after a game against the Utah Jazz on February 22, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /

How will the Nuggets stop Russell Westbrook and Paul George?

If they can figure it out, other teams will surely be taking notes. The two-headed monster at the head of the Thunder has given defenses fits all season.

Westbrook, the former MVP, is having a down year. He’s still averaging a triple-double with 22.5 points, 11.3 rebounds and 11 assists per game.

George, an MVP candidate this year, is averaging 28.7 points, 8.1 rebounds and 4.2 assists while acting as the Thunder’s go-to option.

Just two games ago, both topped 40 points in a double-overtime win against the Jazz.

So how to the Nuggets stop them?

The honest answer: they don’t. The best they can do is hope to hold them at bay.

Having Gary Harris back will be helpful in trying to check Russ. Torrey Craig may also see more minutes after having success guarding him in the past.

Westbrook is known for being able to get to the basket and finish through contact. But he’s also known for hucking up bad pull-up 3’s in transition — part of why he’s shooting just 26.8 percent from deep this year.

He has been making more shots lately, but is still inconsistent.

George is a different story. He’s having a career year and getting Westbrook to defer to him in a way Westbrook has never done before.

Plus, the Nuggets don’t have a player that matches up great against him on defense. Millsap will most likely draw most of the responsibility but might have a hard time keeping up with him on the perimeter.

At 6’7, Torrey Craig is likely too small to matchup against George, especially in the post.

He’s went off for 24 and 32 points in two matchups against the Nuggets so far — but both came in losses for the Thunder.

Next. The 5 most intriguing lineups including Isaiah Thomas. dark

Denver hopes to have similar success Tuesday.

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