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Denver Nuggets: The formula down the stretch

By Chris Bolin

DENVER, CO - MARCH 2: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 2, 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - MARCH 2: Head Coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans on March 2, 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 Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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Sitting in the second seed in the middle of a rough stretch, Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone has some important decisions to make down the stretch.

It hasn’t been the best stretch for the Denver Nuggets.

After winning five straight wins bookending the All-Star break, the Nuggets have dropped two games — both at home — to the Utah Jazz and New Orleans Pelicans.

Those two losses at Pepsi Center now account for a third of the Nuggets six home defeats.

The loss to New Orleans was especially concerning. Denver started it’s opening-day five for the first time since just the second game of the season and Anthony Davis didn’t play as the Pelicans were on the second day of a back-to-back.

It hasn’t been just one thing. Nikola Jokic got in foul trouble in both games, the Nuggets defense has fallen off and they’ve missed some timely shots.

But one thing that has stood out more than the rest: the Nuggets second unit. It’s been out of rhythm, it’s been sloppy and it’s hurt Denver.

The Nuggets depth has been a strength all season. It’s the main reason they’re second in the Western Conference despite having the most man games lost in the NBA.

But with a healthy roster — including Isaiah Thomas — the second unit is a bit of a log jam. And it hasn’t been pretty.

So what does coach Michael Malone do now?

The Nuggets have a 3.5 game lead over the Thunder for the second seed — secure but by no means comfortable — with 20 games left.

So far, Malone has shown a commitment to keeping Torrey Craig and Juancho Hernangomez in the rotation — for better or for worse. But will that change down the stretch as Denver tries hold on to that No. 2 spot.

The same could be asked about IT. He played well in his first couple games back, but has taken a sharp downturn since. His net plus/minus per 100 possessions is a -10.3 — almost twice as bad as Trey Lyles at -5.9.

He will most likely have a longer leash since he missed 11 months and hasn’t had a great chance to find his place. He will also likely stay on the floor just to keep him ready — because we all know what he’s capable of doing or at least what he was capable of doing two years ago, come playoff time.

But if he continues to stall the offense like he has, he may see his minutes cut.

Another thing teams in Denver’s position have to think about this time of year: resting players for the postseason.The Nuggets are fresher than most teams — partly due to youth but mainly to injuries. Besides Jokic, all five starters have missed serious time this season.

So, Malone may not rest anybody until that second seed is clinched.

Only time will tell how the rotation looks moving forward. And chances are Malone isn’t even sure what he wants to do.

Related Story. Nikola Jokic’s much-improved defense. light

But no matter what, it will be exciting down the stretch.

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