3 things to watch: Denver Nuggets at Golden State Warriors

The Denver Nuggets finally got back in the win column, now on to a struggling — but still very dangerous — Golden State squad. Here are 3 things to watch.

It’s never a good time to face the Golden State Warriors.

They’ve shown they’re a finely tuned machine, winning the last two NBA championships — and three of the last four — mowing through everybody in their path.

And they’ll most likely do the same this year.

But, like most top teams in the West, they haven’t quite looked so good as of late. They‘ve stayed just one game ahead of Denver, also dropping three of their last four.

And with a win Friday night, the Nuggets would move into a tie with the Warriors — and hold the 2-1 advantage on the season. But if Golden State wins it will hold a two-game lead over Denver with 17 games left and just one remaining game between the two — coming on April 2.

So, the winner will be in the driver’s seat down the stretch in the West. And the loser will have lost five of six just over a month before the playoffs start.

Here’s what to look for.

How will the Nuggets respond after the last Golden State game?

We all remember the last time the Nuggets played the Warriors — no matter how much we try to forget.

The Warriors cruised to a 142-111 victory at Pepsi Center — including a record-setting first quarter in which they scored 51 points.

The 31-point loss is still the Nuggets largest margin of defeat this season — and is unfortunately more memorable to most than the Nuggets 100-98 win Oct. 21.

A lot has happened since then, but it’s surely not forgotten. And the Nuggets will have Gary Harris — who missed that loss — and Will Barton — who was limited — at full strength Friday.

How will the Nuggets handle a full-strength Golden State squad?

Though Denver was short handed the last time the two matched up, so was Golden State. The Warriors were still waiting on the DeMarcus Cousins to make his season debut.

And while he’s struggled lately — especially on the defensive end — there’s a reason he is a six time All-Star.

Paul Millsap will likely draw that assignment, putting Nikola Jokic on Draymond Green. With Harris and Jamal Murray taking Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, that leaves Barton on Kevin Durant.

Barton showed his prowess on the defensive end, holding Paul George to just 7 of 21 from the field last week, but Durant is a whole other monster.

The two-time defending finals MVP is listed at 6’9”, but actually stands closer to 7’. And over his career he’s shown he can score at will on just about anybody.

The Nuggets defense is much improved, but it will have its work cutout for it Friday night.

How will Denver’s second unit look?

The Nuggets bench unit has looked bad. Really bad. Which comes as a surprise seeing as it was one of Denver’s biggest strengths throughout the season.

But Isaiah Thomas’s return has crowded things. Along with that, Juancho Hernangomez has really struggled as of late, and Torrey Craig is almost no threat on the offensive end.

I know single game plus/minus can be misleading, but every one of Denver’s starters recorded over a +15 against the Lakers. Conversely, every sub had a negative rating — with IT leading the pack at -10.

Monte Morris, Malik Beasley and Mason Plumlee have shown throughout the year they deserve minutes. Beyond that, it’s a bit up in the air.

Coach Michael Malone has some decisions to make. And a game against a team like the Warriors seems like a good place to start trimming the fat.