Gary Harris’s return to form is critical to Nuggets playoff hopes
By Tim D'Elia
Gary Harris has yet to hit his stride upon returning from injury. If the Denver Nuggets hope to win a playoff series, he must return to his best form.
Efficient. Knock-down shooter. Lock down defender. All words that are usually used to describe Gary Harris when analyzing his game. Over the last month, not one of those words can be used.
40.2% from the field. 75% from the free throw line. 9.5 points, 2.5 rebounds and 2 assists. That’s Gary Harris’s last month, and it’s nothing but abysmal. He is barely making an impact on the court, ghosting from one corner to the other. The Nuggets have struggled while Harris has been slumping and it shows how key he is to Denver’s success.
As we know, the offensive ball movement is exceptional, and a major benefactor of this is Gary Harris. His connection with Nikola Jokic results in easy lay-ups and space for open jump shots and corner three point attempts.
Gary Harris with the steal, then great assist in transition to Nikola Jokic. #Nuggets pic.twitter.com/QXhdNhMBhn
— Joel Rush (@JoelRushNBA) November 20, 2018
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A fair chunk of Harris’s points come from Jokic assists, and since Harris has been averaging 10 points below his average, Jokic’s assist numbers are also down. This shows that budding connection these two have formed, and Harris needs to get back into his best form quickly to capitalize on this connection again.
Defensively, Harris is arguably the most important player in the system. He can guard all positions 1 through 5 due to his superior strength and agility for his size. Harris can read the play and match it with his high basketball IQ. These skills translate into a player who can make it very hard to score for opposing players.
Gary Harris' defense comes up HUGE for the Nuggets down the stretch https://t.co/XQL42otO2d
— The Crossover (@TheCrossover) October 30, 2018
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The Nuggets have lost their last 4 of their last 5 games, with Garry playing poorly in all losses. It’s clear Harris’s poor form has left a giant hole that just hasn’t been filled in the Nuggets rotation. If Denver is any hope of progressing through the playoffs, it is critical Gary Harris returns to form.