The Nuggets are enjoying a five game winning streak featuring a couple of dramatic wins, and are a half game out of first in the west with 12 games to go. Nobody set their sights this high and as a fan I couldn’t be prouder. That said my competitive spirit always wants more. This team has been better at times this season then it has been this past week or so. Looking toward the postseason the Nuggets must find their stride.
There have been moments of triumph like the game winners from Nikola Jokic (I was in attendance for that one) and Paul Millsap, that have been a sight to behold. While times of sloppy offense and lack of defense have been frustrating, the Nuggets have managed to overcome them thus far, though I can’t help but feel as if they’ll have to be more consistent to advance in the playoffs.
The unselfishness with the ball seems to become only a “look to pass” philosophy at times where the dribbler has no intent to score and teammates don’t move to get open. That allows the defense to simply intercept passes and trap dribblers. When Denver truly moves to help one another, the unselfish offense is a thing of beauty with open shots and layups for all. The defense is much the same when guys run out and the help defense is aware and moving.
The front court has been exceptional of late with foul trouble (and Tony Brothers) the only things to hold them back. However, the backcourt has struggled to find consistency especially at the small forward position where Michael Malone will have to ride the hot hand or choose between offense and defense, as Will Barton has been everything from a liability to a breath of fresh air. I could write a whole article on the contributions of Malik Beasley and to a smaller degree Torrey Craig, but the way the rotation is used from here on out may well decide the Nuggets seeding and progress in the playoffs.
This Nuggets team has all the talent and team chemistry to compete with any team, even the big bad Golden State Warriors, but slow starts or lapses throughout the game can’t occur if they plan to go deep in the playoffs.