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3 things to watch: Denver Nuggets vs. Washington Wizards

By Chris Bolin

WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MARCH 23: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets shoots over Markieff Morris #5 of the Washington Wizards during the first half at Capital One Arena on March 23, 2018 in Washington, DC. 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. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images) /
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The Nuggets have a potential trap game against Washington with Golden State on deck. Here are 3 things to keep an eye on.

The Denver Nuggets once again righted the ship Friday night in Oklahoma City. After dropping a game in Houston the night before, Denver pulled away from the Thunder in the third quarter and never looked back.

And thanks to some questionable officiating in Minnesota, the Warriors fell back into a tie with the Nuggets for the top spot out West.

Both are 51-24 with seven games to play. And since the two play April 2, the Nuggets control their own destiny.

But first, Denver has to get past the Wizards Sunday — a team they beat in Washington just over a week ago.

Here are 3 things to watch for.

Lookout, it’s a Trap!

With that game against Golden State on deck, the Nuggets have to pay extra attention to the Wizards.

Though winning may not weigh quite as heavy on the Wizards as it does on Denver, Washington hasn’t entered #TankForZion the way most of the teams around them in the standings have.

The Wizards have been notoriously against a rebuild — despite all signs pointing towards one.

Washington has been struggling, however, dropping six of its last seven.

Will Jamal Murray keep it up?

Since scoring just four points in a loss to Indiana four games ago, Jamal Murray has been on a tear.

He started with 33 points against Detroit, followed it with 20 against Houston and then 27 against Oklahoma City.

Over that stretch he’s been shooting over 56 percent from the field. And he’s also been more aggressive from beyond the arc.

He’s taken six 3’s per game — including nine against the Thunder.

Will Jokic get himself another triple-double?

Early in the season, this heading would come because he’d had a couple in the last few games. But now it’s because it’s been awhile.

In fact, since the All-Star break. Jokic had 20 points, 14 rebounds and 11 assists — along with a game-winner — against the Kings on Feb. 13, the Nuggets last game before All-Star weekend.

Don’t get my wrong, I’m not saying Jokic has played bad — not by any means. He’s still been an MVP-caliber player, he just hasn’t been putting up Westbrook-like numbers.

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The Nuggets getting fully healthy probably has led to Jokic’s lack of triple-doubles. With Denver at full strength, Jokic doesn’t have to have the ball in his hands as much.

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