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Why are the Denver Nuggets so good on the second day of a back-to-back

By Chris Bolin

OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- MARCH 29: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets on March 29, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images)
OKLAHOMA CITY, OK- MARCH 29: Russell Westbrook #0 of the Oklahoma City Thunder shoots the ball against the Denver Nuggets on March 29, 2019 at Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. 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 Zach Beeker/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Denver Nuggets are 10-1 this season on the second day of a back-to-back — the best mark in the league. What makes the Nuggets so dominant?

Just about everything the Denver Nuggets have done this year has been surprising. So, having the NBA’s best record on the second night of back-to-back games should really come as no surprise.

That’s how that works, right?

Denver is 10-1 on the back end of a back-to-back — top in the NBA. But why? They’re just 7-4 in the first of two-straight.

The lone loss on the back end came in Atlanta on Dec. 8 — a game in which John Collins erupted for 30 points, 12 rebounds and five assists.

Of those 10 wins, two have come against the Thunder, and one each against the Warriors, 76ers and Trail Blazers. So, they haven’t just drawn an easy hand.

And eight of those 10 wins came on the road — including both matchups against OKC. So the Nuggets haven’t just been relying on the Altitude of the Mile High City and the friendly confines of Pepsi Center.

So what about their youth? The Nuggets started the season as the second-youngest team in the league.

Young legs to typically mean fresher legs. And the Nuggets have gotten contributions from young players across the roster.

From Jamal Murray (22) who’s averaging just under 33 minutes per game to Jarred Vanderbilt (19) who’s brought energy from the end of the bench when counted on.

But as young as this Denver team is, it’s just as inexperienced. The Nuggets were also the second-least experienced team at the beginning of the year.

So, who knows what the Nuggets secret formula has been. But whatever it is, they should stick with it.

And though it won’t much matter come playoff time — with two days of rest scheduled between every game — they still have two back-to-backs left before they get there.

Related Story. How important will the youth factor be come playoff time. light

The first will come April 3 and 4, heading to Golden State before hosting the Spurs. They then end their season with another April 9 and 10, facing the Jazz in Salt Lake City before heading home to face the Timberwolves.

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