Nugg Love
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: 2018-19 Regular Season Awards

By Aditya Chandran

DENVER, CO - APRIL 3: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets seen during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on April 3, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - APRIL 3: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets seen during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on April 3, 2019 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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 Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next

Defensive Player of the Year: Paul Millsap

OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 2: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets seen on court during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 2, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – APRIL 2: Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets seen on court during the game against the Golden State Warriors on April 2, 2019 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images) /

The team played impressive defense throughout the season, a huge improvement from seasons past. One reason for this is the resurgence of Paul Millsap. After an injury riddled season last year, Millsap made it a point to come back this season healthy. While the injury bug caught him a few times, Millsap still managed to play 68 games. His averages of 1.2 SPG and 0.8 BPG do not tell the whole story. Millsap’s communication on the defensive end helps the whole team and elevates their level of defense. His ability to read passing lanes at an elite level has also proven to be valuable for the Nuggets. Jokic himself has improved on the defensive end but there are still a few holes in his game at that end. Millsap’s defensive prowess allows him to hide those lapses from Jokic and make it tougher for opposing centers to score. The work and experience Millsap has is invaluable, making him the Denver’s DPOY.

Home/Nuggets News
Keep scrolling for more content below