The Denver Nuggets had a tough time in San Antonio in Game 2. But you can’t count them out, they’re looking to surprise again.
The Denver Nuggets are coming off a tough loss in San Antonio and had a 4th quarter where they just imploded. They were really outplayed all night , but stretches of that Nuggets talent and explosive nature kept it close through three quarters. To advance in the playoffs they will have to win a game in San Antonio. There is no time better then the present.
To win in San Antonio they’ll need more then stretches of strong play. They’ll need the Blue Arrow on a more consistent basis. They’ll need a stronger presence from Joker in the paint, and if coach Malone chooses to play Will Barton for 20 plus minutes then he flat has to play better.
Paul Millsap has actually improved in the playoffs (shooting 61.5% and 37.5 from 3pt range) as the Nuggets hoped their veteran leader would and Malik Beasley is also playing his best basketball of the season shooting an incredible 66.7% on threes. Torrey Craig has held to his top notch defense and his shooting percentages too have elevated in the series.
All of this comes back around to the fact that the Nuggets need to play a more complete game, all game to beat the Spurs in San Antonio. To do that we have to put the players in the game that are doing that. If Will Barton comes around to be the thrill that’s great. (Barton played starter type minutes as our 6th man prior to becoming a starter) If not Malik Beasley and Torrey Craig (also shooting 66.7%) are the next men up for minutes and have so far excelled.
So the Nuggets have to step up as a team and coach Malone will need to find a way to have the hot hand on the floor as much as possible in game 4. If they can get that done they will steal one down at the Alamo and restore home court advantage.