Denver Nuggets: Game two of the NBA finals showed the importance of making adjustments

Game two of the NBA finals showed the Denver Nuggets the importance of making adjustments in the playoffs and having a deep bench.

The Denver Nuggets can learn from the Golden State Warriors’ victory in game two of the NBA finals over the Raptors.

Even though the Nuggets were not playing in game two of the NBA finals, it was still exciting for Nuggets’ fans to watch. It was clear that the Warriors made adjustments in the game two to take control of the series. They did a better job of stopping Kyle Lowry, Marc Gasol, and Pascal Siakam in game two. Demarcus Cousins was also huge in the game.

For the Nuggets, game two of the NBA finals showed the importance of making adjustments in the playoffs. This is a valuable lesson the Nuggets should learn as they move forward into next season.

Despite Golden State having so many injuries, they were able to pull of a win in game two because of the deep on their bench. Their bench allowed them to make adjustments in game two and get enough scoring  to win the game.

Not surprisingly, the Warriors were not lighthearted about their victory. After the game, Klay Thompson and Kevin Durant were caught taunting Drake about the loss:

Klay was heard telling Drake after the game,

"See you in the bay, Aubrey. you weren’t talking tonight, were ya? Bum As@….And that was light work, too. Good thing I popped my Hammy."

Drake remained polite in the exchange and let Klay know he “played nice tonight.” Canadians, however, are unapologetically nice.

Klay is a beast. However, Kawhi Leonard scored 34 points and grabbed 14 rebounds in game 2 and was still the best player on either team. Moreover, defensively, game two was light work for Kawhi.

Patrick McCaw saw playing time in game one and hit a big three. Danny Green also played fewer minutes in game two and could play more minutes in game 3. Marc Gasol only scored 6 points in game 2. The Raptors would also probably be better off starting Ibaka at the center position.

However, it is unclear how healthy Looney, Boogie, and Klay will be for the rest of the series. With any of these players absent, it could sign the pendulum in favor of the Raptors. Kawhi’s health also does not look optimal.

This shows the importance of making sure players maintain their health and prevent injuries. Injuries, and not basketball, will be the deciding factor in this series.

Demarcus Cousins was big in game two and he will be a free agent this summer. He is an agent the Nuggets should consider signing. Almost the Warriors entire second and third unit will no longer be under contract with the Warriors. Jonas Jerebko, Alfonzo McKinnie, Jordan Bell, Kevon Looney, Quin Cook, and Andrew Bogut will be available this summer. These are free agents the Nuggets could add to their bench.

The Warriors without KD are still a tough team to beat.

Even if the Raptors lose in the NBA Finals, the franchise is still a clear winner. The Raptors have been a very consistent franchise. Including having players such as Damon Stoudamire, Vince Carter, Chris Bosh, Charles Oakley, Tracy McGrady, and Muggsy Bogues. The spotlight of the NBA finals is definitely something the Raptors deserve as a franchise.

For both teams, winning this year is meaningful. The Nuggets can definitely learn from the Warriors game two victory.