Denver Nuggets look to continue its momentum with a victory in Dallas

Relief players must steady the ship as starters rest

It’s no secret; the Denver Nuggets’s bench isn’t good. It’s simultaneously simple, yet perplexing, especially considering the talent sitting courtside.

Jerami Grant and Michael Porter Jr stand out as the best contributors from the second unit, although Mason Plumlee acts as the boisterous second-string center. Monte Morris, young and full of energy, doesn’t possess the veteran ability to slow down the game yet.

Unfortunately for Denver, yet possibly bittersweet for Porter Jr, Will Barton won’t play Wednesday evening.

No matter the illusion of confidence, the raw facts outweigh potential and hypothetical scenarios. Denver’s production, or lack thereof, leaves its starters in suspense as they rest. The Dallas Mavericks, however, boast a talented bunch, not theoretically, but an undeniably productive bench unit.

The league rankings speak for itself; from NBA.com/stats: fourth in points per game, first in net rating, and sixth in three-point percentage on 15 attempts per contest.

On the other end of the spectrum, Denver remains an enigma. Unlike the Mavericks, Denver doesn’t score at the same clip, as it ranks 19th. However, Malone’s bench takes care of the ball, much like the Mavericks’ second unit.

The main problem with the Nuggets relief core isn’t precisely the offense, although it’s not free of blame. Denver’s bench defense keeps the starters in the game longer than necessary. Too many games, even versus inferior opponents, seem to end in nailbiters due to the lack of stability from Denver’s supporting cast.

Ultimately, a battle of the benches plays in Dallas’ favor. However, if the Nuggets second unit stops the bleeding long enough for the starting rotation to stitch up the cuts, it’s plausible Jokic and company end the game as the victor.