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5 things to watch for during Nuggets’ scrimmages

ByQuenton S. Albertie|
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center on February 23, 2020 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. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 23: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets stands for the National Anthem before the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Pepsi Center on February 23, 2020 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. (Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
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DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 29: Luka Doncic #77 passes off to Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks over the defense of Gary Harris #14 and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the first period at Pepsi Center on October 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Lizzy Barrett/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO – OCTOBER 29: Luka Doncic #77 passes off to Dwight Powell #7 of the Dallas Mavericks over the defense of Gary Harris #14 and Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the first period at Pepsi Center on October 29, 2019 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Lizzy Barrett/Getty Images)

5. Defense

At practice, Nuggets head coach Mike Malone cited turnovers, rebounds and three-point defense as the main areas where the team needs to improve. Rebounds should come along once Denver starts playing more traditional lineups where their big men are positioned next to the rim more often. In addition, once the team regains it’s rhythm and comfort with playing with one another, the turnovers should drop.

Per Basketball Reference, the Nuggets had the 8th-best turnover average (13.7 per game) before the NBA hiatus and were ranked 19th in rebounds per game (44.3) but 7th in offensive rebounds per game (10.8).

A good sign for the Nuggets is that they were ranked 8th in opponents points per game (107.4) and had a defensive rating of 109.5 (13th in the NBA) before the hiatus. Opponents were shooting just 34.6% from 3-point range, ranked 8th in the NBA.

However, the team’s defense was inconsistent throughout the season and they could find themselves lacking enough time to get back on track.

Denver’s top competition to reach and emerge from the NBA Finals victorious are the top defensive teams in the NBA and have strong offenses to boot.

For the Nuggets to help close the gap between themselves and teams like the Los Angeles Lakers or Milwaukee Bucks, they’ll need their defense to be as strong as possible.

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