Key questions for Nuggets in series against Clippers

LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers drives the ball against Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 03, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA - SEPTEMBER 03: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers drives the ball against Jerami Grant #9 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 03, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. 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 Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
4 of 5
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 03: Marcus Morris Sr. #31 of the LA Clippers fouls Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 03, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)
LAKE BUENA VISTA, FLORIDA – SEPTEMBER 03: Marcus Morris Sr. #31 of the LA Clippers fouls Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets during the third quarter in Game One of the Western Conference Second Round during the 2020 NBA Playoffs at AdventHealth Arena at the ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex on September 03, 2020 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. (Photo by Douglas P. DeFelice/Getty Images)

More changes to the starting lineup?

Starting Harris was a smart decision in terms of defense but it increased the amount of ball pressure that Murray has to face on offense. That said, re-inserting Morris into the starting lineup and replacing Millsap is an option that Malone needs to at least consider.

The starting lineup that came out in Game 1 had a defensive rating of 129.7 and a net rating of -11.3 in 19 minutes, which is far from ideal.

With Morris in the starting lineup, P.J. Dozier would become the backup point guard. Dozier’s defense and length could prove to be beneficial if he finds himself defending Lou Williams, who scored 10 points on 5-9 shooting in Game 1.

Starting Michael Porter Jr. in place of Millsap could also work, as MPJ is a better rebounder and scorer than the veteran.

However, one challenge for the Nuggets would be for them to find a way to get Porter in rhythm early. The rookie seems to have a harder time finding a rhythm when he’s not consistently shooting.