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Nuggets: 3 surprising trends through the first quarter checkpoint

By Quenton S. Albertie

Jan 7, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 7, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) controls the ball in the fourth quarter against the Dallas Mavericks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 29, 2020; Sacramento, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) scores against Sacramento Kings guard Cory Joseph (9) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 29, 2020; Sacramento, California, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. (1) scores against Sacramento Kings guard Cory Joseph (9) during the third quarter at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

1. Offensive improvements

With Nuggets rising star Jamal Murray’s injuries lending themselves to his inconsistent performance to start the 2020-21 season, it’s surprising that Denver has managed to improve both their offensive rating (116.1 — 4th in the NBA) and points per game (116.0 — 3rd in the NBA) from last season.

Of course, Jokic averaging a career-high 25.7 points — the first time in his career he’s averaged at least 20 points per game, has a lot to do with that. However, it’s also the play of Michael Porter Jr. (averaging a career-high 17.2 points per game) and Monte Morris (averaging a career-high 11.1 points per game) helping lift the offense to new heights.

Meanwhile, MPJ is shooting a sensational 49.1% from 3-point range and newcomer JaMychal Green is shooting a career-high 47.1% from 3-point range on a combined 11.4 attempts per game.

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