Nuggets: 3 surprising trends through the first quarter checkpoint

2. Did the defense really take a hit?

All season long, criticism has been levied at the Nuggets’ defense and rightfully so. At times they look like they’re running through quicksand or with blindfolds on. Sometimes it looks like both.

However, while Denver’s defensive numbers are uninspiring — an 18-ranked defensive rating of 111.4 and surrendering 111.4 point per game (also ranked 18th in the NBA) — they’re not too dissimilar from last season’s. In 2019-20, the Nuggets had the 16th-ranked defensive rating at 111.0, and their opponent’s scoring average was only a notch better at 109.2 points per game.

Denver’s defense arguably didn’t take a big hit after all despite losing Jerami Grant, Mason Plumlee and Torrey Craig in the offseason.

The Nuggets’ rebounding may help as much as any factor, as Denver has a defensive rebounding percentage of 78.8 (ranked 11th in the NBA). Last season, the Nuggets had a defensive rebounding percentage of 76.8 (ranked 19th in the NBA).

The on-ball prowess of P.J. Dozier, averaging a career-high 19.4 minutes per game, has helped them replace Craig though. Green, though different than both Grant and Plumlee in terms of who he can guard, has been a solid defender nonetheless. Jokic is averaging a career-high 1.7 steals per game, ranked 6th in the NBA. Porter, improving both his awareness and effort defensively, is averaging career-highs of 1.3 steals and 1.0 block per game.

It’s not all peaches, as the Nuggets allow opponents to convert 37.2% of their 3-point attempts, the 19th-worst mark in the league. In 2019-20, opponents shot 35.8% from 3-point range against Denver (ranked 17th in the NBA).

This is in part due to the absence of Grant, simply because he was their most versatile defender and could fit in a myriad of lineups. However, it’s also because of the small and defensively challenged second unit backcourt of Morris and Facundo Campazzo.

Campazzo, despite being an phenomenal passer, has physical limitations that are often exposed by opposing teams.

Per NBA.com, Campazzo is allowing opponents to shoot 40.6% from deep, 7.5% above their average percentage.