The young Denver Nuggets bench gives the team a spark against Pacers

Denver Nuggets scouting report vs Indiana: P.J. Dozier

P.J. Dozier is really coming into his own and gives the Denver Nuggets another wing/forward weapon that they can throw at teams.

His high-level ball handling and unselfishness make him a perfect pairing with this team and their pass-happy nature. I am very impressed with the leap he has made this season in his maturity. It seems like the game has slowed down a step or two for the young man.

He operates the pick-and-roll to perfection, and always made the right passes off the screen. His high-level passing is not only evident in screen actions, but the full court as well with his outlet passes in transition. His dynamic ball-handling and ability to create offense for others will prove to be a valuable weapon down the road, especially if the team begins to deal with more injuries.

He is also a weapon at getting downhill and attacking the basket. His massive frame allows him to finish with the best of them, and even throw down some monstrous highlights. He works hard in the paint for a guard with such vision and ability to create from the outside. Check out this tip dunk he had on the offensive glass late in the third quarter:

I am most encouraged about his switchability and willingness to do the little things on both ends of the floor, whether he is chasing after loose balls, switching hard or rotating over to stop a cutting big, Dozier always seems to be making winning plays.

It is by no surprise that he closed this game, due to his work on the defensive end the harassing defense he played on rookie phenom Chris Duarte.

His main matchup during his time on the court was Duarte, who ended up shooting 2-9 from the field. Dozier’s length paired with his foot speed allows him to matchup with anyone 1-3 and make their life difficult. I wish he would have been matched on Malcolm Brogdon and T.J. McConnell more, as they seemed to have their way with Austin Rivers and Facundo Campazzo when they were on the floor.

His defense has taken a massive leap since last season, he never looks lost and always seems to be on time with his rotations. This is due to his overall court vision he possesses and the feel he has for the game.