Three Big Takeaways in Demolition of Knicks
By Geoff Graser
Denver Nuggets: They Beat the Knicks So Soundly Because of the D
All along, Coach Michael Malone has preached how defense will win games for the Nuggs.
The Knicks came into the game with two close losses earlier this week in spite of playing very well on offense. First, the Knicks lost to Brooklyn 112-110 in a game they shot 48.4 percent from the floor and 34.4 percent from 3-point range. On Thursday, they lost to the Chicago Bulls 119-115. The Knicks shot 51.2 percent from the floor and 34.6 percent from 3-point range.
Yet on Saturday, the Nuggets held yet another team to under 100 with. The Knicks scored only 99 points, with their shooting falling off a skyscraper. The Knicks shot 39.8 percent from the floor and 30 percent from three-point range.
When Jeff Green hustled back to block the Knicks Immanuel Quickley’s dunk attempt on a breakaway, Nikola Jokic sprinted off the bench to congratulate Green for a play that personified the Nuggs’ effort on D.