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Nuggets News

The Nuggets kept their win streak alive with a satisfying win against the Charlotte Hornets.Often, this season, the Nuggets have strung together enough good performances that we breathe a little easier and declare they've turned a corner. That elation is usually followed by baffling defeats to inferior teams. It's hard to say, with this team, if they've truly overcome the malaise that prevents them from jumping into that top-tier of Western Conference teams.Last night's contest with the visiting Hornets was one of those "trap" games that have plagued this gifted but inconsistent team. This night was different, though, led by Gary Harris' 27, the Nuggets were able to easily overcome the Hornets, 121-104, leading to further speculation that the Nuggets have shed the underachiever label and graduated to that next level.The win put the Nuggets back into the 6th spot in the Western Conference playoff race, a single game behind 5th place OKC. Nikola Jokic led with 16 rebounds and Will Barton handed out a team high 8 assists. Among the starters, only Wilson Chandler did not score in double-digits. The bench performed well, with Lyles, Mudiay and DA combining for 33 points, and Torrey Craig matching Lyles with 7 boards. Craig had a scare late on a high-flying block attempt (They say Flagrant 1 on DA, I say clean block.).Over the summer, I wrote about the Nuggets need to stay the course. My contention was, that, for the 2018-19 season, there is virtually no pathway to a championship for this young team. Without the addition of several, proven, top players, there is little chance that the Nuggets could beat the Warriors or Rockets over a 7-game series. The wise path forward, then is to develop the incredible amount of talent this team has cultivated and be prepared for when it is their time.The central theme of my piece was that our core, at full potential, is better than anything we could get in trade or through free agency. Put another way, at the top of their game, there's not another Center, Shooting Guard or Point that I'd rather have in Denver than Jokic, Harris and Murray. By way of support, I point to our 2-2 record against the Champs and the last week of games. This team is on the verge of breaking through.This is specifically why I bristle at the rumored trade scenarios out there for the Nuggets. There is no value in making moves just to make moves. I can't make the case that this team would be markedly improved by the addition of Kemba Walker, Elfrid Payton, Marcus Smart or any of the proposed PG swaps that we've heard (Collison?). We saw Kemba last night, we've seen Payton, I just don't see that their games would improve the Nuggets fortunes enough to mess with what has become great chemistry on this team. If we need a lesson on what damaging team chemistry can do to a tight team, we need look no further than across I-25 to the aftermath of the Broncos decision to part ways with TJ Ward. A seemingly small move, with a rising stud coming up behind him in Justin Simmons but it had an impact on a secondary that had finished first in the NFL two consecutive years.I get that professional sports are a business. I get that an immeasurable value like "chemistry" is difficult to attach a lot of team resources to but if this team has turned a corner and is competing and beating the top teams in the league, what need is there to upend that? We are already facing the imminent return and reintegration of Paul Millsap, which for all intents and purposes will be like acquiring him via trade. The fan base is easily placated with wins, so there's no need to appease them. The Nuggets have the highest increase in attendance in the league, they just had the largest crowd in their Pepsi Center history. They are smiling, they are enjoying this (Gary Harris declining to get posterized by Dwight Howard was classic). Until they show signs of regression, someone is going to have to explain to me why there's such a push to make a move before the trade deadline on Thursday.This will, of course, all be put to the test on Friday against a Rockets team that's pushing Golden State for the top record in the league. James Harden is playing the best basketball of his career and looks unstoppable. It's fitting, then that whatever team the Nuggets roll into Houston with is the team they will carry to the end of the season. I for one, believe in this team, as constituted. It's been fun to fantasize about what-if scenarios for LeBron or Kawhi but the realistic prospects for the Nuggets don't justify tinkering with a team that's playing as good as any in the League.As we saw last night, the Nuggets are fully capable of powering through trap games, coming off of big wins. If that maintains, it's one of the final hurdles to this team making some postseason noise and one step closer to NBA legitimacy.

Denver Nuggets’ off season grade

Mathew Huff

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Aug 11, 2018

Denver Nuggets: Is DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell the next Torrey Craig?

Kevin Oestreicher

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Aug 10, 2018

Denver Nuggets: Which player needs to step up the most next season?

Mitchell Carter

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Aug 10, 2018

Denver Nuggets: Three very bold predictions

Grayson Moore

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Aug 8, 2018

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 1: Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets celebrates after hitting the game winning shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder on February 1, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Where do we get a winning attitude?

Lucas Coryell

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Aug 8, 2018

Sacramento Kings v Denver NuggetsDENVER, CO - MARCH 11: Zach Randolph #50 of the Sacramento Kings handles the ball against Paul Millsap #4 of the Denver Nuggets on March 11, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)Getty ID: 930600668

Denver Nuggets: Millsap must prove himself defensively

Mathew Huff

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Aug 7, 2018

PHILADELPHIA, PA - MARCH 26: Denver Nuggets Center Nikola Jokic (15) carries the ball guarded by Philadelphia 76ers Center Joel Embiid (21) in the second half during the game between the Denver Nuggets and Philadelphia 76ers on March 26, 2018 at Wells Fargo Center in Philadelphia, PA. (Photo by Kyle Ross/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Embiid gives props to Jokic

Mathew Huff

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Aug 7, 2018

DENVER, CO - APRIL 03: Torrey Craig #3 of the Denver Nuggets plays the Indiana Pacers at the Pepsi Center on April 3, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Most underrated move of the off season

Mathew Huff

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Aug 7, 2018

DENVER- 1990: Fat Lever #12 of the Denver Nuggets dribbles against the Utah Jazz during a game played circa 1990 at McNicholls Arena in Denver Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1990 NBAE (Photo by Scott Cunningham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Most underrated star in history

Mathew Huff

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Aug 7, 2018

Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Predicting every player’s stats for the 2018-19 season

Grayson Moore

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Aug 6, 2018

DENVER, CO - JANUARY 19: Jamal Murray #27 and Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets talk during the game against the Phoenix Suns on January 19, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Can they compete out West?

Lucas Coryell

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Aug 6, 2018

DENVER, CO - JUNE 22: Denver Nuggets draft pick, Michael Porter Jr., is introduced during a press conference on June 22, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: How they caught the NBA napping

James Siegle

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Aug 6, 2018

(Photo by Chris Elise/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: How much can Thomas’ chip on his shoulder help them?

Lucas Coryell

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Aug 6, 2018

DENVER, CO - APRIL 1: Juan Hernangomez #41 of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets high five during the game against the Milwaukee Bucks on April 1, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Three realistic predictions for the 2018-19 season

Kevin Oestreicher

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Aug 5, 2018

CHARLOTTE, NC - OCTOBER 25: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets tries to keep the ball from Kemba Walker #15 of the Charlotte Hornets during their game at Spectrum Center on October 25, 2017 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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 Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Is Jamal Murray underrated?

Mathew Huff

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Aug 3, 2018

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 13: Jamal Murray #27 and Gary Harris #14 of the Denver Nuggets look on during the game against the San Antonio Spurs on February 13, 2018 at the Pepsi Center in Denver, Colorado. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: A top five back court in the making

Mathew Huff

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Aug 3, 2018

INGLEWOOD, CA - CIRCA 1987: Alex English #2 of the Denver Nuggets posts up against James Worthy #42 of the Los Angeles Lakers circa 1987 at the Great Western Forum in Inglewood, California. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 1987 NBAE (Photo by Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: How Alex English compared to James Worthy

Mathew Huff

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Aug 3, 2018

CHICAGO, IL - MARCH 21: Mason Plumlee #24 of the Denver Nuggets moves against Bobby Portis #5 of the Chicago Bulls at the United Center on March 21, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. The Nuggets defeated the Bulls 135-102. 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 Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Expectations for Mason Plumlee

Mathew Huff

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Aug 3, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Karl-Anthony Towns #32 of the Minnesota Timberwolves defends against Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Three keys to success for Jokic

James Siegle

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Aug 2, 2018

Denver Nuggets Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Are they a Western Conference Finals sleeper?

Mathew Huff

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Aug 2, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: The bench for the Denver Nuggets looks on during the game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Poetry in motion, part two

Marcus Kaplan

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Aug 2, 2018

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 1: Jamal Murray

Denver Nuggets: Murray’s smooth jumper

Mathew Huff

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Aug 1, 2018

OAKLAND, CA - JANUARY 8: Nikola Jokic #15 of the Denver Nuggets handles the ball against the Golden State Warriors on January 8, 2018 at ORACLE Arena in Oakland, California. 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 Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2018 NBAE (Photo by Noah Graham/NBAE via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Poetry in motion

Marcus Kaplan

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Aug 1, 2018

DENVER, CO - APRIL 9: Gary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets stands with teammates before the first half against the Portland Trail Blazers on Monday, April 9, 2018. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: What the future holds

Mathew Huff

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Jul 30, 2018

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 03: Kevin Durant #35 of the Golden State Warriors defends Will Barton #5 of the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center on February 3, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Do or die this upcoming season

Mathew Huff

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Jul 30, 2018

Denver Nuggets: Their most underrated defender in history

Mathew Huff

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Jul 30, 2018

DENVER, CO - FEBRUARY 03: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets and Stephen Curry #30 of the Golden State Warriors battle for a loose ball at Pepsi Center on February 3, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. 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 Jamie Schwaberow/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets Blueprint: Steph and Klay back court

James Siegle

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Jul 30, 2018

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - APRIL 11: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets defends against Jimmy Butler #23 of the Minnesota Timberwolves during the game on April 11, 2018 at the Target Center in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets 112-106. 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 Hannah Foslien/Getty Images)

Denver Nuggets: Three trades to become a super team

Grayson Moore

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Jul 30, 2018

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