The Nuggets got a huge win in Minnesota on Saturday night, beating their biggest rival, and a team that has had their number more than any other recently, even without two starters. With the win, Denver improved to 10-2 on the season, their best start since the 1985-86 season.
That team started 11-2 before losing again, so the Nuggets will have a chance to make this start even more historical with wins in their next two games against the Bulls and Pelicans. The Nuggets will be without Christian Braun, who was ruled out for at least 6 weeks due to an ankle injury.
Cam Johnson also missed Saturday’s game with an arm injury, and we’re not sure when we’ll see him in action again. Still, the Nuggets didn’t miss a beat, knocking off a full-strength Timberwolves squad, 123-112.
The Nuggets have been incredible so far this season, ranking 2nd in offensive rating, 2nd in defensive rating, and 2nd in net rating. They’ve picked up where they left off on offense, even adding some new wrinkles, but the defense has been a massive surprise. They’re putting up some great showings on that end, and if it continues, expect the wins to keep rolling in Denver.
Nuggets’ big 3 off to outstanding start
Obviously, the biggest reason for the Nuggets’ excellent start has been Nikola Jokic, who has somehow found ways to elevate his game even further. But beyond that, the starts for Jamal Murray and Aaron Gordon have been inspiring. Both players came into camp in great shape and healthy, and they’ve hit the ground running to begin the season.
Denver’s newfound depth is also making a huge impact. Jonas Valanciunas being able to competently backup Jokic for 10-15 minutes a night is a game-changer for this squad. The added boost of scoring and shooting from Tim Hardaway Jr. has been huge as well.
The steadiness of Bruce Brown and Peyton Watson has been instrumental as well, as those guys have been able to run some offense while more than holding up on the defensive end. It has been great to see the pieces coming together and this team looking so connected this early in the process.
The injuries are a tough blow, but for once, this team has the depth to withstand it. As the season goes on, this group should only click more and more. Once the Nuggets are firing on all cylinders, there’s real reason to believe they can challenge the Thunder as the best team in the NBA.