Maybe the Denver Nuggets just needed to get out on the road? Maybe they just needed to see the New Orleans Pelicans again? After all, they did storm back from a 23-point deficit in an epic come-from-behind win against them just two games ago. Whatever it is, the Nuggets' energy level that was missing in 7 of the prior 8 quarters returned, and the Nuggets looked like the team fans know and love in the 104-91 victory over the Pelicans.
After the disastrous first-round playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves, Nuggets fans expected more out of the Nikola Jokic-led bunch to start the year, especially after a good defensive effort in the season opener. Many fans were taken aback by Jokic's comments after the first meeting with the Pelicans when the crowd rained down boos. But at least for one night, the concerns about the energy level and effort of the Nuggets are in the rearview mirror.
The Nuggets played good defense
The Nuggets pounced to an early lead and never looked back. They got up by as much as 22 points. The defense, which had been a concern and was 26th in defensive rating coming in, looked great. The energy was present from the start, and the Nuggets forced 19 turnovers and had 11 steals, and limited the Pelicans to just 41% shooting from the field and 23% from beyond the arc.
It was a night-and-day contrast to the way the team played against the Golden State Warriors in the prior game.
The Nuggets' offense looked great
The Nuggets' energy on defense extended into the offense as well. Nikola Jokic picked up his 200th career triple-double, tallying a 21-point, 13-rebound, 10-assist line. Jamal Murray took charge from beyond the arc, hitting 5 of 11 threes and finishing with a team-high 23 points.
But one of the biggest bright spots of the night on offense was Christian Braun and the 3 threes he hit late in the fourth quarter to help the Nuggets pull away after the game got within a few points.
Braun's been abysmal beyond the arc dating back to last season. But he's off to a great start defensively, and if he can just keep knocking down a couple of three-pointers as he did against the Pelicans, there's not much keeping him from being an elite or close-to-it role player.
Energy was the main thing that the fans needed to see from the Nuggets. The Nuggets are still a good team, but the energy needs to be consistent, like it was against the Pelicans, to string together some wins and to convince the fans that they've still got their fire. This win was a great first step.
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