NBA Power Rankings: New Year's Resolutions for Every Team

NBA Power Rankings: New Year’s Resolutions for Every Team

Dec 28, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) and guard Wesley Matthews (2) celebrate against the New York Knicks during the fourth quarter of the game at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. The Trail Blazers won 101-79. Mandatory Credit: Godofredo Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports /

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Dec 23, 2014; Brooklyn, NY, USA; Denver Nuggets head coach Brian Shaw holds his head against the Brooklyn Nets during the second quarter at the Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Adam Hunger-USA TODAY Sports /

21. Denver Nuggets

Previous: No. 20

Record: 13-19

Last Week: 1-2

New Year’s Resolution: Play Smarter

The Denver Nuggets have one of the deepest rosters in the NBA. There are multiple high-quality players at every position, including a number of players who possess legitimate star potential.

In order to turn this season around, Denver must play smarter.

The Nuggets are 13-19 with nine losses by single-digits, including two in overtime. The losses have been the product of many different factors, but the general theme is that Denver’s irresponsibility has caught up to it.

That needs to change.

Denver currently sends its opponents to the free throw line a stunning 28.3 times per game—the highest number in the NBA. The Nuggets are also No. 23 in turnovers per game and No. 20 in points allowed off of turnovers per game, per NBA.com.

It’s mistakes like Denver’s which pile up and ultimately cause close encounters to swing the other way.

If you’re looking for the biggest difference between wins and losses, try this: Denver allows 94.2 points in victories and 111.7 in the average defeat—a difference of 17.5 points per game.

Play defense. Play smarter. Win games.

Next: Bright Future... Don't Ruin It