Denver Nuggets: Malik Beasley and his “Thrill”-ing path
By James Siegle
After Malik Beasley outplayed James Harden in the Denver Nuggets’ win over the Houston Rockets, a possible comparison to Will Barton emerges.
As the Denver Nuggets and Houston Rockets clashed on the court Friday night, multiple defenders watched helplessly as an unstoppable superstar scored basket after basket.
The stud player wasn’t James Harden.
Initially, all eyes were on Harden, who entered the game fresh off a historic January, where he averaged 43.6 points per game. But he was upstaged by Nuggets’ reserve guard Malik Beasley on Friday. The dude couldn’t be stopped, as he poured in a career-high 35 points.
The ESPN telecast crew wasn’t super familiar with Beasley. But this nationally-televised performance against Houston certainly helped acquaint them.
Starting in place of the injured Gary Harris, Beasley is one of the more overlooked players in the NBA. Even fans on his own team nudge each other with a “Who’s that?” elbow as he takes the floor. But after watching him average 21.7 points over the past six games, it’s high time to acknowledge Beasley’s development.
It’s not just the past six games either. Beasley has scored double-figures in 12 of the past 13 contests. He’s also averaged 14.1 points per contest in 30 games since Dec. 1. This is too long to be a fluke.
Keep in mind, Nuggets’ forward Will Barton hoisted himself onto the NBA map in a similar fashion. He is currently a key piece in Denver, inking a lucrative extension after nearly nabbing last year’s Sixth Man Award. A few years ago, his minutes varied like Beasley’s.
This changed once Barton consistently hit double-figure scoring. Some games were exceptional, but almost every contest became an impactful, double-figure output from Barton.
As Barton’s scoring became consistent, so did his role. Slowly, he spent more time with the starting unit. Last year, he either started or played the undisputed sixth man role every game. He soon earned the “Thrill” nickname, as well as Denver’s trust in crunch time.
Malik Beasley has come a long way with the Nuggets. Though his 3-and-D skill was obvious at Florida State, he's so much more dynamic now with enhanced shooting on the move, handles, and pick-and-roll feel. Plus, improved defensive fundamentals. Drafted 19th in 2016. What a steal. pic.twitter.com/qYnjLBjfcq
— Kevin O'Connor (@KevinOConnorNBA) February 3, 2019
Good things can happen if Beasley stays the course. The Houston game was the best game of his career, but it wasn’t an outlier. For anybody watching, he seems to have figured something out this year…it’s like he gets it now.
Even just last night, Beasley dropped 22, helping Denver top the Minnesota Timberwolves 107-106. It’s tough to play this well on consecutive evenings, but this didn’t deter Beasley.
Or consider Monday’s game against the Memphis Grizzlies. Down 25 points midway through the third quarter, it was Beasley and Barton who speared a huge comeback. By keeping the faith, the duo ultimately lifted Denver to a 95-92 win. Beasley scored 13 of his 18 points in the fourth quarter.
The never-say-die attitude helped Barton reach his current level. This is a common trait he and Beasley share, highlighted in Monday’s mad comeback.
Like Barton, Beasley also plays with an energy that is both exceptional and perpetual. He brings the house down with a monster jam better than anyone on the roster. While Barton’s energy is more of a confident swag, Beasley’s comes by way of pure, athletic effort bursts. Each method lifts the squad in its own regard.
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In recent months, Beasley has risen towards his potential. Look for a heightened status once he proves himself consistent.