Denver Nuggets: 3 reasons for concern in 2019 NBA Playoffs

2. Crunch-time offense

The Nuggets are ranked second in the NBA in clutch-game win percentage, but the playoffs are different. They’re also fifth in the NBA in shooting percentage late in the game. The regular season sees the offensive pace driving faster and faster, but things tend to slow down in the postseason. Even if the difference in pace isn’t very large, it’s still there late in the game. Eight of the teams in the playoffs last season would have ranked below-average during the regular season last year.

The difference in pace is even greater this year, as the average pace in the NBA this season is higher than the fastest team from the playoffs last season. The Nuggets play at a slower pace despite their high-octane offense, which could help them, but they’re still going to have to make those late-game adjustments to keep their pace where they want it.

One area that the Nuggets already struggle in is shooting free throws. They’re 20th in free throw percentage, and they’re 21st in free throws in the clutch. Blowouts are far less common in the playoffs, and missing those free throws late could cost them multiple games that get close. Are they going to be able to keep up the late-game heroics when the lights are brighter and the stage is bigger than it’s ever been?