Denver Nuggets: 3 takeaways from pivotal Game 5 win vs. Blazers

2. Rebounding makes all the difference in the world

The Nuggets lost the offensive rebounding battle by three, but they more than made up for it on the defensive end with a +21 mark in that area. Portland was struggling to hit shots, and Denver ended possessions before the Blazers could get more opportunities to get rolling. Jokic even set a playoff franchise record with 19 rebounds on the night. That number could’ve been even higher if they had needed him to play more minutes or he didn’t get into early foul trouble.

Kanter has always been a great rebounder. His career rebounds mark sits at 12.3 per 36 minutes. In this game, he had just eight. That’s one fewer than Mason Plumlee, who played eight fewer minutes. While getting rebounds can end your opponent’s possessions, it also allows you to get the offense up and moving in transition much faster. The Nuggets took advantage of that with a 12-2 advantage in fast break points.

Jokic’s passing is arguably his best skill, especially on the break. There were multiple instances in Game 5 where he grabbed the board and ran with it before finding an open cutter. Opposing defenses aren’t able to get back and get set before the Nuggets’ wings are at the basket, which leads to easy points. It all starts with a rebound, and Denver has a number of guys that excel in that area.