Denver Nuggets: 3 takeaways from Game 6 loss vs. Blazers

3. Great free throw showing for Denver

The Nuggets were one of the worst teams during the regular season at getting to the free throw line, ranking 25th in attempts per game and converting them at just a 75.9 percent clip.

That low figure likely resulted from their 27th rank in drives per game. Denver’s team features more slashers than ball-dominant perimeter threats. Mike Malone stations Jokic around the high-post and has everyone else cut in every single direction.

This generated some unique opportunities both inside and out, but it’s not the same as allowing, say, Damian Lillard to get going downhill toward the bucket after coming off a screen. It clearly wasn’t effective in producing one of the most valuable shots in basketball.

In Game 6, the Nuggets were different, shooting 32 free throws while missing just two of them. It was nearly 11 more than their regular season average, a shocking development of sorts given how set in its ways this basketball team seemed to be on a nightly basis.

With Blazers starting center Jusuf Nurkic out for these playoffs, Denver has clearly put more of an emphasis on attacking the basket. Among conference semifinal participants, the Nuggets rank No. 1 in free throw attempts per game, while point guard Jamal Murray has seen an increase in pick-and-roll sets during these playoffs.

The postseason is all about adjustments and credit to coach Malone for making his when some coaches would’ve stood stubborn in what’s worked for them all season long. If this trend is to continue in Game 7, it should help put the Nuggets over the top in what is sure to be an improved offensive showing on their home court.