Hoops Habit
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: Five reasons the Nuggets are for real

By Dean Hasan

DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets brings the ball down the court against Avery Bradley #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Pepsi Center on February 12, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, COLORADO - FEBRUARY 12: Jamal Murray #27 of the Denver Nuggets brings the ball down the court against Avery Bradley #11 of the Los Angeles Lakers in the third quarter at Pepsi Center on February 12, 2020 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 6
Next
(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images)
(Photo by Justin Tafoya/Getty Images) /

4. They have tremendous depth

Although depth tends to matter less during the playoffs when rotations typically tighten up, the Denver Nuggets’ ability to throw different looks at teams and have multiple guys that can put the ball in the basket will certainly be a benefit. Their depth also means less potential burnout in both the regular season and early in the playoffs as guys are able to play in shorter spurts with the security of a solid second unit behind them.

Right now, Denver has six guys averaging double-digit scoring, and between Monte Morris, Mason Plumlee and Michael Porter Jr. and Torrey Craig, the Nuggets also get a combined 28.5 points per game from their next four guys up off the bench. The beauty of Denver’s offense is that they have multiple guys capable of having huge nights when necessary.

Jokic is capable of putting the team on his back, almost at will, and it shows through his 35 double-doubles, 11 triple-doubles, and team-leading 34 20+ point performances which include seven 30+ point outings and one 40+ point night. Jamal Murray, the Nuggets’ second in command offensively, has personally eclipsed the 20 point mark 21 times this season, and on six occasions he’s poured in at least 30.

light. Related Story. 5 most fascinating teams in the second half of the season

Will Barton reliably gives the team double-digit scoring, and he has nine 20+ point games to his name and one 30+ point night as well this season. Even though he’s missed significant time and mainly brings the heat on defense for Denver, Paul Millsap has seven 20+ point showings, and can put on a clinic when the team needs it most.

Despite starting less than half of his games this year, Jerami Grant also has five 20+ point games, including a recent 29 point outing against the Pistons to lift the Nuggets to victory. In other words, Denver has no shortage of guys that can be trusted to contribute offensive output. Especially when someone is having an off night, the Nuggets benefit greatly from always having another guy who can reliably get them a bucket.

Home/Denver Nuggets