So far we’re 2 games in and it looks like a mixed bag for the Nuggets. Against Utah the were sluggish for 3 quarters, then turned it on and put the Jazz away. Against Portland, they had no defensive intensity but were able to keep it close and pull it out at the end. It sure was nice to see Carmelo take over in the fourth quarter, though, putting up 19 points . A true MVP performance. That’s what they need from their leader game in and game out.
After seeing the potential of this team during its great run last year, it’s a bit frustrating to see some of the same issues that plagued them during the Lakers playoff series. Lack of rebounding, ball movement and defensive rotation are all things that need to be addressed quickly.
The Nuggets are at their best when they push the ball and attack the rim. They are settling for way too many jump shots. That being said, I am pleasantly surprised by the way Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson play together. I was concerned about how Chauncey would play as a 2 guard, but his three point shooting has been strong so far.
Defensively, they are allowing way too many easy shots due to lack of help defense. Once again, I think that Ty Lawson’s lack of size is going to limit his playing time in the future, as he had a very hard time guarding the bigger Portland guards. Denver’s bigs need to put much more focus on defensive rebounding as opposed to starting out on the fast break. They don’t have the size to assume they will get rebounds.
Fortunately, these are all things that can be fairly easily fixed. A stronger focus on overall intensity and aggressiveness will surely take them to where they need to be. The return of J.R. Smith won’t hurt much either. My guess it that we’re going progress made as soon as this Sunday against a subpar Memphis team. Bottom line for now…2-0!
