Wow…at 5-0 the Denver Nuggets are looking like a team on a mission. So far they have started right where they left off last season. They seem to be clicking on all cylinders, at least when they want to. Denver is a team that has the ability to “flip the switch” when they need to and put teams away with defensive intensity and an attacking offense.
Last night against New Jersey, they were able to keep the game close in the first half despite Chauncey Billups going scoreless on 0-6 shooting and Carmelo Anthony going 1-11 with just 6 points. But, with Kenyon Martin’s 13 first half points and 7 rebounds they were only down by one at halftime.
Then in the third quarter, they decided to turn on the afterburners. They put up 44 third quarter points based on pressure defense, rebounding and attacking the rim on offense.
Denver’s bench outscored New Jersey’s 48-32 for the game. Led by Ty Lawson’s impressive 23 point performance, including 3-3 from beyond the arc, the Nuggets are showing that they are as deep as any team in the league. Just think about how good they will be after the return of J.R. Smith.
Overall, I think that the offensive ball movement has been sporadic. But, when it’s good, it’s really good. Their defensive rotations are looking much better since the Portland game, although they need to address their struggles in allowing offensive rebounds (17 by a week New Jersey team). They have shown that they can score almost at will, when they need to, even when Chauncey and Carmelo aren’t on their games.
The acquisition of Aaron Afflalo is looking better every game as his defense looks to rival that of Dahntay Jones from last year, only with better offensive talent to go with it. Those who doubted the shooting ability of Ty Lawson have been silenced with his 9-10 shooting performance last night.
It’s looking to me that the sky is the limit for this team. If they can keep their heads on straight and keep playing together with a common goal, they will be very hard to beat!
