National Basketball Association

3 Reasons the Denver Nuggets MUST win Wednesday

Published Jun. 30, 2017 6:28 p.m. ET

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Oct 21, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Dallas Mavericks forward Dirk Nowitzki (41) guards Denver Nuggets forward Wilson Chandler (21) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets have a rough first stretch of their schedule, therefore it is imperative they win Wednesday to start off on the right foot.

The regular season is finally here. Nuggets Nation is primed and ready to witness the Nuggets take the hardwood against the Pelicans this Wednesday.

With a new look starting lineup and a healthy roster, expectations are high in the Mile High this season.

However, if the Nuggets want to be taken seriously, then they must win at New Orleans. For a few reasons, this game will be one of the most important of the year despite it being the first game of the regular season.

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If the Nuggets do win, then the season should be a better one than last year.

Oct 14, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors forward Andre Iguodala (9) defends Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Warriors won 129-128. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets Must Set the Tone for the Year.

The Nuggets have had a slow start the past few years.

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This has brought a sense of foreshadowing and it culminated into disappointing seasons.

With a win Wednesday, the Nuggets would set a nice tone for the year and be able to build off the momentum.

The game on Saturday is when Mutumbo’s number will be retired and is Denver’s home opener, so coming off a win in that game would be huge for the team.

Denver setting a good tone will be key since they have a brutal first part of their schedule, so they must scrap for every game they can possibly get to get through this stretch.

Mar 4, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) guards Denver Nuggets guard Gary Harris (14) in the fourth quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Nets defeated the Nuggets 121-120 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Denver Must Start Beating Teams They are Supposed to Beat.

The Nuggets still have a long way to go to enter into elite status. Although, getting wins against bottom feeders on a consistent basis would be a great start to progress their foundation.

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The best teams in the league always take care of business against the “bad,” teams of the league most of the time.

If the Nuggets can start accomplishing this, then they can separate themselves from the bottom feeders of the NBA. Even though many people are still skeptical about the Nuggets competing for the 8th seed, (I personally think they will get it), the Nuggets could easily become the “best bottom feeder team,” this season if they don’t make it to the postseason.

A win against New Orleans and other teams who didn’t touch the playoffs will also create a bit of a cushion for Denver when they go up against playoff teams when it comes to the standings.

Oct 14, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Golden State Warriors guard Klay Thompson (11) guards Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

The Nuggets Have to Prove to Themselves They can be Successful.

The Nuggets must show that they are not allergic to winning and being successful.

This is the year where they have to show that they aren’t afraid of the competition and potentially getting back to the playoffs.

With the Pelicans possibly being without superstar Anthony Davis, the Nuggets must show up and compete to give not just the fans hope for the year, but show themselves just how good they can be with the potential they possess.

They have too much talent to not take a step forward and show that they should be the favorites on paper against New Orleans.

As the underdog, the Nuggets can learn from the Super Bowl champion Broncos and use this as motivation to send a message not just to the Pelicans, but the entire league.

Oct 12, 2016; Lincoln, NE, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Kenneth Faried (35) drives to the hoop against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the second half at Pinnacle Bank Arena. Minnesota won 105-88. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Thorson-USA TODAY Sports

The game Wednesday will have many more implications than one realizes.

The Nuggets must win Wednesday for these reasons.

That isn’t to say that the season is lost if they do lose Thursday, but with the first 10 games, Denver needs to start off on a good note.

With a win in New Orleans, the Nuggets will be starting out with a winning record on the road and be able to build momentum going into the game against Portland Saturday.

Especially if the Pelicans are without Anthony Davis, then the Nuggets have no excuse to lose Wednesday’s opener.

As a matter of fact, the Denver Nuggets need to win Wednesday to establish a winning attitude and culture for the entire year.

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