National Basketball Association

Denver Nuggets: 5 Things We Learned From Their Preseason Victory

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 11:04 a.m. ET

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Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) passes the ball under pressure from Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Denver won 108-106. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets kicked off their preseasons yesterday with a huge win over the Toronto Raptors.

What better way to kick off the preseason! The Denver Nuggets were able to snatch a win in Calgary, Canada. The Nuggets beat the Toronto Raptors by a score of 108-106. It came down to the wire, and both team had their benches finish the game off.

From the rookies to the vets, the Denver Nuggets made a full team effort in the win, and this victory taught those dedicated fans very much about their team and how they might fair this season.

Darrell Arthur was out with an injury, and Gary Harris left with a injury after playing only 10 minutes. Harris went out with a right groin strain which was the same problem that he had last season. It will be crucial to keep an eye on this situation as it develops.

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Before we divulge into what we learned from the game, Adam Mares made a youtube video that is a MUST watch.

Yes, that did happen.

Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Toronto Raptors forward Patrick Patterson (54) and Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) battle for rebound during the third quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Lesson #1: Jurkic

The Denver Nuggets started last night with Nikola Jokic and Jusuf Nurkic.

While many did not think that the due would team up well, it turned out to be a success for coach Malone. Both Jokic and Nurkic had effective nights combined for 27 points and 16 boards in a combined 51 minutes.

This duo can excel due to the defensive prowess that Nurkic has and the defensive liability that Jokic can be. This turns out to be the same on offense. Jokic has range and the ability to stretch the floor while Nurkic has the low-post scoring ability.

As seen in the clip below, this duo also has great passing.

Darrell Arthur was out during this game, so it is unclear if he will be the starting power forward. Therefore, the Jurkic may have just been a preseason test run, but it certainly was a success.

Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Denver Nuggets guard Jamal Murray (27) passes the ball under pressure from Toronto Raptors guard Fred VanVleet (23) during the fourth quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Denver won 108-106. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Lesson #2: The Kentuckian

For all Nuggets fans, one of the most anticipated moments of this preseason game was when Jamal Murray checked in.

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Murray, the seventh overall selection from Kentucky, played well throughout the game. Murray got the most run of any rookie this season. He was able to contribute 9 points on 3-5 shooting, and he was very effective overall.

Murray started out playing with Mudiay and showed that he has the ability to play the two; while later in the game, Murray was able to run the point while the rookies got their run.

His defensive continues to be a struggle though. He has problems keeping up with the quicker shooting guards and point guards. His offensive efficiency could be enough to buy him minutes throughout the season even with his defensive incapability.

Oh, and after a whistle, Murray drilled a three from DISTANCE. Watch below.

Some handles into a floater? Why not.

Murray will be an exciting player to watch going forward.

Jun 23, 2016; New York, NY, USA; Malik Beasley (Florida State) is interviewed after being selected as the number nineteen overall pick to the Denver Nuggets in the first round of the 2016 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports

Lesson #3: The Seminole

Malik Beasley was a college standout at FSU, and he was drafted 19th overall in the NBA Draft.

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But, due to injury, we were unable to watch Beasley perform in the Las Vegas Summer League, but this first glimpse of Beasley did look promising. Beasley was perfect from the field which is impress from the rookie.

The only downside is the tail end of this game had the feel of a LVSL game. It was an intense close game, but towards the end, it was only rookies or training camp additions.

His versatility, shiftiness, and shotmaking will combine to allow Beasley to scavenge some minutes throughout this season.

Beasley will need to play against some of the better players for the opposing teams before I can fully see Malik’s potential.

Even though the competition was light, it was nice to see a healthy Malik Beasley competing at the NBA level end excelling.

It will be hard for Beasley to get some real minutes, but with performances like that, he may soon find himself in those bigger games.

Dec 28, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) controls the ball against Toronto Raptors forward Amir Johnson (15) in the second quarter at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Lesson #4: The Effective Bosnian Beast

Jusuf Nurkic has had inefficiency both him throughout the majority of career whether it be in Denver or with his national team.

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But, yesterday was different. Jurkic, the combination of him and Jokic played well, and Nurkic as whole seemed healthy and dominate.

Throughout last season, he averaged 44.6% on his field goals, which were generally around the rim, and he averaged 63.6% from the free throw line.

Throughout last night, Nurkic, who is general a solid defensive player, was abused throughout the entire game by Jonas Valanciunas. Big Val ended with 20 points and 9 rebounds.

But, the same can be said about Nurk. He was 4-9 from the field and an unexpected 7-7 from the free throw line.

He was able to show off his nice passing touch also. Throughout much of last night Nurkic battle to get position down low, and he did successfully which is in part for his seven three throws.

This was just the first preseason game, and I hope we can see this much more throughout the season.

Oct 3, 2016; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) controls the ball under pressure from Toronto Raptors forward Pascal Siakam (43) during the third quarter at Scotiabank Saddledome. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports

Lesson #5: The Gameflow

The Nuggets were able to score 108 points in their road win in Calgary. While still the preseason, the scoring is exciting.

They are also able to get 12 players in double-digit minutes. With key contributors from over 8 players, the Nuggets will still be looking for the best lineup to start the season with.

But there could be a problem. The spacing. The spacing on the court with Nurkic, Jokic, Gallinari, Harris, and Mudiay. There is so much front court pressure that it may be difficult for Gallinari to post up.

As the games continue, it will be needed to revisit how the game flows and how the lineups work.

This was a great game for Denver, and we will be equally as excited as they will prepare for their second preseason game.

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