Jan 25, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) defends as guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) dribbles the ball against Atlanta Hawks guard Jeff Teague (0) in the third quarter at the Pepsi Center. The Hawks defeated the Nuggets 119-105. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
After a huge win on Monday, the Denver Nuggets face a tougher test against a sizzling Atlanta Hawks team.
The Denver Nuggets got a huge must-win on Monday against the Dallas Mavericks. The win was key since they are starting one of their toughest stretches of their schedule yet.
They will face the Atlanta Hawks, then the New York Knicks, followed by the defending champions, Cleveland Cavaliers, and then the Golden State Warriors.
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However, they need to take it one game at a game, and try to outlast the Atlanta Hawks on the road. If they can pull it off, it will be a big-time confidence boost for this young squad.
Not to mention, they will develop some momentum for this tough stretch moving forward.
In order to compete with a desperate New York team, the defending champs, and the power house Warriors, Denver needs to start out with a win against the Hawks.
Dec 23, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15) dives for a loose ball against Atlanta Hawks forward Paul Millsap (4) and forward Kris Humphries (43) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jokic vs. Howard
One intriguing match-up to watch out for is the battle between the two centers.
An up-and-coming and young offensive threat in Nikola Jokic against an experienced and strong rim protector in Dwight Howard.
If the Nuggets can get Jokic going from the perimeter, it will stretch out Atlanta’s defense and force Howard away from the basket which will get him out of his comfort zone.
On the other hand, Atlanta may take advantage of Jokic’s handicap on defense and feed Dwight down low to take advantage of this match-up on the offensive side of the court for them.
It will be interesting to see if the Nuggets put someone else on Howard to help Jokic down low or let Jokic out-duel Howard with his own offensive capabilities.
Nov 20, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Will Barton (5) during the game against the Utah Jazz at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets won 105-91. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Will Denver capitalize off their momentum from Monday?
It will be interesting to see if the Nuggets can keep up the pace after the monster performance on Monday.
Will Barton had a great night with 31 points, so we will see if he carries that type of performance into Atlanta.
If he, Harris, and Chandler step up again with other options such as Jokic getting back on track, then the Nuggets will make a statement.
It will guarantee them a win and finally show the league that the Denver Nuggets have a bright future.
With a great overall team effort on the road, then Denver will be ahead of the curb in terms of going at least 3-2 over this next 5 game stretch.
If the Nuggets capitalize on the momentum they attained Monday, then Denver could get a huge win in Atlanta.
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