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
Denver will take on Golden State at the Pepsi Center
The Denver Nuggets are coming off a tough loss from the other night.
They were smacked in the teeth in the second half against the defending champion Cleveland Cavaliers. Things don’t get much easier.
They will now take on the runner-up from last season, the Golden State Warriors. It is going to be very difficult especially with the Nuggets battling injuries and trying to bring a new piece up to speed with the scheme (recently acquired Mason Plumlee).
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I’ll be honest, I am not too confident going into this game for the young Nuggets squad. However, stranger things have happened.
Denver could possibly catch the Warriors on a bad night like the Sacramento Kings the other night, but they still need to execute properly.
There are a couple of things to be looking out for in this game.
May 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers center Mason Plumlee (24) goes to the basket against the Golden State Warriors during game five of the second round of the NBA Playoffs at Oracle Arena. The Warriors defeated the Trail Blazers 125-121. Mandatory Credit: John G. Mabanglo-Pool Photo via USA TODAY Sports
Plumlee’s immediate impact
Mason Plumlee was acquired over the weekend for Jusuf Nurkic. Talk about being thrown right into the fire with the Warriors being your first opponent on the new team.
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It will be interesting to see how will fit with this offensive minded team.
Malone will most likely bring him off the bench for this game in order to slowly bring him up to speed, but don’t be surprised if he eventually starts along Jokic at the 4 spot.
Hopefully, he will be the perfect fit coming off the bench for Jokic providing plays like a big man play maker does.
This will be key in order to even compete with the high powered team.
If he can make a couple of momentum changing plays such as hustling for a loose ball, or getting a huge put-back, then the Nuggets may be in business.
Jan 16, 2017; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8), Denver Nuggets forward Nikola Jokic (15), and Denver Nuggets guard Jameer Nelson (1) celebrate during the first half against the Orlando Magic at Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports
Denver cannot play Golden State’s game
I swear, if I see Denver trying to out-shoot Golden State from the arc again, I am going to go crazy.
That is what Golden State wants is for their opponents to get in a shoot-out with them. Why? Because they know no one can compete with them from the 3-point line.
Therefore, in order for Denver to even have a chance, they need to stick to their strengths. That is giving the ball to the post-players such as Jokic, Arthur, and Plumlee.
Also, they can’t be afraid to attack the rim. If Golden State does have a weakness, it would be their interior defense.
The Nuggets would be smart to exploit this and try to avoid contested 3-point shots.
If the Nuggets avoid Golden State’s trap in terms of getting into a 3-point shoot-out, then the game may be closer than many people think.
