Denver Nuggets:
Unlike my whiff on the Grizzlies, I did see the Nuggets train entering the station of credibility, but the defense was the shocker of the first month. They are regressing a bit back to the mean and need to rediscover what made them so lethal on that end of the hardwood early in the season. Still, they are one of the few squads who rank top 10 in the big three categories.
Kyrie Irving took major exception to Jamal Murray going for 50 points when he should’ve been more concerned about the 48 he did score. Furthermore, Irving best never try to take a ‘game ball’ from an opponent’s court for personal achievement or he’ll look rather hypocritical (he threw the game ball into stands, so Murray couldn’t keep it. Afterward, the little girl who caught it brought it back for Murray).
Depth is a major factor for this squad. Don’t believe me – take a gander at the bench which still hasn’t integrated Isaiah Thomas into the rotation (healing from hip surgery) or rookie Michael Porter Jr. If the latter plays this season and is remotely close to projections it only increases Denver’s depth. If the Nuggets retain home court and stay top 10 defensively Mike Malone will have a great argument for Coach of the Year.
Factors:
Offensive Rating: 9th
Defensive Rating: 4th
Net Differential: 6th
Offensive field goal efficiency: 45.9 percent
Opponent field goal efficiency: 45.5 percent
Win/Loss: Beat Celtics, lost to Bucks as well as 2 point losses to Grizzlies and Nets.
Record: 9-4
Injuries: Will Barton and Isaiah Thomas are expected out until mid December.