In an early preseason matchup, the Denver Nuggets faced off against the Phoenix Suns in what turned out to be a closely contested game. Denver fell short with a final score of 118-114, providing a snapshot of both the challenges and potential that lie ahead for the reigning champions.
Challenges and Adjustments
The Nuggets' head coach, Michael Malone, took an unconventional approach in the game, choosing to extend his starting unit's playtime by leaving them on the court throughout the entire third quarter. This tactic was partly to push the physical limits of his players and to fine-tune the team's conditioning for the upcoming grind of the regular season.
Reflecting on his decision, Malone noted, "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit." He continued, "That was probably a little bit hard on some of those guys. In practice, I think we can get up and down more. I think so often as coaches and modern-day NBA, the league has gotten so soft. Everybody's afraid to condition and run. Well, we have to."
Player Conditions and Concerns
In an unexpected twist, Jamal Murray was sidelined in the second half due to a knee issue, a development that certainly gave pause to Nuggets fans reminiscent of the challenges they faced last season. Although the severity of the injury is currently unclear, his absence forced Malone to adapt by sending Christian Braun and Julian Swather into the fray. The team will undoubtedly be cautious with Murray’s knee, recognizing his critical role in their backcourt.
Player Development
Meanwhile, Michael Porter Jr., who has often been seen as an integral part of the Nuggets' hopes, spoke about his personal goals and conditioning aspirations for the season. "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving," he remarked, underscoring the fast-paced nature of the game and the importance of endurance. "That's a big goal for me this year," Porter Jr. added, indicating his focus on staying consistently available and impactful.
Roster Changes
As Denver prepares for the regular season, they'll need to adjust to the offseason departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who joined the Orlando Magic. His exit leaves a gap in the roster that Malone and his coaching staff will need to address as they solidify their lineup in the remaining preseason games. His departure also highlights the fluctuating dynamics teams face each season, further emphasizing the importance of depth and versatility.
Reflecting on Previous Shortcomings
The Nuggets are also looking to improve on their postseason performance. Last year, despite showing great promise by leading their playoff series against the Minnesota Timberwolves 3-2, they were unable to close out the series, suffering a disappointing defeat. This preseason serves as an opportunity to revisit strategies and build resilience to avoid similar pitfalls in the future.
As the Nuggets aim to hone their skills and team chemistry ahead of a highly competitive regular season, this recent matchup offers a mixture of lessons and optimism. While the result wasn't in their favor, the experience and experimentation bode well for a team determined to defend their title and reclaim playoff strength.