No team may have benefited more from the time off before the NBA restart than the Denver Nuggets. The team was already a top ten (9) team in the NBA offensive rating statistic. Now, in the bubble, the Nuggets have become one of the scariest teams in the NBA. Rookie Center Bol Bol took the league by storm in his impressive debut on July 21st in the team’s scrimmage versus the Washington Wizards. Bol scored 16 points while grabbing 10 rebounds and blocking six shots.
Perhaps the scariest part of this was that the team’s lineup featured both Bol and star Nikola Jokic at point guard. While much of the league is moving to small ball, the Nuggets can play a lineup with an average height of 6’8″. Early on in the bubble, the Nuggets have proven themselves to be among the most versatile teams in the NBA. Jokic is an offensive nightmare with his ability to score and move the ball. Jamal Murray and veteran forward Paul Millsap are more reasons teams are starting to fear the Nuggets.
Denver Nuggets
On Monday, the Nuggets may have established another arrow in the quiver with a bubble breakout game from fellow rookie Michael Porter Jr. All year Nuggets fans have been upset about how head coach Mike Malone has utilized the 6’10” rookie guard, and this may be the game both fans and the coach have been waiting for. With a strong second showing in the newly restarted NBA season, Porter scored 37 points on 12-16 shooting while sinking 9-of-9 free throws.
After coming off an injury the year before, Porter has averaged over 8 points per game in nearly 15 minutes. However, on Monday, Porter played a total of 44 minutes in the overtime win. This breakthrough performance from Porter may be what just what the Nuggets ordered and with consistency may put them as the biggest threat to the Lakers or Clippers in the West. Denver has the ability to outscore any NBA team on any given night while maintaining the flexibility to play a tall lineup and still match up with teams trying to play small ball. The group comes together at a perfect time, and with continued strong play, add new dimensions to an already impressive lineup. Look for the Nuggets to be a serious contender to come out of the West in the NBA bubble.
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