The Denver Nuggets are navigating a season defined by resilience, boasting a 35-20 record despite a relentless wave of injuries. But as they emerge from the All-Star break, a critical question looms: can this team, even with a healthy roster, truly contend for another championship? A growing chorus suggests the answer hinges not on simply getting players back, but on a fundamental shift in defensive philosophy.
The Nuggets have proven capable of winning even without key contributors. They went 10-6 during a stretch without Nikola Jokic, the three-time MVP who missed four weeks with a bone bruise. Jamal Murray has blossomed into a consistent force, and young players like Peyton Watson, Jalen Pickett, and Julian Strawther are showing promising development. However, these successes, while encouraging, mask a deeper issue.
“It’s not about health,” Troy Renck of the Denver Post wrote recently. “The Nuggets somehow, someway, boast a 35-20 record at the All-Star break. Despite a training room that triggers claustrophobia…Despite Aaron Gordon playing in 23 games.” But that record, Renck argues, is masking a critical flaw.
The Nuggets currently rank 24th in overall defensive rating and a dismal 29th in clutch situations. They struggle to force turnovers, a deficiency that has plagued them throughout the season. This defensive vulnerability, even with Jokic on the floor, is a significant concern as the playoffs approach.
The team’s struggles are particularly glaring at home, where they’ve been unable to secure wins against teams like the Cleveland Cavaliers and the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite holding the most road wins in the NBA (20), their inability to protect their home court raises serious questions about their ability to consistently compete with the league’s elite.
The return of key players like Aaron Gordon and Christian Braun is undoubtedly crucial. Gordon, in particular, provides versatility on both ends of the floor, capable of guarding multiple positions – a vital asset in the playoffs. However, his history of hamstring and calf issues raises concerns about his long-term availability. Watson’s length on the perimeter is also seen as a key component of a defensive turnaround, while Braun’s ability to defend opposing guards is highly valued.
But even with a fully healthy roster, the Nuggets need more than just talent. First-year coach David Adelman, lauded for his offensive acumen, must instill a defensive mindset throughout the team. The Nuggets were criticized for their defensive lapses last season, prompting then-coach Michael Malone to deliver a scathing critique after a loss to Portland.
The challenge extends beyond simply getting the band back together. It’s about playing with consistent purpose on both ends of the court. The Nuggets need to replicate the defensive intensity they displayed during Jokic’s absence, focusing on fronting opponents, switching effectively, and generating turnovers.
As Renck points out, the Nuggets’ fate will be determined by players like Gordon, Watson, Braun, Bruce Brown, and Spencer Jones. These players, along with Jokic and Murray, must collectively elevate their defensive effort if the Nuggets hope to contend for another title.
The stakes are high. Failing to reach the NBA Finals would represent a significant missed opportunity, especially considering the team’s current position and the talent on the roster. The Nuggets have leaned on injuries as a convenient explanation for their shortcomings, but that excuse will no longer suffice.
The time for mitigation is over. This team was built to win big, and now, with Jokic back in the lineup, the expectation is clear: deliver on that promise. If they don’t, there will be no defending them.
