The Denver Nuggets faced a preseason setback with a narrow 118-114 defeat against the Phoenix Suns, an encounter that perhaps provided more insight into the team’s preseason dynamics rather than the final score itself. As the Nuggets transition from last year’s playoff disappointment, key takeaways from this game signal the challenges and adjustments the team will face heading into the new season.
Testing the Waters
Michael Malone, Denver's head coach and a pivotal figure in shaping the team's strategic approach, opted to push his starting unit through the entire third quarter. Malone's decision to keep his starters on the court longer than usual stirred discussions on conditioning—a critical facet in high-paced basketball. "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone explained, underscoring his rationale in testing the resilience of his core players.
This decision hints at an underlying objective: to toughen up the Nuggets after the NBA's contemporary focus on rest and load management. "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," Malone emphasized, acknowledging the physical demands of top-tier basketball and the need for unyielding endurance.
Murray's Absence Felt
Jamal Murray, a cornerstone for the Nuggets, was notably absent in the second half due to a knee issue—an absence that could have strategic implications for the Nuggets if it lingers. In response, Malone turned to Christian Braun and Julian Swather, a move that perhaps served dual purposes of adjusting to Murray’s unexpected absence and giving valuable court time to younger talents.
This adjustment, while necessary, revealed gaps in the Nuggets' immediate reactive strategies, particularly against a well-coordinated Suns team. Yet, it also offered Christian Braun and Julian Swather a unique chance to adapt to intensified gameplay, potentially enriching Denver’s roster depth.
Looking at the Roster
The off-season changes have not gone unnoticed. The departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic signals a significant transition for the Nuggets. His presence in Denver was synonymous with effective perimeter defense and clutch shooting—qualities that the Nuggets will look to replicate through other players or future tactical developments.
Michael Porter Jr., however, provided some optimism. Demonstrating a commitment to refine his conditioning, Porter remarked, "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving," reflecting both a broader team philosophy and personal ambition. "That's a big goal for me this year," he added, setting a tone of determination and personal growth.
Lasting Impressions
Reflecting on last season’s painful playoff exit against the Minnesota Timberwolves after leading the series 3-2, Denver’s preseason focus has understandably pivoted towards endurance and resilience. The lessons from that disappointing finish seem to underscore Malone's approach to the preseason—preparing the team to withstand both the physical rigors of the season and the emotional turmoil of high-stakes games.
Overall, the Nuggets’ face-off against the Suns serves as more than just a scoreline-filled spectacle. It’s a microcosm of the broader challenges facing the franchise, fleshed out through Malone's tactical choices, player conditioning strategies, and adaptation to roster changes. As the Nuggets navigate the preseason, these insights will likely chart their course towards achieving a more enduring postseason performance.