The Denver Nuggets faced the Phoenix Suns in an intense preseason matchup that ended with the Nuggets narrowly losing 118-114. This game highlighted some critical moments and decisions, both on and off the court.
Suns Edge Out Nuggets
Meeting the Phoenix Suns provided Denver with a rigorous test, shedding light on the areas requiring refinement as the regular season looms. Under the strategic eye of head coach Michael Malone, the Nuggets showcased moments of brilliance but ultimately fell short by a four-point margin. Michael Malone took decisive action during the game, opting to play his starting unit for the entirety of the third quarter. He explained, "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit."
This maneuver, while aimed at enhancing cohesion and conditioning, raised questions about the physical toll on the players. Malone reflected on the broader conditioning approach, stating, “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.”
Murray’s Unavailability and Adjustments
The Nuggets faced an unexpected challenge with Jamal Murray's absence in the second half due to a knee issue. This unplanned change forced Malone to adjust his tactics, and he turned to Christian Braun and Julian Swather to fill the gap. Their inclusion offered valuable court time and could be seen as a strategic decision for Malone to test depth options ahead of the regular season.
Reflecting on Last Season
The loss comes on the back of a disappointing playoff run last season, where the Nuggets succumbed to the Minnesota Timberwolves despite leading the series 3-2. Such lingering memories might serve as motivation to fine-tune strategies and gear up for a more formidable performance this year.
During the offseason, the team also experienced some personnel changes, notably the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. This change will inevitably alter the team dynamics, prompting players and coaches to recalibrate and adapt.
Looking Forward: Nuggets’ Conditioning Ethos
Despite the setback against the Suns, one central theme remains paramount for the Nuggets: endurance and conditioning. Michael Porter Jr., a key player for Denver, encapsulated this ethos, asserting, "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving." This philosophy is set to be a focal point of his performance goals, as he confirmed, "That's a big goal for me this year."
As the preseason unfolds and the Nuggets prepare for the upcoming season, these lessons and insights from their clash with Phoenix are likely to shape their approach. The road ahead may be fraught with challenges, but if Malone's insights and Porter Jr.'s aspirations are anything to go by, Denver fans may anticipate a team ready to rise to the occasion.