As the NBA preseason games give teams a chance to finetune strategies and test rotations, the Denver Nuggets had their mettle tested against the Phoenix Suns, falling short with a 118-114 loss. The game, while not affecting standings, provided valuable insights into Denver's readiness for the upcoming season.
Intensive Playtime Strategy
Michael Malone, the Nuggets' head coach, opted for an aggressive approach, keeping his starters on the floor through the entire third quarter. This move, as he described, was an attempt to “push their envelope a little bit” and assess the team’s conditioning under sustained pressure. Such a tactic isn't without risks, especially in a game where the outcomes aren't critiqued as harshly as in the regular season. Still, Malone emphasized the necessity of endurance, lamenting how modern NBA trends have led to a softer approach to conditioning. "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 remarked.
Adjustments in the Lineup
The Nuggets faced an unexpected hiccup when Jamal Murray, one of their key players, was absent in the second half due to a knee issue. This led Malone to call upon Christian Braun and Julian Swather to fill in the gap Murray left. The adaptability of the Nuggets' roster is a crucial component of Malone's strategy, and these changes provided insights into potential rotational adjustments the team might consider should injuries strike during the regular season.
Reflections on Past Performances
The Nuggets' preseason endeavors come on the heels of a particularly nerve-wracking playoff series last year, where the team lost to the Minnesota Timberwolves despite having a 3-2 lead. The bitter memory of that series serves as a poignant reminder of the need for resilience and tactical sharpness. Coupled with the offseason loss of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic, the Nuggets are focusing on bolstering their defensive and offensive lines to avoid repeating past mistakes.
Conditioning: A Path to Success
Michael Porter Jr., reflecting Malone's sentiments, underscored the importance of conditioning. “The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving,” he noted. For Porter Jr., who has set high personal goals for the season, maintaining peak physical condition is paramount. "That's a big goal for me this year," he affirmed, signaling his commitment to being an integral part of the Nuggets' competitive edge.
The preseason results and respective strategies employed by Malone and his coaching staff illustrate the challenging balance between pushing players towards their peak potential and guarding against overexertion. As the Nuggets gear up for the regular season, their blend of strategic experimentation and lessons learned from past seasons will be vital as they strive for better results.