The Denver Nuggets’ recent matchup against the LA Clippers provided a glimpse of both the potential and the challenges facing the team this season
With a renewed focus on defense, chemistry, and leadership, the Nuggets have the foundation for success.
Despite the frustration of the recent loss, the Denver Nuggets have ample opportunities to improve and grow as a team. With Coach Malone’s leadership, the talent of Nikola Jokic, and the added depth of Westbrook and Saric, Denver has the tools needed to succeed.
Every game offers a chance to learn and refine strategies, and with continued effort, the Nuggets can overcome their early-season struggles.
Denver’s early season struggles, underscored by underwhelming performances from Westbrook and Saric, highlight the challenges of adapting to roster changes and developing team chemistry.
However, both players have proven their capabilities throughout their careers, and with the right adjustments, they can contribute significantly to the Nuggets’ success.
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Table of Contents
Mike Malone: Denver Nuggets’ Tough Night Against LA Clippers
The Denver Nuggets faced a challenging game on Saturday night, falling 109-104 to the LA Clippers.1
Despite a phenomenal 41-point effort from their star Nikola Jokic, the Nuggets were outpaced by a Clippers team that delivered impressive performances, particularly from James Harden and Norman Powell.
Even in the absence of their star Kawhi Leonard, the Clippers showcased resilience, and the Nuggets now face questions about integrating new players and finding their rhythm in upcoming games. Let’s dive into the details of this matchup and the lessons Denver can take forward.
Clippers’ Balanced Attack Overcomes Jokic’s Dominance
Nikola Jokic did his best to lead the Nuggets, pouring in 41 points with his usual efficiency and skill. However, it wasn’t enough to withstand the Clippers’ balanced attack.
James Harden played a pivotal role, finishing with a well-rounded 23 points, 16 assists, and six rebounds. Harden’s playmaking made a difference, setting up scoring opportunities for his teammates while also being a consistent scoring option himself.
Harden’s contributions were well-complemented by Norman Powell, who exploded for 37 points and displayed incredible shooting from deep, knocking down seven of his 11 three-point attempts.
OJ was innocent!!!
— Michael Malone (@RealCoachMalone) March 8, 2018
Norman Powell’s Career Night
Norman Powell was the real game-changer for the Clippers. Known for his explosive scoring ability, Powell delivered one of his most outstanding performances of the season, finishing with 37 points and connecting on seven three-pointers.
His hot shooting helped the Clippers pull away in critical moments of the game, taking advantage of open looks and hitting shots even with defenders closing in.
Powell’s efficiency and confidence on the offensive end underscored the depth the Clippers possess, even in the absence of Kawhi Leonard.
James Harden’s versatility was on full display in this matchup. Beyond his 23 points, Harden facilitated the Clippers’ offense beautifully, racking up 16 assists.
This playmaking prowess allowed Harden to orchestrate the floor, enabling his teammates to find high-percentage shots and creating a flow that the Nuggets struggled to disrupt.
Harden’s ability to involve others has been a vital component of his game, and he executed it flawlessly against Denver, helping the Clippers exploit defensive gaps and maintain their lead.
Coach Mike Malone’s Postgame Reflections
After the loss, Nuggets coach Mike Malone did not hold back on his disappointment.2
In his postgame comments, he acknowledged the difficult start to the season, urging his team to regroup and approach their next games with a fresh perspective.
“This is not the start we wanted, but it’s our reality,” Malone stated bluntly. His message was clear: the team needs to use this setback as motivation to rediscover their rhythm and work harder on the fundamentals.
Integrating Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric
One of the critical challenges for Coach Malone has been incorporating two new veteran players, Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric.
Malone spoke about the difficulties of integrating these seasoned players into the Nuggets’ system. He emphasized the importance of adjusting lineups and strategies to better utilize Westbrook’s dynamic playmaking and Saric’s shooting and versatility.
As the team travels to face the Toronto Raptors, Malone hopes that continued practice and in-game adjustments will improve the team’s cohesion.
After the tough loss to the Clippers, the Nuggets must shift their focus to their next games. With road games ahead, including a matchup against the Toronto Raptors, the Nuggets will need to improve their on-court chemistry and defensive discipline.
Consistency will be key if Denver hopes to avoid further setbacks, and Coach Malone’s emphasis on hard work and a positive outlook could help the team get back on track.
Addressing Defensive Concerns
- One of the pressing issues for the Nuggets has been their defensive performance. Despite Jokic’s offensive heroics, the Nuggets were unable to contain the Clippers’ perimeter shooters.
- Norman Powell’s seven three-pointers highlighted Denver’s struggles in defending the three-point line, an area they will need to address moving forward.
- As the team continues to adjust to new personnel, prioritizing communication and rotations on defense will be essential to limit high-scoring outbursts from opponents.
- The Nuggets’ early-season challenges emphasize the importance of building chemistry. With new players like Westbrook and Saric, the team is still learning to play together, and it’s clear that more time and effort are needed to find their rhythm.
- As the season progresses, focusing on fostering a cohesive team environment will be crucial for Denver’s long-term success.
- Ensuring that each player understands their role within the system will enable the team to perform at a high level, especially in critical late-game situations.
Turning Setbacks into Growth Opportunities
Coach Malone’s message after the loss was one of resilience. Recognizing that losses are a part of the process, he urged his team to embrace the reality of the situation and use it as a learning experience.
Setbacks can serve as growth opportunities, enabling players to identify areas for improvement and develop mental toughness. As the Nuggets look ahead, adopting this mindset will help them overcome challenges and emerge stronger as a team.
Adding experienced players like Westbrook and Saric to the roster brings leadership and wisdom to the Nuggets.
Veteran players often have the ability to keep younger teammates focused and guide them through the ups and downs of a long season.
Westbrook’s intensity and Saric’s composure will be assets to the Nuggets, especially during moments of adversity. Their presence in the locker room could serve as a stabilizing force as the team works to find its identity and consistency.
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Mike Malone: Nuggets’ Struggles Continue with Loss to Clippers
The Denver Nuggets faced early challenges this season, including back-to-back losses against the Oklahoma City Thunder and the Los Angeles Clippers.3
After offseason changes saw key players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope depart, the Nuggets brought in veterans Russell Westbrook and Dario Saric, aiming to add experience and depth to the roster.
However, both players have struggled to find their footing, and the Nuggets’ performance has reflected these challenges. Here’s a closer look at Westbrook’s and Saric’s recent games and what lies ahead for Denver.
Westbrook’s Tough Start with Denver
Russell Westbrook, one of the most dynamic players in the NBA over the past decade, has yet to find his rhythm with the Nuggets.
Known for his aggressive, all-around playstyle, Westbrook brings a history of triple-doubles and MVP-caliber performances.
However, in his first two games with Denver, he’s struggled to produce the kind of numbers fans expect. In the season opener against Oklahoma City, Westbrook went 2-for-10 from the field, including 1-for-6 from three-point range. This slow start continued in Denver’s matchup against the Clippers.
In the Clippers game, Westbrook logged just two points, both from the free-throw line. His 0-for-8 shooting performance added to the Nuggets’ scoring woes, leaving Denver in search of a consistent offensive rhythm.
While he contributed two assists, two steals, and a rebound, Westbrook’s inability to score efficiently limited his impact on the game.
Dario Saric’s Struggles in Limited Minutes
Dario Saric was also brought in during the offseason, expected to bolster Denver’s frontcourt with his shooting and versatility. Yet, like Westbrook, Saric has faced a challenging start to the season.
In the game against the Clippers, Saric played 11 minutes but did not score, missing both his field-goal attempts and collecting just two rebounds.
Saric’s performance against Oklahoma City was similarly lackluster, with only two points scored in 11 minutes. Despite his talent and experience, Saric has struggled to establish a significant role with Denver so far.
His lack of scoring and rebounding has put additional pressure on the team’s other frontcourt players, leaving the Nuggets searching for ways to capitalize on his potential.
Mike Malone’s Focus on Defensive Consistency
Denver’s head coach Mike Malone has always emphasized defense, but he now faces the challenge of balancing defensive priorities with an offense that has yet to click.
The Nuggets’ defensive structure has shown glimpses of promise, with solid moments of pressure against both the Thunder and the Clippers. However, the scoring drought has overshadowed these defensive efforts.
Malone recognizes that improved shooting is essential to maximize Denver’s defensive stops. He has pointed to their upcoming game against the Toronto Raptors as a potential turning point, a chance for the team to refocus and find balance between offensive and defensive execution.
The Role of Offseason Changes in Denver’s Slow Start
Losing key players like Kentavious Caldwell-Pope in the offseason impacted Denver’s chemistry and overall performance.
Caldwell-Pope’s role on both ends of the floor was critical in previous seasons, especially as a three-and-D specialist who could stretch the floor and defend effectively. With new additions like Westbrook and Saric, Denver hoped to maintain or even elevate its performance, but the transition has been rocky.
This period of adjustment may require time as the new roster adapts and players find their roles. For the Nuggets to emerge as contenders, they will need Westbrook and Saric to contribute more effectively.
Their experience and potential are valuable assets, but they’ll have to demonstrate consistency to help the team move forward.
Veteran Experience: How Westbrook and Saric Can Lead by Example
While both players have had rough starts, Westbrook and Saric’s veteran experience remains invaluable.
Westbrook, known for his relentless energy and competitive drive, can inspire younger teammates with his work ethic and leadership. Even in shooting slumps, his vocal presence and intensity on defense set a tone for the rest of the squad.
Saric, with his ability to stretch the floor, has the potential to open up lanes for Denver’s other scorers. His experience in multiple systems throughout his career can be a valuable asset as he finds ways to integrate into Denver’s offense.
Together, these veterans can help the Nuggets develop a resilient mentality as they work to overcome their early-season struggles.
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