Denver Nuggets: Two Keys to Success in the 2017 Season
Mar 2, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; A general view of the Pepsi Center during player introductions prior to the game between the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
The Denver Nuggets are looking to be a winning team again for the first time since 2013. This could be the year they get their record over the .500 mark.
Last season, the Nuggets had a record of 33-49, which was three more wins then the year prior. Still, it was three less wins than two years prior.
The Nuggets feel like they have the pieces to put together a winning team this season. Denver fans are ready for the club to be as good as it once was. They may not have a superstar player like Carmelo Anthony anymore, but they a solid and deep roster.
The Nuggets are confident in Mike Malone and his ability to fully utilize this roster. Bleacher Report ranked Malone as a top 15 coach and this year should be a true testament to his coaching abilities.
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Vegas has the over-under for the Nuggets’ wins at 34.5. How do the Nuggets achieve the over for the 2016-2017 season? Here are two basic keys to success the Nuggets this year.
What do you think the Nuggets should focus on this season? Let us know in the comments or on Twitter!
Feb 10, 2016; Auburn Hills, MI, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Will Barton (5) and guard Gary Harris (14) celebrate with the bench during the second quarter against the Detroit Pistons at The Palace of Auburn Hills. Nuggets win 103-92. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Get Ahead Early
The NBA is a game of runs and streaks, but even at the end of games you don’t want to have to rely on your team being on the streak.
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The Nuggets are not particularly bad in the fourth quarter. In fact there were times last year when their fourth quarter push was what won them the game. Sometimes, though, the fourth quarter assault fell short because of the hole the Nuggets dug themselves in the beginning.
For example, the Nuggets played the Sacramento Kings in February last season. After the first quarter the Nuggets trailed by seven and at halftime the Kings had added six more points to that lead. After halftime, the Nuggets outscored the Kings in the third and fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough because of the deficit they put themselves in. The Nuggets played the Kings again four days later and it was almost exactly the same story.
The first two quarters really set the pace for the rest of the game. If teams get a large lead, they can sit on it and focus more on defense. Teams will also attempt to push the lead even further and make a win almost unreachable for their opponent.
If the Nuggets can come out strong and put it on the opposing defense then they won’t need Mudiay to hit a buzzer beater or worry about Joe Johnson sinking one on them.
Apr 10, 2016; Denver, CO, USA; Utah Jazz guard Rodney Hood (5) controls the ball against Denver Nuggets center Jusuf Nurkic (23) and center Nikola Jokic (15) and forward Will Barton (5) and guard Emmanuel Mudiay (0) in the second quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Win Home Games
I know what you’re thinking, “to be successful the Nuggets need to win? Duh!” It is so simple and that’s why it is so important!
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Last season the Nuggets’ home record was 18-23. Close to .500, so not bad, right? Well, compare that to the 2012-2013 season when the Nuggets’ home record was 38-3.
The Pepsi Center is arguably one of the best home court advantages in the NBA due to the altitude Nuggets players are accustomed to playing at. The Nuggets should be able to win more than 50 percent of their home games.
Winning at home makes a big difference when it comes to your overall record. The Memphis Grizzlies had the worst away record, at 16-25, out of the Western Conference. That is only one game better than the Nuggets. But the Grizzlies had a home record of 26-15 and took the seventh seed in the playoffs.
A team can gain confidence by winning at home. It puts the team in a good mental position and boosts moral. The team feels better about going on the road and if they have a tough loss, they can come home and make up for it.
The Nuggets don’t have to go back to 2013 and post a 38-3 home record, but they need to take advantage of more games at the Pepsi Center.