Denver Nuggets are Surging for the One Seed in NBA Playoffs

What Harrison Wind of DNVR sports reported clearly shows that the Nuggets are ready for another deep playoff push. They want the top seed too. Since the All-Star break, Nikola Jokic has not held back. He started the second half of the season with four straight triple-doubles, tying a career-high. After an off game against the Miami Heat, he bounced back against the Lakers.

Michael Porter Jr. has been huge coming out of the all-star break. He’s averaged 22.3 points a game with 56.5% from the field and 43.2% from the three-point line to go along with 9.3 rebounds. In the last game, he became the first player in NBA history to record 25 points, 10 rebounds and 5 threes while not missing a shot.

When MPJ is playing well, the Nuggets play well. He is the clear X-factor when it comes down to the team. In games where he gets involved, they have a more fluid offense and score with ease. Not a team in the league is able to stop the Nuggets in their Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic two-man game. They have a deadly three-point shooter in Porter Jr, another great shooter in Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and one of the best lob threats in the league in Aaron Gordon if the pick and roll fails.

Role Players are Stepping Up

Both Kentavious Caldwell-Pope and Jamal Murray are still dealing with minor injuries. In their absence, many role players have stepped up into increased roles. One of those players being Justin Holiday. He has played solid defense in his minutes and has been great from the three-point line, shooting a career high 40.7%.

Christian Braun is another player who has seemingly brushed off his sophomore slump. Although his shooting is still inconsistent, mostly due to a lack of attempts, his defense is back to where it was his rookie season. His effort and energy are contagious as he always seems to be playing pestering defense or fighting for loose balls.

I have talked a lot about Peyton Watson and his emergence this season, and I will continue to praise him for his play. His shooting has come a long way, even since the start of the season. He is confidently shooting and making threes. His rim protection is unmatched at the wing position as he still leads the league in blocks per 36 minutes for any player 6’8″ or shorter.

The Nuggets look to extend their winning streak to seven straight tonight against the Phoenix Suns at home.