In a game where both teams are on a back to back, the Denver Nuggets look to stop their eight game losing streak against one of the top teams in the East. The Toronto Raptors have had a solid start to the season, led by the dynamic play of Kyle Lowry. The slimmed down point guard has been quicker on the offensive end, and just as effective as past seasons on defense. For the Nuggets to pull out a win, they will need to contain Lowry’s penetration (something the team has struggled with) and keep a handle on his three point shooting (something else the team has struggled with).
The Nuggets, however, did play a solid game last night, despite the loss. They did a very solid job against the explosive back court combination of Derrick Rose and Jimmy Butler. They also moved the ball well without turning it over, garnering 26 assists to only 7 give aways. With that being said, the Nuggets got absolutely destroyed on the boards, getting outrebounded by thirteen and giving up thirty(!) second chance points. Toronto’s front line, while not quite as long as that of the Bulls, is also in the top half of the league in offensive rebounding. Denver will need to do a better job finishing defensive possessions tonight if they are to have a chance.
