Four games into the 2015-16 NBA season, the Denver Nuggets have been a Jekyll and Hyde team. Two blowout wins, two blowout losses. Unfortunately, tonight’s opponent, the Utah Jazz, look to be the kind of team the Nuggets struggle with. The combination of Rudy Gobert and Derrick Favors are long, athletic and excellent at protecting the rim. For the Nuggets – who are incredibly short handed up front – to have a good chance of winning this game, they need to commit to attacking these two bigs. They cannot let themselves get intimidated from venturing into the paint as they were against the Timberwolves.
Even if they get some shots blocked, Denver must attack the rim with vigor all night. They simply do not have the shooting to settle for outside shots all night, especially considering that the Jazz will look to use their length advantage at the offensive end, also. Most likely, the play in the paint on both ends will tell the tale of this game. Gallo and Mudiay need to go strong to the hole without worrying about the shot block. Too often, both have shied away from contact rather than seeking it in this young season.
As a side note, Good luck to Erick Green in your future basketball career and welcome to Kostas Papanikolaou.
