In this episode of the Locked On Nuggets podcast, I recap Denver’s 96-86 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder in the final preseason game of the year for the Nuggets. I begin by discussing Wilson Chandler’s heroics on the defensive end this season. In the preseason minutes he’s played, Chandler has been Denver’s multi-tool on the defensive end, guarding some of the biggest scoring threats and providing focused and effective help side defense.
I also talk about the point guard rotation tonight and share what head coach Michael Malone had to say about it after the game. Jameer Nelson led the second unit and even played a lot of minutes alongside Jamal Murray and Will Barton in a dynamic small ball lineup.
Lastly, I talk about Murray’s experience getting the start against Russell Westbrook, who attacked Murray nearly every time down court. Murray lost that battle in a landslide but his resolve was fun to watch. I talk about how that resolve embodies this Denver team right now. At times outmatched and playing the role of the underdog, Murray and the Nuggets didn’t back down but also didn’t have enough to get the win. There are positives and negatives to take away from this game and from the preseason as a whole. Now, with just one week before the games begin to count, the real work begins.
