In an early preseason showcase, the Denver Nuggets fell short to the Phoenix Suns, ending with a close scoreline of 118-114. Despite the defeat, the contest served as a valuable testing ground for Michael Malone's squad, providing the coaching staff with critical insights and decisions to scrutinize as the regular season approaches.
Testing Endurance
For the Nuggets, this match was not just about the final score but about pushing the limits of their lineup's physical and mental endurance. Coach Michael Malone expressed his intentions clearly, deciding to extend the playing time of his starting unit throughout the entire third quarter. "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone explained. This decision underscores a developmental approach aimed at enhancing the team's conditioning, a traditional attribute often overlooked in today's NBA pace.
Malone didn't mince words regarding the current conditioning culture in the league, voicing his view on what he perceives as a softer modern NBA. "That was probably a little bit hard on some of those guys. In practice, I think we can get up and down more. I think so often as coaches and modern-day NBA, the league has gotten so soft. Everybody's afraid to condition and run. Well, we have to," Malone commented. His words resonate as a clarion call for a return to basics, emphasizing the critical importance of conditioning in sustaining hustle throughout a grueling basketball season.
Challenging Adjustments
Amid these endurance tests, the Nuggets faced logistical challenges with a significant player absence. Jamal Murray, a pivotal force for Denver, did not partake in the latter half due to a knee concern. His absence forced Coach Malone to adapt, turning to emerging talents Christian Braun and Julian Swather to fill the gap. This contingency plan highlights Malone's readiness to explore the depth of his roster ahead of more consequential games.
The transition from seasoned performers to younger, developing players is a gamble that carries risks but also offers opportunities for growth and surprise. While Braun and Swather's assimilation into the play was swift, the absence of Murray's experience was palpable, something the team will need to address as the preseason progresses.
Last Season's Lessons
The preseason setbacks come on the heels of a disappointing playoff series loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves last year, where the Nuggets let slip a 3-2 series lead. Such previous season memories serve as a stark reminder of the razor-thin margins that separate advancement and elimination in competitive sports.
Furthermore, the team also grapples with a significant offseason change, losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. This departure marks yet another hole in the Nuggets' roster that will need careful filling if the team aims to rebalance and strengthen its ranks.
Building Better Conditioning
Looking to the future, Denver’s players and coaching staff remain focused on building resilience and adaptability. One of the team’s key players, Michael Porter Jr., outlined conditioning as a personal target. "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving," Porter stated, emphasizing the belief that tireless effort on the court opens pathways to success. "That's a big goal for me this year," he added, signaling a personal commitment that seems in harmony with the team's broader objectives.
As the Denver Nuggets continue their preseason journey, they can draw on the lessons from their encounter with the Suns. Balancing fitness with strategic adaptability remains a guiding theme for Coach Malone's approach. The Nuggets will hope that these trials, however testing, build towards a successful and resilient campaign.