In a closely contested preseason matchup, the Denver Nuggets fell to the Phoenix Suns with a final score of 118-114. While the stakes were not as high as a regular-season game, the loss provided a testing ground for both teams as they prepare for the upcoming NBA campaign. For Denver, who dominated the Western Conference last season, this encounter offered some early insights into their roster dynamics and the challenges they might face.
Testing the Waters
Nuggets head coach Michael Malone took the opportunity to push his players hard in this preseason outing against the Suns. "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone commented post-game. The decision to run the starting lineup through the entirety of the third quarter underscores Malone's focus on evaluating his team's stamina and resilience, essential qualities as the long NBA season approaches.
However, this approach also raised questions about the physical toll on the players. "That was probably a little bit hard on some of those guys," Malone admitted. He expressed a criticism of the modern training regimens, suggesting that "as coaches and modern-day NBA, the league has gotten so soft. Everybody's afraid to condition and run. Well, we have to." His candid assessment highlights a desire to return to rigorous conditioning as a cornerstone of his coaching philosophy.
The Absence of Jamal Murray
A noticeable absence in the second half was that of Jamal Murray, who was sidelined with a knee issue. Without Murray, Malone turned to the bench for support, calling on Christian Braun and Julian Swather to step up. The absence of a pivotal player like Murray may have impacted the flow and rhythm of the team, yet it offered Braun and Swather invaluable court time to showcase their capabilities. Concerns about Murray’s knee will undoubtedly be a storyline to watch as the regular season nears, though the preseason is typically a time for caution with player health.
Adjustments and Moving Forward
For Denver, who were ousted from last year's playoffs by the Minnesota Timberwolves after leading 3-2 in the series, this preseason is about more than just winning games. It is about rebuilding and strengthening a unit that has seen some changes. One notable offseason departure was Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who left for the Orlando Magic. This exit alters the Nuggets' dynamics, requiring players like Michael Porter Jr. to step into larger roles.
Porter Jr. has already set clear objectives for himself this season. "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving," he said, articulating a personal mantra that aligns with Malone’s emphasis on conditioning. "That's a big goal for me this year," Porter Jr. added, signaling his readiness to embrace a greater share of the team's responsibilities.
Looking ahead, the Nuggets need to focus on cohesion, conditioning, and health as the foundational elements for a successful season. With a roster that has both veteran experience and emerging talent, the path forward involves integrating these aspects while fortifying their strategies on the court. Malone’s assertive approach in the preseason—demanding high standards and conditioning—could pave the way for sustained efforts and achievements, aiming to surpass the hurdles faced in the previous postseason and aspire for a triumphant campaign.