In a closely contested preseason matchup, the Denver Nuggets succumbed to a 118-114 loss against the Phoenix Suns. While preseason games often prioritise experimentation and conditioning over final outcomes, this clash offered valuable insights into the strategies and challenges faced by the reigning Western Conference champions.
Malone's Strategy and Challenges
Denver head coach Michael Malone's tactical approach was clear: build endurance and test the limits of his starting lineup. "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone revealed post-game. This decision highlighted his intent to toughen the team for the arduous season ahead, even at the cost of immediate fatigue for his top players. Malone acknowledges the physical demands of gearing up for the regular season, expressing a growing impatience with the modern NBA’s softer conditioning routines. "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," he remarked.
Adjusting Without Jamal Murray
The absence of star guard Jamal Murray in the second half, due to a knee issue, added another layer of complexity to Denver’s game plan. In his stead, Malone turned to Christian Braun and Julian Swather to fill the void. While the loss of a player of Murray’s calibre would unsettle most squads, it provides an opportunity for emerging talents like Braun and Swather to stake their claim within the rotation.
Reflecting on Past Seasons
The specter of the previous season’s playoff loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves looms large over the Nuggets. Leading the series 3-2, the Nuggets were ultimately outdone, marking a bruising end to their postseason run. This offseason, they have had to recalibrate their squad dynamics, particularly after losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic. Such changes necessitate adaptive strategies and a revised approach to team cohesion and performance.
Aiming for Better Conditioning and Opportunity
For standout forward Michael Porter Jr., this season represents an opportunity for personal and professional growth, focusing on enhancing his physical conditioning as a path to seizing greater opportunities. "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving," he noted. Reflecting an intention to be an even more pivotal figure for the Nuggets, Porter Jr. emphasized, "That's a big goal for me this year."
Despite the setback against the Suns, Malone's commitment to rigorous preparation and the Nuggets' focus on optimizing player conditioning signals a team intent on refining their craft. As preseason unfolds, the Nuggets will undoubtedly continue to iterate on strategies that balance player endurance with tactical robustness, setting the stage for an assertive entrance into the regular season.