Preseason Grit: Nuggets Fall to Suns, But Conditioning is Key
In a tightly contested preseason matchup, the Denver Nuggets fell to the Phoenix Suns with a score of 118-114. Despite the loss, Denver's head coach Michael Malone took the opportunity to experiment with his lineup and push the limits of his starting players' endurance. The game provided a crucial glimpse into the Nuggets' strategy and challenges as they anticipate a new season.
Michael Malone didn't hold back, making a bold decision to play his starting unit for the entire third quarter. "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone remarked, indicating a desire to test his team’s stamina early on. Malone emphasized that such decisions are part of a broader strategy to condition his team. He observed, "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."
Unfortunately for the Nuggets, Jamal Murray was conspicuously absent in the second half, sidelined by a knee issue. In his absence, Malone turned to Christian Braun and Julian Swather to fill the gap. Though these adjustments are typical of preseason play, the loss of a key player like Murray is always a point of concern.
The Nuggets’ preseason loss comes on the heels of last year's playoff heartbreak, where they were ousted by the Minnesota Timberwolves after leading the series 3-2. This bitter memory lingers over the franchise, serving as a poignant reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NBA.
Another off-court development for the Nuggets this offseason was the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who moved to the Orlando Magic. His absence will be felt as Denver seeks to recalibrate and fill the void left by his departure.
Despite these challenges, there's a palpable sense of determination within the team. Nuggets' forward Michael Porter Jr. spoke about the personal goals he has set for himself this season, stemming from the lessons of previous years. "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving," Porter Jr. declared, underscoring the essence of constant movement on the court. He added, "That's a big goal for me this year."
As the Nuggets gear up for the regular season, the emphasis remains on conditioning and preparation, cornerstones for a team looking to overcome past hurdles and new obstacles. With the regular season approaching, Coach Malone’s commitment to conditioning and adaptability could be the key to tapping into the team's full potential. Through these efforts, the Nuggets aim not only to bounce back from the preseason setback but also to navigate the challenges of the upcoming season with resilience and grit.