Denver Nuggets: Return Home for Three-Straight
The Denver Nuggets suffered a blow-out loss to the reigning NBA Finals Champion Golden State Warriors; however, can they right the ship with a three-game home stand starting on Monday?
The Denver Nuggets traveled to California to take on the Golden State Warriors; however, the reigning NBA Champs proved to be too much for the Nuggets to handle, losing 119-104. Danilo Gallinari led the Nuggets with 25 points, and Kenneth Faried helped on the glass with a team-high 11 rebounds. But, Stephen Curry and company outplayed the young Denver squad. The 15-point loss marked the second-consecutive double-digit loss for the Denver Nuggets.
The Nuggets’ loss to Golden State dropped their record to 2-4, and the Denver Nuggets lost their second-straight contest, with the previous loss coming at home against the Utah Jazz. The Nuggets continue their rebuilding process; although, the process seems never-ending. This season, the Nuggets possess a nice blend of young and veteran players. With a slew of young players like Emmanuel Mudiay, Kenneth Faried, Gary Harris, and others, the Nuggets depend on the veteran leadership of Jameer Nelson and Danilo Gallinari.
After routing the Houston Rockets in their opening game, the Denver Nuggets only won one game in their last five, a road win against the Los Angeles Lakers. Despite the road loss to the Warriors, the Nuggets have a nice chance to end their losing streak, and perhaps, move their record back over the .500 mark. The Nuggets host the Portland Trailblazers (11/9), Milwaukee Bucks (11/11), and Houston Rockets (11/13) next week before going on the road for three-straight games.
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The Portland Trailblazers lost a good-bit of their core via free agency and trades. LaMarcus Aldridge left via free agency to play for the San Antonio Spurs, and the Blazers traded Nicolas Batum to the Charlotte Hornets. With a new-look Blazers team coming to town, the Denver Nuggets have a good chance to win their home tilt. After the matchup with the Blazers on Monday, the Denver Nuggets host the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday. The Bucks continue to improve their roster each year, so the matchup presents a tough task for the Nuggets.
Greg Monroe, Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Jabari Parker head the Bucks’ starting rotation, and the Bucks presents matchup problems at a few positions. However, the Denver Nuggets’ young core could prove to be pesky. With wins against Portland and Milwaukee, the Nuggets will reach the .500 threshold going into their home matchup against one of the best teams in the Western Conference, the Houston Rockets.
The Denver Nuggets opened their 2015-2016 season with a blowout win on the road against James Harden‘s Houston Rockets. Also, Dwight Howard suffered an injury earlier in the season, but the Rockets believe he will be ready to play soon. In addition to Howard’s injury, the Rockets are without Terrance Jones. With an injury-riddled Rockets team coming to Denver, the Nuggets have a chance to clean-sweep their three home games next week. If the Nuggets win all three games at home next week, they go on the road with a 5-4 record and some added confidence.
Next: Emmanuel Mudiay: Denver Nuggets' Future Star?
Hopefully, the Denver Nuggets do not disappoint at home, and they take care of business. With a young squad like the Nuggets, anything can happen. Look for Emmanuel Mudiay to continue to develop as a budding star in the NBA. Mudiay needs to take over as the go-to option for the Nuggets, because as a 6’5” point guard, he presents matchup nightmares for nearly every team. If the Nuggets struggle early this season, it could be another lengthy season for Nuggets’ fans.