Denver Nuggets: Sweep Three Game Home Stand

The Denver Nuggets entered this week with a 2-4 record, but after winning their last three home games, they improved their record to 5-4.

After beating the Los Angeles Lakers on November 3rd, the Denver Nuggets suffered back-to-back loses by double digits. The Nuggets lost by 12 at home to the Utah Jazz, followed by a 15 point road loss to the Golden State Warriors. The two losses dropped the Nuggets’ record to an unimpressive 2-4; however, they entered this week with three consecutive home games to hopefully re-enter the win column.

On Monday, the Denver Nuggets hosted the Portland Trailblazers. JJ Hickson led the Nuggets to their first win in three games, posting a double-double (19 points, 13 rebounds). Also, Will Barton faced his former team. The Trailblazer dealt Barton in the deal that brought Arron Afflalo to Portland. Moreover, Emmanuel Mudiay added 18 points, five assists, and six rebounds; Kenneth Faried contributed 17 points and eight rebounds in the home win against the Blazers.

Following the win against the Portland Trailblazers to open the Denver Nuggets’ three game home stand, the Nuggets faced the Milwaukee Bucks at home on Wednesday. The game between the Nuggets and Bucks was a nail-biter, coming down to the final play of the game. On the final possession, Bucks’ big man Greg Monroe had his game-winning shot rim out of the basket, and the Nuggets won by a score of 103-102. Danilo Gallinari led the way with 25 points and seven rebounds. Also, Mudiay added a double-double, scoring 16 points to go with 11 assists.

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After facing the Milwaukee Bucks, the Denver Nuggets faced the Houston Rockets to conclude their three game home stand. The Denver Nuggets opened the 2015-2016 season with a win on the road against the Rockets; however, the Rockets looked to redeem themselves on Friday. Danilo Gallinari’s strong performance Wednesday carried over to Friday. He scored 27 points, a game-high for the Nuggets. Also, Will Barton added 25 points of his own. Mudiay contributed 11 assists, but he only scored two points. Lastly, Faried posted a double-double in Friday’s win over the Rockets, scoring 14 points with 11 rebounds.

With the win against the Rockets, the Denver Nuggets moved above the .500 mark since the first game of the season (also against the Houston Rockets). The Nuggets improved their record to 5-4, but they embark on a three game road trip before returning back to the Pepsi Center for four-straight games. The Nuggets face the Phoenix Suns, New Orleans Pelicans, and San Antonio Spurs before returning home next Friday (11/20) to face the Suns. Hopefully, the Nuggets continue their winning ways on the road to sustain their winning record.

The San Antonio Spurs present the toughest matchup for the Denver Nuggets on their upcoming road stretch, but the games against the Suns and Pelicans are both winnable. If the Nuggets manage to take two out of three on the road, they return to Denver with a 7-5 record and look to bring hope to the Mile High City. The Nuggets need consistent production out of Gallinari, Mudiay, and Faried to stand a chance for a playoff push this season. Mudiay comes off of back-to-back 11 assist games, and he is quickly becoming a great facilitator in the NBA.

Next: Emmanuel Mudiay: Denver Nuggets' Future Star?

Look for the Denver Nuggets to lean heavily on Emmanuel Mudiay going forward. He is one of the most underrated prospects in the NBA, but if he continues his impressive start, he vaults himself into Rookie of the Year considerations. Also, Gallinari comes off of two-straight games of 25 or more points, so hopefully, he continues his torrid scoring. The Nuggets hope to get Joffrey Lauvergne back in the upcoming days, and that bodes well for their bench. Until then, JJ Hickson figures to get an increase in minutes in the Nuggets’ front-court.

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