Mile High Maniac
Fansided

Denver Nuggets: Blazers Preview

By Michael Longhofer

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /
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DENVER, CO – APRIL 05: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets shouts instructions to his team as they play the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Pepsi Center on April 5, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO – APRIL 05: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets shouts instructions to his team as they play the Minnesota Timberwolves at the Pepsi Center on April 5, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

Last week was full of moratoriums on the Nuggets’ season and calls for Michael Malone’s ouster.

What a difference a week makes.  While there are valid questions about Malone’s use of his reserves, it’s hard to argue with the finished product.

As maddening as Will Barton is, he’s been as important to this team as anyone.  He’s filled every role he’s been asked to. That list is extensive, he’s started at Shooting Guard and Small Forward.  He’s played off-the-bench at the point, SG, SF and PF.  He’s provided leadership and energy for a squad desperate for those qualities.

Barton has been integral in the development of Jokic.  Allowing the Serbian big to pace himself has paid incredible dividends for Malone and the Nuggets.  He’s been given that opportunity partly on the back of Barton’s selfless contribution.  That type of contribution isn’t without some frustrating on-court decision-making.  Barton belongs in the discussion for team MVP.

Word of Gary Harris’ availability tonight (he’s been upgraded to ‘questionable’) is a mixed-bag.  We’ve seen that the Nuggets be slow to adjust to change.  Harris wasn’t gone as long as Millsap. The Nuggets have found a flow that they’ve ridden to their current streak.  If Harris is available, it might make more sense to keep boat-rocking to a minimum. Given this team’s performance this season.  Barton should start, Harris could provide spark off the bench.  Just for tonight, just to get their bearings back.

Like Crash Davis famously said in Bull Durham, “Never with a winning streak”.

There’s also a case that at their current level of play and at home, the Nuggets are nearly impossible to beat.  That, in itself is a feeling that has been unfamiliar at Pepsi for a long time.

As much as we like to decry the Charlie Brown existence of the Nuggets, there have been times when home wins were expected, no matter who they were playing.

Here’s hoping that time has returned.

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