The intensity of an NBA preseason game rarely matches that of its regular-season counterparts, but when the Denver Nuggets clashed with the Phoenix Suns, there was no shortage of drama and strategic maneuvering. In a tightly contested matchup, the Nuggets fell short against the Suns, with a final score of 118-114. This loss came despite Denver's efforts to test the resilience and conditioning of their starting lineup.
Strategic Third Quarter
Denver's head coach, Michael Malone, approached the game with a particular focus on endurance and conditioning, opting to keep his starting unit on the court for the entire third quarter. "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone explained post-game, shedding light on his strategy to extend his players' limits.
The rigorous approach may have been demanding, but Malone underscored the necessity of building endurance, especially in the modern NBA landscape. "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 added, emphasizing a return to a more traditional conditioning approach.
Absences and Adjustments
However, the game did not come without its challenges. Jamal Murray, the cornerstone of Denver's backcourt, was absent in the second half due to a knee issue, creating a significant void in the team's offensive and defensive configuration. In the face of this setback, Malone turned to Christian Braun and Julian Swather. Their presence was an opportunity for these less-experienced players to showcase their skills and adapt to the dynamic demands of the game.
Post-Season Reflections
The shades of last year's playoff disappointment against the Minnesota Timberwolves loomed over the team. Despite leading the series 3-2, the Nuggets ultimately succumbed to the Timberwolves, highlighting the significance of resilience and capability under pressure, lessons that Malone aims to impress upon his squad through these preseason encounters.
Roster Changes and Future Aspirations
The offseason saw the Nuggets losing Kentavious Caldwell-Pope to the Orlando Magic, a shift that inevitably impacted team dynamics. Yet, focus remains on the existing talent and their capacity to fill gaps and overcome competitive challenges.
Michael Porter Jr., aiming to step up his contributions, resonates with Malone's conditioning philosophy. "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving," Porter Jr. noted, reflecting a personal goal that fits well with the team’s overall objectives. "That's a big goal for me this year," he added, speaking to his ambitions for the upcoming season.
The Nuggets’ preseason journey continues with these small but critical lessons, as they aim to transform these trials into catalysts for success in the upcoming season. Although the preseason scoreboard might not count towards their season tally, the insights and experiences gained certainly will as the team prepares for the rigors of the NBA season ahead.