In a tightly contested preseason clash, the Denver Nuggets narrowly fell to the Phoenix Suns, 118-114. Despite the outcome, the game offered a glimpse into the strategies and adjustments that Denver's head coach, Michael Malone, is planning for the coming season.
Testing the Waters
Playing through preseason games is not merely about winning; it's about preparation and experimentation. For Malone, the primary focus was on testing his starting unit's endurance and resilience. "Played that starting unit the whole third quarter to try to push their envelope a little bit," Malone commented post-game. This tactic illustrates his intent to strengthen the core cohesion and conditioning of his top players as the regular season approaches.
Despite his aggressive approach, Malone acknowledged the physical demands this might place on his players. "That was probably a little bit hard on some of those guys. In practice I think we can get up and down more," he explained. Malone also recognized a broader trend affecting modern NBA teams. "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."
Adapting to Challenges
The game also served as a reminder of how swiftly dynamics can shift due to unforeseen circumstances. During the match, Jamal Murray, a pivotal player for the Nuggets, sat out the second half to nurse a knee issue. In Murray’s absence, Malone turned to Christian Braun and Julian Swather, hinting at his possible rotation choices should health concerns arise during the season.
Reflecting on the team's conditioning, Michael Porter Jr. pointed out an area of focus, "The better conditioned you are, the most opportunities will find you because you're just always moving." This sentiment underscores a critical aspect of professional sports: superior conditioning can be a game-changer, translating into more scoring chances and ultimately, victories. Porter Jr. added, "That's a big goal for me this year," indicating his commitment to maintaining the physical fitness necessary to excel.
Season Preparations and Setbacks
As the Nuggets gear up for the new season, they are doing so with the knowledge of past shortcomings. Last year, Denver faced a disheartening loss against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the playoffs, where they squandered a 3-2 series lead. Such experiences undoubtedly factor into their preseason considerations as they aim to build resilience and learn from previous mistakes.
Furthermore, the offseason saw the departure of Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, who signed with the Orlando Magic. His absence leaves a gap in both experience and talent that Malone and his coaching staff must address. Finding the right mix of players who can not only fill such voids but also elevate the team’s overall performance is a critical task at hand.
As the preseason progresses, the Nuggets remain focused on fine-tuning their strategies and ensuring that their players are both physically and mentally prepared. Navigating the season successfully will depend on the team's ability to adapt to changes, whether they stem from injuries or shifts in the roster brought on by trades and offseason movements. With a keen eye on past lessons and an unwavering commitment to rigorous preparation, the Nuggets hope to emerge stronger and ready to tackle the challenges ahead.