The 2017-18 season has already been a tale of peaks and valleys for the Denver Nuggets. Less than a month into the season, the Nuggets sit at a pedestrian 3-4; still looking to find their stride.
Many teams around the league have struggled with the shortened preseason and earlier-than-usual season start, the Nuggets included. In addition, it seems as if the departure of assistant coach Chris Finch, now an assistant with the New Orleans Pelicans, may be having an impact on Denver’s prolific offense early on. Regardless, it’s time for the Nuggets to get going.
The Nuggets will play their next six games in front of their home crowd, following a four-game, East Coast road trip in which Denver went 2-2.
The road trip was a mixed bag for Denver; they managed to iron out some critical issues like scoring, but some fundamental problems remain in three-point defense and rebounding.
Leading up to the road trip, the Nuggets’ offense was out of sync but managed to string together solid performances, recording 100-plus points in three of the four games away from the Mile High City.
Now back home, Denver has an interesting blend of games in front of them that they can use to settle into the season.
The Nuggets have been trending in the right direction as the year has gone along, ranking 16th in offensive rating and 18th in defensive rating.
The offense has slowly started to click, but is still working out some issues within schemes, rotations, and personnel. The defense has been improved so far compared to last season; their defensive rating sits at 105.2 on the year, up from last year’s 110.5.
While the season is still young, Denver has improved and continues to show signs of progress. With six games at home, the Nuggets have an opportunity to build off their successes and settle into a season riding with playoff aspirations.
The Nuggets will face the Toronto Raptors, Miami Heat, Golden State Warriors, Brooklyn Nets, Oklahoma City Thunder, and Orlando Magic on the homestand, a solid mix of talent which will serve as a useful measuring point for the season to date.
Denver will play six games over the course of the next 11 days, which also provides the squad time to rest while home — and an ample opportunity to correct their early-season woes and make-up lost ground in the ultra-competitive Western Conference.
The Nuggets will start their homestead tonight against the Toronto Raptors. Tip-off is scheduled for 7 p.m. MST.