Through six games of the NBA season so far, the Denver Nuggets have a top three offensive rating in most statistical databases. They have the top offense in the NBA in Adjusted Offensive Rating on Dunks and Threes, which takes into account the strength of schedule and how it impacts the numbers.
And yet, it could be so much better.
As a team, the Nuggets are shooting just 34.7% from three-point range which ranks 17th across the NBA. They don’t attempt a high number of threes, but the ones they do take are often quality looks. With three starters shooting under 30% from three (Nikola Jokic – 29%, Cameron Johnson – 25%, Christian Braun (21.4%) and Jamal Murray back under 35% from three after a rough game last night, there are several areas where the Nuggets expect to regress in a positive way.
Imagining what the Nuggets can do offensively when the great shots they’re generating are actually made is an encouraging sign for where the numbers could go on that end of the floor.
On the latest episode of Pickaxe and Roll, Ryan Blackburn (questionable due to illness) fights through the show to discuss the Denver Nuggets win over the Sacramento Kings. Russell Westbrook did his best, but the Kings had no hope of slowing down Denver’s offense so focused on creating great shots. Nikola Jokic was dominant, and the Nuggets could’ve scored more if their threes went in.
Pickaxe and Roll is the flagship Denver Nuggets show on Mile High Sports, posting every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday (unless otherwise specified). Ryan Blackburn breaks down the Nuggets in detail, bringing news, analytics, rotations, and more into a show for hardcore Nuggets fans.
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