The Denver Nuggets knocked off the Philadelphia 76ers in wild fashion Wednesday night, but Emmanuel Mudiay‘s game-winning shot should not be the only topic of discussion this morning.
The win earned the Nuggets their fifth straight home win, something that had not been done since March 23 of the 2014 season. The win streak was also a season high at home this year.
Since the All-Star break, the Nuggets have done a much better job at protecting their home paint, owning a record of 6-4 in the Pepsi Center.
This is something that Coach Michael Malone has preached all year long in his pre- and post-game conferences. With things now clicking into place, the results have led to both wins and a more-positive locker room.
The Nuggets are 17-19 at home, with five home games remaining on the schedule; meaning, the opportunity is still there to finish with a winning record at the Pepsi Center.
And while winning is nice, there is something with this team that goes beyond wins and losses. These guys are like brothers to one another; they love basketball just as much as they love playing with each other. The Nuggets keep telling us that “It’s a new day,” and that’s because there’s a new culture in the locker room.
Maybe it’s because the Brian Shaw regime was so awful, or maybe it is because these guys play as a unit instead of as individuals; whatever the case, this team is fun to watch, and their rise through the NBA is only just beginning.
The Nuggets have a promising young core of players in Emmanuel Mudiay, Garry Harris and Nikola Jokic. They also have seasoned veterans in Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried, as well as solid players who come of the bench in Will Barton and Darrell Arthur; all elements of a winning team.
And no, the Nuggets aren’t in the playoffs and they don’t have a winning record. But that’s not what is important right now. What’s important is that they’re getting better each and every day. The credit has to go to Michael Malone.
Just look at how the Nuggets’ young corps has improved from the first half of the season to the second:
Emmanuel Mudiay (Pre All-Star Break): 30.2 minutes; 11.4 points; 5.9 assists; 3.2 rebounds
Emmanuel Mudiay (Post All-Star Break): 30.9 minutes; 14.6 points; 5.1 assists; 3.9 rebounds
Nikola Jokic (Pre All-Star Break): 20.0 minutes; 9.5 points; 1.9 assists; 5.9 rebounds
Nikola Jokic (Post All-Star Break): 23.4 minutes; 11.8 points; 3.3 assists; 8.2 rebounds
Gary Harris (Pre All-Star Break): 31.2 minutes; 11.1 points; 1.8 assists; 2.9 rebounds
Gary Harris (Post All-Star Break): 35.6 minutes; 15.1 points; 2.1 assists; 3.3 rebounds
Compared to last year, even compared to the first half of the season, the Nuggets are a more complete team that feeds off each other’s play. They’re competitive night in and night out because they have chemistry.
While their record does not show it, the Nuggets are a team that plays hard and competitive basketball.
The Nuggets have firmly solidified themselves as a team with one of the brightest future’s in the NBA. Their young talent, hefty amount of draft picks and renewed culture are all steps in the right direction for the Nuggets.
The five-game home win streak is more than a streak; it’s a glimpse into the very bright future of Denver Nuggets basketball.
