Just 10 more days until the Denver Nuggets find their rhythm. After getting defeated by the Suns (118-114), questions arise about how the team can fix their situation in a short time. Their coach, Michael Malone, had all the plans set in motion – he planned for his starters to play into the second half on Sunday. They had never done it previously. Was that the reason? Or was it a lack of the team’s basic tempo? Whatever it was, Malone was displeased with the result, despite Jokic nearly notching up a triple-double. “We got our a– kicked from the three,” Malone admitted.

The Nuggets have struggled to defend the three-point line, with opponents hitting 38.1% from deep across three losses. The Suns hit 11 more threes than Denver, highlighting the defensive lapse, with Malone stating this after the game: “To give up 37 points in that third quarter is embarrassing so we have a lot of work to do. That’s what preseason is for”. 

Of course, allowing these many points in the third quarter was embarrassing. The struggles on the perimeter too, is a recurring issue for the team throughout the preseason, overshadowing their offensive efforts.

Malone admitted that defensive breakdowns, particularly allowing 37 points in the third quarter, were ’embarrassing.’ These struggles, particularly on the perimeter, have been a recurring issue for the Nuggets throughout the preseason, overshadowing their offensive efforts.

To add to their embarrassment further, Jamal Murray continued to struggle. He has been working to regain his form after the Olympics, but could only score 2 points on 6 attempts. His limited involvement, combined with a low three-point shooting percentage, is a growing concern for Denver as they prepare for the regular season.

Another major factor in the Nuggets’ defensive struggles is the absence of Kentavious-Caldwell Pope, who joined the Orlando Magic in free agency. KCP’s elite perimeter defense held opponents to just 32% shooting from three-point range last season, a void the Nuggets have yet to fill.

The Nuggets are feeling the loss of Kentavious-Caldwell Pope

Through the postseason losses, one thing that has become quite evident is the Nuggets haven’t found a replacement for KCP. The elite 3-and-D player joined the Orlando Magic in free agency after failing to secure an extension with Denver. Everything he brought to the table, be hawking perimeter defense or consistent shooting, are the facets the Nuggets are finding hard to fill.

As important as Nikola Jokić was last season, the 31-year-old guard had the second-best net differential for the 2023 NBA champions. His tenacity on defense prevented teams from exploiting the three-point line. On the contrary, he equally inflicted damage as a shooter, hitting a team-best 40% from three.

Initially, when he was yet to decide on his player option, GM Calvin Booth implied the Nuggets would find a containment strategy if Kentavious-Caldwell Pope were not to return. Christian Braun, a second-year energetic facilitator, is seen as his replacement. But so far, the youngster has yet to learn what it takes to replicate the dual impact that KCP offered to Denver.

He didn’t want to leave. Notably, he waited for the franchise to take action and show their willingness to bring him back for their future. At the same time, the Orlando Magic saw their organizational culture shift and became a vigorous unit on both ends of the floor. They managed to crack through the postseason, eventually lacking the composure of a veteran like KCP can provide.

With that in mind, the two-time NBA champion saw a team that not only needs his skills but values his presence within their ranks. “That made it much easier to sign, too,” he says of his three-year commitment to the Magic. With just two preseason encounters remaining now, Malone and the Nuggets staff have a grave task at hand. If left unrepaired, teams could mimic the schemes during the regular season and take away the spark that the Nuggets’ organization brings.

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