Uncertainty Overshadows Nuggets’ 50-Win Milestone as Coach Malone Puts 21YO NBA Champion in Major Playoffs Backburn

With a 114-111 win over the Portland Trail Blazers, the Denver Nuggets became the first team in the Western Conference to win 50 games this season, a feat they have accomplished thrice in the last six seasons. But what was more remarkable is that they did it without Nikola Jokic, out due to lower back pain and left hip inflammation, and Jamal Murray, who missed the game due to an ankle sprain.

Safe to say, it was the balanced offensive attack from the rest of the team that saved the day. Reggie Jackson, who hasn’t scored in double digits since Feb. 23, tallied 23 points while converting 7-of-12 shots from the field. He also made 8 of his 11 free throw attempts and added five assists and 2 blocks. Following close behind was Christian Braun, who led the bench with 17 points, 10 rebounds, six assists, three steals, and one block. Following their performance, coach Michael Malone had some reassuring words for the two reserves.

When asked about playoff rotations, Malone said, “Aside from (Christian Braun) and Reggie off the bench, I don’t know who’s going to play in the playoffs.” However, one player that he didn’t mention was third-year forward Peyton Watson. But DNVR Sports’ Harrison Wind believes that Watson might secure a spot in the playoff rotation if he can improve his game during the stretch run. “Peyton Watson is in the playoff rotation, but this is a reminder to him to pick it up. Lock in. It’s about that time of year,” said Wind.

In their recent victory, Watson had only three points, five rebounds, and two blocks on 16.7% efficiency from the floor. The 21-year-old was having a decent season before the All-Star break, averaging 6.9 points on 47.3% shooting from the field and 33.6% from the deep. However, his efficiency has taken a significant dip post-All-Star, as he is scoring 6.1 points, converting only 41.9% of his shots from the field, and a concerning 19.4% from beyond the arc. Watson has shown flashes of brilliance this season, but his mercurial performance isn’t going to cut it if he hopes to crack the rotations in the playoffs.

Denver Nuggets are eyeing back-to-back championship

Last season, the Denver Nuggets climbed to the peak of the NBA, ending a nearly five-decade drought after trumping the Miami Heat in five games. This year, they are poised to repeat that success and secure back-to-back championships.

A key factor in their success has been the incredible duo of Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, who continue to shine this season. Jokic has been outstanding, averaging 26.1 points, 12.3 rebounds, and 9.0 assists per game, with an impressive 22 triple-doubles. Meanwhile, Murray is enjoying career-best numbers in almost every statistical category, posting 20.9 points, 4.1 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game.

While having a dynamic duo is crucial for a championship team, what sets Denver apart is the strength of their entire roster. Players like Michael Porter Jr. and Aaron Gordon are essential cogs in the well-oiled machine that is the Denver Nuggets. With such depth and talent, the Nuggets are primed to make a strong push for another NBA title.

Read More: Should Nikola Jokic Be Considered a Top-10 Player in the History of the NBA?