WCQF | P1 (2) Denver Nuggets vs (7) San Antonio Spurs

[KqWIN]

The Spurs might be the only West playoff team that I don’t think can exploit DEN’s defense. I’m low on DEN, but they should win this one and win it comfortably. Biggest concern for them is Jokic getting pouty and letting that affect him.

[Kabookalu]

I don't think DeMar playing well is enough to beat Denver if their shooters don't show up. DeRozan actually has been shooting well post all star break, and the Spurs still looked vulnerable because Derrick White, Bryn Forbes, or/and Davis Bertans didn't show up. On the other hand when those 3 were all looking sharp during their serge as the best offensive team in the league, DeMar was struggling. Those 3 are going to be crucial for them.

[XxIronChainzxX]

Also, as much as everyone hates on Derozan (myself included), the whole worst playoff performer ever thing is a bit overblown. He has had good series in the past. And on this team he is not the first option and he has mostly played team ball here. Aldridge is going to feast on Denvers front line and will be our go to. So it's not like we're depending on Demar to carry us because our PG is injured and a playoff choker also like the old Raptors teams

It's not overblown at all. He's statistically one of the few worst multi Allstar playoff performers of all time. http://bkref.com/tiny/jtRsl.

The Spurs aren't good defensively so unless Aldridge is putting up 40 points a game by himself every night, they're going to need DeMar to contribute at a good level on the offensive end. If he plays like he usually does in the playoffs the Spurs won't make it out of the series.

I get what you're saying. But DD is not relying on an oft injured PG who routinely shrinks in the playoffs to be his 2nd option. And against the front line that Denver has I honestly wouldn't be surprised if LA does put up 40 on them because they have no one who can guard him one on one. Playing Denver allows SA to start Poeltl and with him, LA, and White on the court the Spurs are a much better team defensively.

I still think Denver will win. And I understand why people are quick to put Derozan down. All we can do is wait and see

But that's not what happened in these series. Apart from Toronto's run to the ECF were, even there, DD was still worse on offense (much less on every other side of the game), Lowry was generally the better player.

That said, I think Pop has done a lot to basically have DD play in a way sustainable in the post-season.

So, I expect we'll see DD play much the same way hes'd one in the regular season.

[life_saver]

I am pretty curios about this one...Denver has been slightly struggling on offense recently...their guards have been inconsistent...I feel like Pop has the ability to exploit this Denver team's weaknesses.

[Bornstellar]

Good points. I don't disagree that Demar tends to shrink in the playoffs. I guess what I mean to say is he has had good games and series before, so he's not incapable. And he's playing under a much better coach now who uses him differently than in Toronto. But I don't think our success is dependant on him playing well whereas in Toronto they had a limited ceiling because they depended on him to shoulder the load which when a team is gameplanning to stop him is not that difficult.

I think Spurs chances hinges on the hopes of our role players stepping up on having big games . If White, Forbes, and Bertans can step up I think we have a shot. Earlier in the season we saw a stretch where they were all clicking together and we saw shades of the beautiful game again. Definitely a longshot to expect them to perform but you never know

[DROB27]

The Spurs might be the only West playoff team that I don’t think can exploit DEN’s defense. I’m low on DEN, but they should win this one and win it comfortably. Biggest concern for them is Jokic getting pouty and letting that affect him.

Why can’t they ?

[Phreak50]

All four teams in this bracket have to be licking their lips.

And the Spurs got their best case scenario so hopefully they make the most of it.

We don’t need or probably even want Derozan to score more than 20, we’re at our best when he gets others going.

[TOStateofMind]

Denver in 7. Won’t be too shocked to see an upset though.

[RRFB]

I think Denver has the more favorable matchup on paper. I'll never count out Pop, but this Spurs team isn't built like the one's we've gotten used to over the last 15 years. Outside of Aldridge and Derozan, they actually don't have all that much more experience than the Nuggets do and they really don't have the personnel to exploit Denver's weaknesses like some of the other teams in the West.

For the last couple months, people have been so desperate to rush to label the Nuggets as frauds without really making any kind of coherent argument for why. They almost certainly will go through some growing pains in the playoffs and they very well could lose this series, but that doesn't make them frauds, soft, or even "stats minded" -- whatever tf that's supposed to mean.

[Ballings7]

Nuggets in 6. Could see it in 5, too where SA just gets overwhelmed by Denver's talent and athleticism on both ends.

Bertans, Forbes, and Poetl need to play tough and inspired 'ball for like 3 games, to give the Spurs that 2nd-layer of depth past the core guys with some experience. DeRozan/LA/Gay/White combo will win them I think a couple games, but won't be enough if those other guys don't show up and make an impact.

Not worried about Belinelli, Mills.

Hopefully Spurs surprise and play to their max, and get it in tough 6, 7 game series for Pop'.

[Froob]

I feel really good about this being Nuggets in 7.

[bklynspursfan]

Good part of Nuggets bench could start for Spurs, however its all about best players here. I'd still go with Denver with 5, possibly 6 games.

Like who?

Monte Morris
Mason Plumlee
For sure, case can be made for Beasley and Hernangomez if they can play significant minutes for them as well.

Maybe Plumlee over Poeltl, but even that's close. None of those other guys would start tho.

[manchambo]

Like who?

Monte Morris
Mason Plumlee
For sure, case can be made for Beasley and Hernangomez if they can play significant minutes for them as well.

Maybe Plumlee over Poeltl, but even that's close. None of those other guys would start tho.

Not going to get into a debate about who would start where, but Monte Morris is a gem—second best assist to turnover in the league.

What Denver has foumd in the second round in the past few years is amazing.

[Ice Trae]

Denver in 6

[GooniousMaximus]

I like both teams, it'd be nice to see Denver advance, but probably will take a game 7 if the Spurs dont do it in 5.

[Bornstellar]

Like who?

Monte Morris
Mason Plumlee
For sure, case can be made for Beasley and Hernangomez if they can play significant minutes for them as well.

Maybe Plumlee over Poeltl, but even that's close. None of those other guys would start tho.

Plumelee over Poeltl?? You serious dude?

[CodeBreaker]

Wanna see how the Nuggets perform in the playoffs. I'd probably go with Nuggets in 6 or 7

[skones]

Monte Morris
Mason Plumlee
For sure, case can be made for Beasley and Hernangomez if they can play significant minutes for them as well.

Maybe Plumlee over Poeltl, but even that's close. None of those other guys would start tho.

Plumelee over Poeltl?? You serious dude?

I have no idea why you think this is outlandish. You could argue either way.

[Slim Charlez]

I like the Spurs chances in this one, Denver is a classy organization with a beast in Jokic who's a joy to watch alongside a deep exciting young core next to him. It should be a very good series.

[nbafan38]

Denver is better but I think the spurs give the nuggets a big scare, this one could go the distance