Game 35: Denver Nuggets (19-15) @ Milwaukee Bucks (21-13) - 9:00PM

ducler · Post #1 » by **ducler** » Tue Mar 2, 2021 8:45 pm

skywalker33 · Post #2 » by **skywalker33** » Tue Mar 2, 2021 9:22 pm

Tough game tonight but a classic matchup between Giannis and Joker. On a B2B, with our injuries, COVID and on the road, even though we're only 2 wins separating these two teams. MIL is on a roll but Joker has been dominant lately, let's see if our Big 3 continues it's development tonight, a great test here.

TunaFish · Post #3 » by **TunaFish** » Tue Mar 2, 2021 9:49 pm

Read on Twitter

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Post #4 » by **THE J0KER** » Tue Mar 2, 2021 10:43 pm

TunaFish wrote:

Read on Twitter

This lineup Malone would probably never use if 5 certain players are not injured at the same time so he is literally forced to use them together. Malone used last season Murray-Beasley-Grant-Porter-Jokic lineup only 2 minutes overall and in playoff would never use Grant as SF starter instead of PF backup if Barton was not out. That said I would also this season more use Porter as SF than PF despite PF spot seems more natural to him, because we will waste Green and Millsap moving MPJ at PF, with Nnaji and Bol totally marginalized. But even when everyone is healthy Porter should play 30+ minutes and as a starter, Malone intentions to limit him under 20 minutes are a pure crime.

Talking about today's game vs Bucks, no complaints if we lose vs injury-free EC TOP3 team playing shorthanded. If we win it would be our TOP3 best win this season so far considering circumstances.

TunaFish · Post #5 » by **TunaFish** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 1:08 am

THE J0KER wrote:This lineup Malone would probably never been use if 5 certain players are not injured in the same time so he is literally forced to use them together. Malone used last season Murray-Beasley-Grant-Porter-Jokic lineup only 2 minutes overall and in playoff would never use Grant as SF starter instead of PF backup if Barton was not out. That said I would also this season more use Porter as SF than PF despite PF spot seems more natural to him, because we will waste Green and Millsap moving MPJ at PF, with Nnaji and Bol totally marginalized. But even when everyone is healthy Porter should play 30+ minutes and as starter, Malone intentions to limit him under 20 minutes are pure crime.

Talking about today's game vs Bucks, no complaints if we lose vs injury-free EC TOP3 team playing shorthanded. If we win it would be our TOP3 best win this season so far considering circumstances.

This article is arguing that Porter should be playing power forward and that is his natural position.

https://www.denverstiffs.com/2021/3/2/22309778/stat-of-the-week-the-nuggets-have-a-new-lineup-they-can-rely-upon

What I am seeing (and I hope I am seeing tonight) is the ball movement that Morris seems to be supplying along with the rest of the starting lineup. MPJ has been outstanding along with Joker and Murray. Tonight will be a challenge and lets hope the Nuggets are up for it.

Post #6 » by **THE J0KER** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 2:47 am

A perfect (another!) 1st quarter on both ends. Winning this game is not a long shot anymore.

GeorgeSears · Post #7 » by **GeorgeSears** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 2:53 am

Great defense and great rebounding by the Nuggets so far.

GeorgeSears · Post #8 » by **GeorgeSears** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 3:10 am

Vlatko and PJ have been great off the bench with their rebounding and defense.

skywalker33 · Post #9 » by **skywalker33** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 3:19 am

Like that Giannis already has 3 PFs

Post #10 » by **THE J0KER** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 3:21 am

Great offense and defense both for a 64-50 lead on halftime. Jokic and Murray played like all-star starters, MPJ is not good for his 1st halves standards this season, but Barton and Morris overperformed with 9-13 shooting so far. The shorthanded bench was very tough on defense.

We can't stop Giannis (6 dunks already!) and Middleton, but we stopped everyone else, and seems Jrue is still not 100% ready after a long pause coming from the bench with restricted minutes. If we win today these b2b wins vs CHI&MIL would save our 1st half of the season: 20-15>>>18-17

GeorgeSears · Post #11 » by **GeorgeSears** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 3:54 am

Through 3 quarters, this is the best the Nuggets have played all season. Anything can happen in the 4th and the Bucks so I'm holding off celebrating. But so far so good.

GeorgeSears · Post #12 » by **GeorgeSears** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 3:54 am

Porter should get some time in the 4th to take some pressure off Murray, only problem is he has to play defense on Giannis.

Post #13 » by **THE J0KER** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 3:55 am

Nuggs won 3RD-q in 2021 vs good team

GeorgeSears · Post #14 » by **GeorgeSears** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 3:59 am

This 4th Q lineup is the worst Malone has put out has already given up 6 points.

GeorgeSears · Post #15 » by **GeorgeSears** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 4:06 am

Two dunks by Jokic in one game!

Edit: 3 dunks!

skywalker33 · Post #16 » by **skywalker33** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 4:24 am

Well, that turned into a ass-whoopin', the kind I like ! Another decent unspoken aspect, we're also allowing our injured to get healthy on the way the ASG break

GeorgeSears · Post #17 » by **GeorgeSears** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 4:24 am

That might be the best win of the season all things considered: Injuries, back-to-back against the 3rd best team in the East on the road.

Post #18 » by **THE J0KER** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 4:30 am

Every win vs healthy Bucks would be our TOP3 best this season, but a 30+ blowout win was just... WOW...

Jokic MVP (50th career triple-double!), Murray all-star, 6 players in double-digit, FG% over 55% with FT% over 90%, and the defense was great...

Mickey8 · Post #19 » by **Mickey8** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 4:41 am

The best win of the season. I hope Millsap wont be back in the starting line up when he's ready to play . Murray is stepping up in the last month and so , props to him, for finally joining Jokic, like he does in the play off's.

FilNugsFan · Post #20 » by **FilNugsFan** » Wed Mar 3, 2021 8:26 am

Now that is how a WCFinalist should be playing.

Looked like another effortless triple double for Jokic. Too bad for Lopez, it was his turn to get schooled by our MVP. Haha

Glad to see Murray regaining his scoring prowess.

Cancar was surprisingly effective on Giannis defensively. Also loved his hustle plays. No wonder he's getting more minutes than Bol.

Gotta agree with George, this is arguably the Nuggets' best win so far this season. Probably better than that 1 turnover game against the Blazers.