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Post by odvala on Mar 9, 2020 22:38:09 GMT -5
40 minutes for Jamal while Bud load managed his top 5 guys. I guess we're going to depend on Murray heroics to win games so he's completely spent heading into the playoffs and Jokic has to carry the team on his back again.. lmao this team. Our starting lineup was 15-10 post ASB last year and outside of Jokic and Murray at stints everyone was awful in the PO. Same s**t is repeating this season. We are back to full health, back to same starting lineup, everyone is looking for theirs and 2nd unit sucks. You think Doc is stupid for playing Lou/Montrezl off the bench when they are clearly better individual players than Beverly/Zubac? No, it's just he knows that those 2 don't mind taking 2 shots per game if needed. Imagine Zubac and Beverly taking more shots per game then Kawhi/PG13 lol... Garris embraced the role of being 5th option and take way less FGA then he was used to in previous years. You know when will Barton and Millsap accept that? Never. This team needs 2 balanced units. Not all the best current players in the starting lineup. But ofc, it's "mission impossible" for Malone to bench one of his guys for the greater good of team. He will hurt their ego and pride...
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2020 22:41:30 GMT -5
40 minutes for Jamal while Bud load managed his top 5 guys. I guess we're going to depend on Murray heroics to win games so he's completely spent heading into the playoffs and Jokic has to carry the team on his back again.. lmao this team. Another reason why developing MPJ was so important. When games like tonight happen and Jokic is mentally checked out, when things get tough and you need a bucket, Murray is the only guy who can create anything outside of Barton. MPJ was barely involved offensively tonight which is a big mistake come playoff time. Teams will shut down the Monte/Plumlee PnR and they'll just invite Plumlee into the post and our bench will look as ugly as it did last postseason. You simply need a bench lineup that can survive for 10 minutes and I'm not sure a bench led by Monte/Plumlee can. Monte is very small and will be hampered by the physicality of the playoffs and Plumlee isn't particularly good at anything. I thought MPJ had a so-so game defensively and his effort was pretty good. He literally just wasn't involved on offense and if that's the role he's going to play in that unit, I can understand why Malone would rather play Craig as he's the better defender.
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Post by eathb on Mar 9, 2020 22:48:52 GMT -5
We keep seeing the PCG lineup together, so I've given up on Malone seeing it.
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Post by odvala on Mar 9, 2020 22:52:51 GMT -5
eathb Stop bitching. We won. Nothing else matters. We are on the pace for...wins. You should be entertained.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2020 23:01:25 GMT -5
We keep seeing the PCG lineup together, so I've given up on Malone seeing it. The MPJ/Grant/Plumlee lineup really isn't much better dude. It has been recently but MPJ doesn't play well next to those guys, most likely because there's less space on the floor and when Plumlee is on so is Monte. Those guys live in the PnR and the other 3 guys spot up. Grant was the beneficiary of that offense tonight. MPJ didn't see many touches as the opening were coming above the break and not in the corners.
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Post by eathb on Mar 9, 2020 23:15:32 GMT -5
Just hope TC finally consolidates the roster next offseason even if it's just letting Plumlee and Craig walk.
Tired of being a depth team of basically roleplayers, and our roleplayers aren't really that good.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 9, 2020 23:31:15 GMT -5
Just hope TC finally consolidates the roster next offseason even if it's just letting Plumlee and Craig walk. Tired of being a depth team of basically roleplayers, and our roleplayers aren't really that good. Craig is a very valuable piece. Would love to have him back next year. He could play a very important role if we match up with Houston or Dallas. Plumlee, see ya
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Post by LotharBraunBrownBryant on Mar 10, 2020 0:18:25 GMT -5
Thoughts From the Third Deck (TM):
- I genuinely liked how Jokic played this game. I don't think this will be a popular opinion, but like... the Bucks put a big body on him and basically sent Millsap or Grant's defender to double every time, and he was perfectly content to let a wide-open Millsap or Grant (who the defender didn't even think about closing out on) drain a three. Or to let Murray dribble into an 8 footer while both defenders stuck to Joker. And he didn't lose his composure when he got denied about 6 fta he should have had on top of what he did have. The Jazz social media guy would be talking up his 14 screen assists or points-generated-off-of-doubleteams...
- that Murray dunk was one of the best dunks of the year and the refs suck... and I think it energized both the crowd and the team.
- I think Gary Harris might be back
- pretty pleased with how our forwards played. Even MPJ, in spite of his not putting up much stat-wise. He had trouble covering Korver, but the effort was there and he didn't force anything.
- this probably means the Bucks are winning the championship. Last year the Nuggets swept the Raptors...
- shocking how many people still don't wash their f***ing hands when they use the restroom. Protip: if you start with "I like big butts" and go to "m-m-me so horny" that's 23 seconds.
- Rocky missed his halfcourt shot and is 23-10 on the season
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2020 4:14:46 GMT -5
I gotta give a shout out to Gary as I've been one of his toughest critics this year. He's shot at 53.8% over the last 10 games. Only 26 attempts but still, those are great numbers. His shot looks much better and way less flat. If we can get Barton going from 3 again this teams offense can be dangerous.
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Post by duh88 on Mar 10, 2020 4:16:19 GMT -5
I’m actually happy with what I saw.
GOOD: Plumlee - 14 mins Still 14 mins too much - but there were stretches where grant played Center. Let’s hope that sustains and plum mins go further down. I’m hoping this is what Malone is planning.
GOOD: MURRAY!!!!! Took over the game - played fantastic on both ends of the floor. That’s exactly what we need going into the playoffs. Knowing that he will take initiative makes me feel far better about the playoffs. Taking initiative has been his biggest improvement this year - bodes so well for the playoffs.
GOOD: Grant - just feels good to have our PF of the future.
BAD: Porter - 11 mins That needs to go up. But credit to him! Unlike nurkic, he’s taking it seriously, playing defense. I think his offense is in a funk because he’s focused on defense (of which - his D on Korver was very good - fighting through screens, etc). Proud of MPJ for what he’s doing - now just give the kid more minutes. He’s going to be fine - but let’s get him run so he can beast in the playoffs.
BAD: Troy Daniels. 3-point wizard. First 3-pointer as a Nugget ANNNNNNNNDDDDDDD..... ball hits side of the backboard. Welcome to NuggLife, Daniels. You’re going to fit right in.
Garris looking better. Morris looking solid. At this point, I’m just pissed that plum clogs mins that could be going to Craig, Dozier, Daniels, Vonleh, KBD, etc - all players with far more talent and usefulness.
I’m not worried. Destroyah-Jokic will be here when the playoffs come around, along with Murray taking charge.
Last thought: At this rate, Dallas and Houston may be battling for 6 and 7. I almost want 4 or 5 so we play Utah. Lol.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2020 5:02:43 GMT -5
I actually thought MPJs defense on Korver was so-so. With a guy like that if you're a quarter step slow it'll give him enough space to hit a 3.
But the effort was fantastic. He really fought hard through screens and played at 100%. Malone will be happy with that when he rewatches the film. There also was 1 possession where MPJ got completely lost as he was on the left side of the floor and his man was on the right side spotting up for 3 lol.
But I tend to keep a very close eye on MPJ. His defense was solid but his effort on the glass isn't what it used to be. Could be due to him simply not being involved in the offense, not sure. He hasn't been crashing the offensive glass the same way he was pre ASB.
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Post by duh88 on Mar 10, 2020 5:47:40 GMT -5
That’s concerning me too. The only thing I can think of is that he’s trying to find his defensive positioning, so he’s not as focused on other elements.
He’s also playing nervous, which isn’t good - but - hopefully Malone encourages him and rewards the effort.
Mpj finds his game pretty quickly out of funks (which speaks highly of him) so as always - I’m optimistic. 20 games to go. There’s a lot of time for him to find his footing.
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Post by odvala on Mar 10, 2020 6:56:46 GMT -5
I actually thought MPJs defense on Korver was so-so. With a guy like that if you're a quarter step slow it'll give him enough space to hit a 3. But the effort was fantastic. He really fought hard through screens and played at 100%. Malone will be happy with that when he rewatches the film. There also was 1 possession where MPJ got completely lost as he was on the left side of the floor and his man was on the right side spotting up for 3 lol. But I tend to keep a very close eye on MPJ. His defense was solid but his effort on the glass isn't what it used to be. Could be due to him simply not being involved in the offense, not sure. He hasn't been crashing the offensive glass the same way he was pre ASB. Nah, attacking offensive rebounds is a team scheme. There is certain players (Craig) that have the green light to do that every single game. In dependent on MM/Gameplan/Opponent others are involved. Now, since our main issue (it is an issue but not the main) according to coach is transition defense and turnovers post ASB i tend to believe that game plan is to "Keep it simple on offense, don't try any flashy passes, get back on D when the shot goes up instead of attacking the glass (Hint last night: Garris behind the back to Morris = Turnover/Transition/Easy points/Malone goes balistic and calls a TO)." Jokic operating above 3 point line, making safe plays/DHO's, our guards not risking to make an entry pass in the crowd, our wings not attacking offensive rebounds and the number of 2nd chance points last night shows that that is the game plan in order to prevent turnovers and to improve transition defense. Try to think like Malone Ring. Try to watch the game with his eyes and everything will be answered. Every single adjustment via lineups or gameplan is to improve defense no matter the cost on offensive end of the ball.
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Post by scooter on Mar 10, 2020 10:18:16 GMT -5
Thoughts From the Third Deck (TM): - I genuinely liked how Jokic played this game. I don't think this will be a popular opinion, but like... the Bucks put a big body on him and basically sent Millsap or Grant's defender to double every time, and he was perfectly content to let a wide-open Millsap or Grant (who the defender didn't even think about closing out on) drain a three. Or to let Murray dribble into an 8 footer while both defenders stuck to Joker. And he didn't lose his composure when he got denied about 6 fta he should have had on top of what he did have. The Jazz social media guy would be talking up his 14 screen assists or points-generated-off-of-doubleteams... Agree that early on Jokic was passing to wide open guys who were draining shots. But his focus still seems to be off since the ASB. He's been unusually loose with the ball, and missing shots he normally makes. I don't worry about it that much if he's just load managing himself in advance of the playoffs, and I think that is likely the case. - that Murray dunk was one of the best dunks of the year and the refs suck... and I think it energized both the crowd and the team. That game included some of the weirdest officiating I've seen. The Murray dunk was not only not even close to a foul on Murray it was arguably a foul on the defender who was in the restricted area. But the two consecutive "palming" calls against Barton were really weird. On the first, he lost control a little bit and had his hand sideways, although not really under, the ball, and that's rarely called. But the second one was one of those "guy is just hanging out with the ball 40 feet from the basket while he waits for the play to start" situations. Putting aside "palming", players travel at least 5 times a game in those situations and it's never called (thing about end game situations and what isn't called when teams are just letting clock run). There have long been unwritten rules that refs don't blow whistles when players are just killing some time and nothing is really happening. To call that on Barton right after the other marginal palming call was some weird s**t. - I think Gary Harris might be back He seems back to normal in terms of his skill-set and that's important. I still wish he would show a little more intensity and competitiveness.
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Post by rock on Mar 10, 2020 10:43:07 GMT -5
10% chance they never call that offensive foul or Palming in lebron or Giannis.
In fact they both get an and one on the dunk
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Post by flo on Mar 10, 2020 10:47:10 GMT -5
you meant 100% right ?
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Post by brick2 on Mar 10, 2020 12:36:22 GMT -5
post ASB i tend to believe that game plan is to "Keep it simple on offense, don't try any flashy passes, get back on D when the shot goes up instead of attacking the glass (Hint last night: Garris behind the back to Morris = Turnover/Transition/Easy points/Malone goes balistic and calls a TO)." That's not a bad thing. Flashy passes are fun to watch but the team was getting a little too cute sometimes and Malone's right to rein it in. That'll be especially true against good defensive teams and when the playoffs come things tend to tighten up.
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Post by rock on Mar 10, 2020 13:32:47 GMT -5
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Post by scooter on Mar 10, 2020 15:00:08 GMT -5
Just hope TC finally consolidates the roster next offseason even if it's just letting Plumlee and Craig walk. Tired of being a depth team of basically roleplayers, and our roleplayers aren't really that good. I don't think the Nuggets are a "depth team" once this season is over. Other than the 2 guys currently on two-way contracts (and Bol's 2-way continues next season), the Nuggets only have 8 players under contract next season once Grant opts out, and he definitely will. Since NBA teams are required to carry a minimum of 14 players under contract, that means the team needs to sign a minimum of 6 players this summer. So sure, there are questions to be answered as to how the roster is filled out -- including some current players who are free agents -- but the idea the Nuggets have "too many players" is just not correct looking to the summer. Now, everybody would love to add another star via the semi-mythical "consolidation trade" but it's very unlikely unless the Nuggets are willing to include Porter in a package and we've all been told that's a NO. BTW, as of today the draft pick we traded for Grant is #26. I'm plenty happy with that trade. I'm pretty confident re-signing Grant will be one of the top priorities this summer and I think he can be signed for something around 4 years/$60-$65 mil. I think it's relatively likely they re-sign Millsap as well, but if not there are some other free agent options for a 2nd PF.
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Post by Deleted on Mar 10, 2020 23:02:39 GMT -5
I'm really interested to see how they handle Craig. I would assume that they would take Vonleh over Plumlee as he'll be much cheaper and the backup C role isn't that important. Craig is an interesting one though. He's a very valuable player and is great to have in a playoff series off the bench if you need some hard nosed defense and effort/offensive rebounding.
Just not sure he'll take another discount to stay here. If he goes I think KBD slots right into the 9th man role.
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