Defense? In Denver? It’s no joke to “Joker,” teammates
As usual, Nikola Jokic saw what others couldn’t see just yet.
It was Jokic who said recently that the Nuggets could have the best defense in the NBA. It was easy to be skeptical after a season when the Nuggets had the No. 23 defensive rating in the league.
“You all laugh, but look at us now,” Jokic said ahead of Tuesday night’s 126112 win vs. Sacramento at the Pepsi Center.
The Nuggets (40) have found a different formula to win early this season. Rather than raining 3pointers and burning the nets dry on offense, they’ve actually made good on Jokic’s proclamation.
Entering Tuesday night’s play, the Nuggets’ defensive rating (92.9 points allowed per 100 possessions) was the best in the league and was significantly better than Boston’s (97.3), and that includes Sunday’s thrilling win over Golden State. Conversely, the Nuggets are averaging fewer 3pointers made than any other team in the league.
“We won the games by defense. It’s kind of different,” said Jokic.
It’s different, and it’s also early.
Juan Hernangomez’s gamesaving block ensured the Nuggets wouldn’t go into overtime against the Warriors, and exceptional defensive efforts held Phoenix at bay from the 3point line (11of39) and kept the Los Angeles Clippers under 40 percent from the field in the season opener.
“It’s a little different, but you know, defense is definitely something that’s been lacking for us (in the past), so that’s good,” Denver guard Gary Harris said. “We’re not really worried about our offense right now. We know that’s going to come around.”
Harris said there has been a total buyin from the team and that there is a selfless component to defending.
“We’re trusting each other 1 through 17, not necessarily worrying about our man but just worrying about our team concept,” he said.
Torrey Craig, who filled in seamlessly for injured starting small forward Will Barton, knows that his defensive presence is the key to getting more minutes.
“Just trying to provide a spark in a different way,” Craig said. “More like energy, trying to get the guys going, trying to get the crowd into it, just doing effort plays and defending. And just trying to slow down the other team’s best player.”
Barton had successful surgery Tuesday morning to repair hip and core muscle injuries suffered in Saturday night’s win over Phoenix, and he’ll be reevaluated in six weeks. In the meantime, the Nuggets can continue working to build their newfound identity.