The feisty Nuggets played the bad guy for the Clippers in playoffs 2020. The Nuggets’ consecutive 1-3 deficit comeback was viewed as one of the greatest in history. That was the point when fans thought that the Nuggets could actually qualify for the finals. However, Jamal Murray and Nikola Jokic’s dream run ended against the Lakers.

Since then, a lot changed very quickly in the NBA. The drafts, the free agency explorations, the trades, and the preseason resumption; it all happened too fast. But the Nuggets still remained one of those rosters that saw the least change. However, their gameplay seemed to have changed big time.

The Denver Nuggets flaunted new creative skills

Recently, the Nuggets played a preseason home game against the Portland Trail Blazers. They seemed in perfect control of the match since the first quarter and never allowed the Blazers to take a lead. They won the game 126-95 but what stood out was the kind of playmaking they showcased.

In one instance, Argentine guard Facundo Campazzo used his impressive steal to quickly send a pass to forward Vlatko Cancar. The pass had a precise and very well-calculated backspin to it. This impressive move certainly surprised the Slovenian, who then finished it smoothly. 

Jamal Murray (16 points) and Paul Millsap (18 points) also looked in great touch. Four out of the starting five scored in double figures, while Nikola Jokic impressed with a double-double to his name.

Which other moves did this new and stronger bench put through?

Point Guard P.J. Dozier surprised everyone with a high-on-reflexes blind backpass towards forward W. Barton that stunned the Blazers’ defense. It was a night full of crazy defensive rebounds and important turnovers. 

They might have let go of forward Keita Bates-Diop and lost Jerami Grant to the Pistons, but the rest of the roster remained intact. Josh Kroenke and Calvin Booth successfully retained star Bol Bol and also acquired the 19-YO R.J. Hampton. 

Given that they narrowly missed out on beating the Warriors in their 1st preseason game, it seems that Mike Malone is working on newer and better strategies. Whatever it is, the team is definitely looking more dangerous now.

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