One recent Nuggets win provided an answer to two key questions
Nov 16, 2021, 12:04 PM
I know it was only one game. One of 82 in the regular season. But it was nonetheless a message-sending game for the Denver Nuggets.
On Sunday evening, November 14, the Nuggets hosted the Portland Trailblazers. It was an interesting match-up. The Trailblazers, a playoff team a year ago with a new coach, Denver’s Chauncey Billups, came into the game with a record of 5-6. They were middle of the NBA pack in almost every statistical category.
The big news in this one seemed to be that the Blazers would be without standout guard Damion Lillard, because of an abdominal strain. That seemed to overshadow the fact that the Nuggets were already without two of their star players, Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. But then, just before tipoff, it was revealed that Will Barton, who had been playing terrific basketball, was a scratch. So, the Nuggets were missing no fewer than three starters.
One of the biggest criticisms of Michael Malone’s team this year has been the lack of production and consistency from the bench. With three starters out, the bench would be critical in this game. Could the bench rise to the occasion when really needed?
A couple games prior, folks were wondering how the team would fare without its star and MVP, Nikola Jokic. They got their answer when, having to sit out a home game against Indiana because of a suspension, the Nuggets fared just fine, thanks in large part to Barton.
So, at tipoff, the two big questions were…
1. How would the team do without three starters?
2. How would the bench perform, on a night when it was crucial that it come through?
Here is what happened. The Nuggets beat the Blazers that night 124-95.
So, the answer to question one… Just fine! A 29-point blowout.
And to answer question two… Just fine. A season-high 63 bench points, with season or career highs from three different bench players.
It was just one game, but at least two questions were answered in it. And in a positive way.
At least for a little while.
