The Denver Nuggets are gearing up for another competitive season as they look to defend their status as reigning NBA champions. The team has a lot of expectations placed on its shoulders, and preseason performances are often scrutinized as an early indicator of what’s to come. Recently, the Nuggets played two preseason games against the Boston Celtics at the 2024 NBA Abu Dhabi Games, and while results in preseason don’t always predict regular-season success, Denver’s performance in these matchups has raised a few questions.
The Nuggets were convincingly beaten in both contests, including a 130-104 loss in the second game, leading to head coach Michael Malone expressing his disappointment. Despite the lopsided scoreline, Malone’s primary concern wasn’t the defeat itself but rather the lack of execution and effort displayed by his team. “I don’t get caught up in the losses in preseason. I get caught up in, ‘Are we getting better?’ That’s the most disappointing thing about tonight. It wasn’t about the missed shots, it was about the turnovers and transition defense breakdowns that we had,” Malone commented post-game.
The Celtics, meanwhile, were led by strong showings from their stars, with Jaylen Brown scoring 21 points and Jayson Tatum adding 17 in the second game. Boston head coach Joe Mazzulla shared a similar mindset to Malone, emphasizing the importance of process over results. He highlighted that while the Celtics won, the goal is to fine-tune their approach and develop chemistry, saying, “I don’t look at the score; I look at the process of what we’re doing… Preseason is an opportunity to commit to the fundamentals and compete.”
For the Nuggets, preseason is less about wins and losses and more about figuring out roles for their younger players and ensuring that their key stars, like Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray, get into a rhythm without risking injury. Jokic was a standout performer, scoring 20 points and grabbing seven rebounds in just under 19 minutes of play in the second game. His efficiency and skill were on full display, reminding everyone why he is a two-time MVP and a central figure for the Nuggets’ championship aspirations.
However, the bigger concern for Denver lies in their depth. During these preseason games, the team struggled significantly once the bench units came into play. With key players like Michael Porter Jr., Aaron Gordon, and DeAndre Jordan missing from the lineup, the Nuggets’ lack of bench production was glaring. Players such as Julian Strawther, Christian Braun, and Hunter Tyson are being evaluated for how they can contribute to the rotation, but so far, their performances haven’t fully lived up to expectations.
Coach Malone did not mince words when addressing the team’s lackluster showing, even quoting Albert Einstein to drive his point home: “If we keep doing the same things and expecting different results, that’s the definition of insanity.” He stressed the importance of discipline and sticking to the game plan, particularly in transition defense and ball control, two areas where the Nuggets faltered badly against Boston.
Moving forward, the Nuggets will have to address these concerns if they want to make another deep playoff run. The talent at the top of their roster is unquestionable, with Jokic and Murray forming one of the league’s best duos, but the supporting cast will be crucial in sustaining success over the grueling 82-game regular season and into the postseason.
As the regular season approaches, Denver is still considered a favorite to contend for the title again, but performances like these serve as a reminder that even the defending champions can’t afford to be complacent. The NBA is fiercely competitive, and with teams like the Celtics showcasing their depth and cohesion early on, the Nuggets have work to do if they want to remain at the top of the league.
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