Nuggets Prove Teams Win in NBA

With the Broncos season being over it is now time in Denver to turn our thoughts to basketball.  Last season was filled with drama and fairly high expectations considering the fact that Melo wasn't expected to last the season here.  Throughout the season the Nuggets performed well but it wasn't until after they unloaded Melo that the team really had a chance to gel and show what they would be like in the post diva era.  Well, an offseason later and the Nuggets have found their identity and looking to make a big splash in the West.

With Anthony as the star of the Nuggets we grew accustomed to some fairly impressive offensive showings and very little to cheer about when it comes to defensive efforts.  We were treated to a lot of one on one situations and clear outs which, though exciting on some level, have nothing to do with a team game.  That presence no longer looms over the Pepsi Center or this team.  George Carl has transformed what was a one man show into a collective team effort and the Nuggets seem to be on the right path to another playoff birth.

There are 7 players that are averaging over 20 minutes of playing time a game.  Of those 7 players only 2 aren't averaging 10 or more points per game.  I know that isn't a daunting stat since most teams in the NBA have 5 players in double digit points per game, but accompanied with the depth that the Nuggets have it is a dangerous combination.  The Nuggets bench scores 54 points per game, 4 points more than the starting 5.  That kind of production makes it hard for teams to defend them because it doesn't matter who is on the court, the Nuggets are going to score points.

The other thing that makes the Nuggets so dangerous is there unselfish play.  Denver leads the league in assist and that has contributed a great deal to their 104 points per game (2nd in the NBA).  When you have a team that buys into the coaches plan and buys into each other then you have a team that can play with anyone.  I know that Denver still has some issues to work out.  Their defense ranks among the worst in the league and they same goes for their rebounding, but I see a team that will continue to get better in those areas and potentially get better on offense as well.

The NBA lockout really left a bitter taste in my mouth.  I didn't want to watch any of these spoiled athletes at all this season because the fans were being punished for the crimes of others.  If I had to watch a typical NBA team in my local market then I probably would still feel that way.  Instead I am treated to the team effort of the Denver Nuggets and have a team that I can get behind.  The Nuggets are dangerous with their style of play and I hope that they can continue to improve and show the world that you don't need an overpaid "superstar" in order to win a championship.