Matt Moore here, the host of the daily Locked On Nuggets podcast, with your daily Locked On Nuggets newsletter. Each day we bring you the biggest stories about the Nuggets and the NBA, including the hottest links to other stories you need to read. Plus, Josh Lloyd delivers daily fantasy notes to crush your league.
Nuggets Pantsed by Knicks!
Nov 25, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Nuggets center Nikola Jokic (15) calls out from the bench in the fourth quarter against the New York Knicks at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images | Ron Chenoy/Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
The Ten-Piece gives you ten things you need to know from the Nuggets’ games throughout the season. In this edition, the Nuggets get cooked by the Knicks at home 145-118.
1. Outworked: Denver’s hustle is just not consistent this season. Coming off the back-to-back Friday and Saturday, this was the third in four nights. But they were at home and, from the get-go, had no interest in multiple rotations, hustle plays, or intelligent defensive plays. They were run over in transition, never forced the issue offensively, and continually gave up either wide-open threes or wide-open layups. The Knicks are really good, maybe elite, but Denver made them look better by not putting in the effort needed.
2. NO FLUSHES ALLOWED: Michael Malone was adamant that this was not one to “flush” the way some losses are. He said the team has to decide who they are and who they want to be. It was a stark contrast to how Malone reacted to a similar blowout in Madison Square Garden last season.
3. Scheme Issue: I’ve never been able to get a straight answer on if the Nuggets get to call whether Jokic plays at the level of the screen in pick and rolls or drops, or if Jokic decides it. Either way, Jokic played soft drop most of the night and absolutely got destroyed because of it. Playing drop off Jalen Brunson is inviting doom, and Brunson had all the space he wanted to shoot, pass or drive.
4. Kitty Scratched Back: Towns was the better big man on Monday, finishing with 30 points and 14 rebounds to go with four assists. He did the usual thing he does vs. Jokic, trying too hard, picking up fouls and trying useless ISO post-ups. But he settled in and instead took what the pick and roll game gave him and was magnificent.
5. The Good News: Is that Jamal Murray had a good game offensively. He finished with 20 points and seven assists on 6-of-13 shooting. The defensive problems weren’t lapses or effort on his part (well, any more than any other Nugget), and he made smart offensive plays. it just didn’t matter with the onslaught. But a good Murray offensive game matters going forward.
6. Russ Did Some Stuff: Westbrook finished with 24 points in the 4th quarter, a career record in a quarter. He was battling even with the game well out of reach. I’d like to say that’s why Tom Thibodeau kept his starters in, but, well, it’s Thibs. That’s just what he does.
7. LA Nightlife Is Undefeated: Jamal Murray took responsibility for the loss, saying it’s not on the coach or the playcalls, but on the players. He also made mention that the team stayed overnight in Los Angeles Saturday with many players having a house there. It wasn’t an excuse; Murray was left trying to come up with reasons for the Nuggets’ effort and after the fifth or so quetions, talked about that facet. It looks worse than it was, unlike the game.
8. Growing Pains: Julian Strawther really struggled in this one defensively. This was a preview for Strawther of what playoff minutes are like vs. physical, sharp-execution teams and he has some work to do to reach that level.
9. BALLING OUT: Even in an absolute demolition, the Nuggets crowd was great on Monday. There were lots of Knicks fans, but still a very partisan Nuggets crowd, and even in the waning moments of the blowout, the crowd was singing.
10. Next Up: Denver heads West to take on the Jazz who have had a rough start to the year but just beat these same Knicks. Can Denver bounce back quickly to prevent another losing streak?
Giannis Antetokounmpo improves on greatness, again
Giannis, Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez lead the way for the Bucks in 2024
Our modern relationship with the concept of greatness is a strange thing. Certainly in NBA basketball, but even more broadly, we like to hold greatness up to its lack. Less readily do we accept greatness at face value, or allow for greatness to simply stand on its own. It needs a backdrop of failure, and maybe because of that, it is failure we’ve become better at discussing. When greatness persists, or proves to have staying power, it feels almost dull. We want greatness to come with persistent conflict, and we want our greats to prove it, again and again.
Giannis Antetokounmpo is a prime modern example.
Over the weekend, Antetokounmpo made history. He became the NBA athlete to record the most 30-point games in a decade, beating out the obvious candidates of Steph Curry and LeBron James. That’s over 262 games with 30-plus-points. So far this season, he’s been averaging 32.4 points, 11.9 rebounds, and 6.4 assists per game, and shooting field goals at a 60.8% accurate clip. These numbers are staggering and yet, at a glance around discussion on the season, you’d think they were hum-drum.
Truth be told, conversation about the Bucks and Antetokounmpo seemed more engaged when both struggled early in the season. Those favourite, swirling questions of will-he-or-won’t-he be traded, or force a trade, rose with aplomb. A championship calibre team doing badly is always news, sure, but when its championship calibre superstar pushes through the struggles to virtually carry the team, we tend to turn our attention elsewhere.
Maybe it’s because the thing that’s given Antetokounmpo another gear this season — rediscovering the mid-range — is a part of the floor not as exciting as the three-point range teams like the Celtics are bombing from, but the bump has been drastic. Last season Antetokounmpo shot 35.1% from the mid-range and thus far this season he’s converting 47.8% of his mid-range attempts (of which he’s doubled, 2.4 to 4.3).
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Preview Emirates NBA Cup play continues this week — here’s what lies ahead for all teams. (NBA)
Roster Before the 2025 NBA Draft, get familiar with 10 international prospects. (ESPN)
Analysis Michael Malone criticized the Nuggets’ effort following a blowout loss to the Knicks, emphasizing the need for accountability and improved performance. (Sports Illustrated)
Watch Nikola Jokic is way ahead in the MVP race one month into the season, outperforming other top contenders like Jayson Tatum and Anthony Davis. (CBS Sports)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Monday’s Fantasy Basketball Recap - Hamstrings Strike In Orlando
Nov 23, 2024; Orlando, Florida, USA; Orlando Magic guard Cole Anthony (50) shoots during the second half against the Detroit Pistons at Kia Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike Watters-Imagn Images | Mike Watters/Mike Watters-Imagn Images
Monday’s NBA action brought a whirlwind of performances, injuries, and strategic moves that could significantly impact your fantasy basketball lineup. Here are the major takeaways from the day, focusing on what’s most relevant for fantasy managers.
Injury Updates and Player Returns
- Devin Vassell is expected back on Wednesday, which is great news for those who have been patient with his knee issues. Meanwhile, Jordan Clarkson is out for Utah, creating opportunities for players like Colin Sexton and Isaiah Collier to step up. Keep an eye on Johnny Juzang as a potential deep-league add.
- Gary Harris suffered a hamstring injury, which could open up more minutes for Cole Anthony and Anthony Black. With Jalen Suggs also dealing with a hamstring issue, these players could see increased roles.
Waiver Wire Trends
- Moussa Diabate has become a hot commodity following Grant Williams’ injury. While Diabate’s scoring is limited, his defensive stats make him a valuable short-term add.
- Malcolm Brogdon is worth considering for streaming, though his long-term value remains uncertain. Similarly, Ty Jerome had a standout performance, but his shooting percentages are unlikely to be sustainable.
- Naji Marshall and T.J. McConnell are sensible additions given the current absences in their respective teams. McConnell, in particular, could provide solid assists and steals with several key players out.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Nuggets podcasts.
Nuggets POSTCAST: Nuggets trounce Suns in Game 1 The Denver Nuggets took care of business against the Phoenix Suns, 117-90 for their second straight win. Aniello Piro breaks down the game on tonight’s Locked On Nuggets POSTCAST.
Jamal Murray CLUTCH again! Jokic and Nuggets survive in New Orleans Matt and Ryan break down the Denver Nuggets overtime win over the New Orleans Pelicans led by Jamal Murray, Russell Westbrook closing over Michael Porter Jr., and more.
Help the Nuggets Help Themselves Matt and Swipa break down Nikola Jokic’s performance and whether he needs more help.
