Heading into Sunday, the Denver Nuggets are dealing with a win-or-go-home state of affairs. David Adelman’s crew will face the Oklahoma Metropolis Thunder in Sport 7 of the Western Convention semifinals. Thus far, the sequence has been evenly break up, with every crew profitable three video games apiece.
Whereas Adelman is inexperienced in high-leverage postseason basketball, he can draw on Denver’s championship expertise to assist navigate what shall be a troublesome battle between two elite groups.
Listed here are three keys to the Nuggets reserving their spot within the Western Convention Finals.
No. 1: Get Russell Westbrook going early
He may not be an MVP-caliber participant anymore, however Russell Westbrook can nonetheless swing the tide of a sport. Denver ought to discover methods to get the coast-to-coast star going early and sometimes, permitting him to dictate the tempo of the sport and create out of his drives to the rim. Westbrook is not going to hold an offense at this level in his profession, however he can actually dictate the phrases of engagement.
No. 2: Shut down the remaining
There is no level making an attempt to close down or comprise Shai Gilgeous-Alexander. He is too good. The higher choice is to restrict his retailers. In case you can shut down the supporting forged, SGA shall be compelled to shoulder the burden of expectations. This Thunder crew, whereas spectacular, continues to be proving itself in do-or-die conditions. The Nuggets ought to bait SGA into enjoying hero ball, figuring out that he cannot win the sport on his personal.
No. 3: Feed Nikola Jokic at each flip
It would not matter if it is within the put up, on the perimeter or across the dunker spot, Nikola Jokic could make one thing occur. He is an elite playmaker and scorer. There should not be a single possession (whereas he is on the ground) the place the ball would not contact his palms. If Jokic is allowed to quarterback the offense from totally different units and actions, he’ll unlock the remainder of his teammates. Jokic continues to be the most effective participant on this planet. Leaning on him in a high-intensity sport ought to be a no brainer.
