Nuggets Face Challenges as Grizzlies Aim to Capitalize on Defensive Gaps
The Denver Nuggets find themselves in a precarious position as they head into Memphis, coming off a surprising home loss to the Sacramento Kings. With two starters sidelined, the Nuggets are acutely aware of their vulnerabilities. Nikola Jokić, last season’s triple-double machine, remains a force on the court, but the Grizzlies are keen to exploit potential weaknesses in his defensive game.
Grizzlies Look to Extend Winning Streak
Memphis is eager to build on its momentum, seeking to stretch its current win streak to three games. The absence of Aaron Gordon opens the door for the Grizzlies to double-team Jokić, but they must tread carefully. Peyton Watson is emerging as a credible long-range threat, boasting a shooting percentage of 39.4 from beyond the arc, albeit on limited attempts. With Gordon out, opportunities for Watson to take on a more significant role may increase.
One of Memphis’s strengths lies in its ability to draw fouls, averaging 28.2 free throw attempts per game at home. This advantage could force the Nuggets to work against a set defense, compounding Denver’s challenges.
Exploiting Jokić’s Defensive Laziness
While Jokić dazzles on offense, his defensive diligence can sometimes waver. Known for his rebounding capabilities, he can often be seen conserving energy. To counter this, the Grizzlies must disrupt the navigation of screens by Watson and others, minimizing Jokić’s opportunities to cover substantial ground. Utilizing a pick-and-pop strategy with Santi Aldama is crucial; it could create open looks and momentum shifts.
Avoiding the Zone Against Valančiūnas
Historically, one of the best chances to mount a comeback against the Nuggets occurred during Jokić’s rest periods. However, this season presents a new challenge with Jonas Valančiūnas, whose presence on the boards and close-range scoring makes him a formidable opponent. The common 2-3 zone defense has proven ineffective against him, often yielding far too much space on the perimeter. Valančiūnas’ ability to set effective screens for Jamal Murray could dismantle any zone strategy deployed by Memphis.
Battling in the Paint
The Nuggets, while an average three-point shooting team with a rate of 33.2 attempts per game, excel at ball movement. Therefore, the Grizzlies must prioritize strong help defense to prevent Denver from capitalizing on second-chance opportunities, where they rank ninth in the league. A commanding performance from Edey on the boards will be pivotal in limiting back-breaking plays.
Aldama’s Rising Impact and Perimeter Shooting Needs
Santi Aldama has emerged as a key player in the Grizzlies’ recent victories, consistently scoring over 20 points and logging significant minutes. Watson may find himself matched up against Aldama, who, despite his promising defensive potential, can struggle with discipline, often falling for fakes. Meanwhile, Spencer Jones, with his size and strength, lacks the experience to effectively contain Aldama.
The Nuggets allow 20.4 wide-open three-point attempts per game, which could be an area for Memphis to exploit. Cedric Coward will need to find his range, while Kentavious Caldwell-Pope, a former Nugget, aims to find his rhythm against his old team after a rough start this November, shooting just 22.6 percent from deep. Strong perimeter defense will be essential for the Grizzlies to limit Murray’s scoring chances.
Upcoming Matchup Details
As the Grizzlies prepare to take on the Nuggets, all eyes will be on how they implement these strategies. With key player updates and matchups in play, this clash promises to be an intriguing battle in the Western Conference landscape.
