Nuggets Look for Offensive Improvement in Preseason Rematch With Jazz.
The Denver Nuggets will get another look at the Utah Jazz as the two teams meet again in preseason action, this time in Salt Lake City. Denver enters the matchup looking to make progress after falling 109-97 to Utah in its preseason opener in Boulder. The final score is not the biggest concern during exhibition play, but the Nuggets have several areas they can evaluate as they continue preparing for the regular season. One of the biggest storylines will be Denver’s offense. The Nuggets shot 40% from the field, 28% from three-point range and 67% at the free-throw line in their first meeting with Utah. Denver finished with 97 points after struggling to consistently convert its scoring opportunities. That performance was a significant change from last season, when Denver scored fewer than 100 points only twice during the 82-game regular season. The Nuggets also had three games below 100 points during the playoffs. Denver will have another opportunity against Utah to improve its shooting and establish a better offensive rhythm. How the Nuggets create and finish scoring opportunities should be more important than the preseason result itself. Nikola Jokic will also be worth watching after taking a limited offensive role in the opener. Jokic played 15 minutes and attempted only one shot, finishing with three points and seven assists. He spent much of his time creating opportunities for teammates rather than looking for his own offense.
There is little reason for Denver to place a heavy workload on Jokic during the preseason, but the rematch could provide an opportunity for him to become more involved as a scorer. Another matchup with Utah’s frontcourt gives the Nuggets a chance to work on different ways of using Jokic within the offense before the regular season begins. Denver’s newcomers are another important part of the preseason evaluation. DeMar DeRozan, Alpha Diallo, Marvin Bagley III, Cam Whitmore, Trevon Brazile, Bryce Hopkins, Ryan Nembhard and Lonnie Walker IV all made their Nuggets preseason debuts in the first matchup against the Jazz.
Several of those players made encouraging early impressions. Bagley, Diallo, Whitmore and Brazile were among the newcomers who stood out as Denver began evaluating how its new pieces could fit into the rotation. Diallo will have another opportunity to build on his first performance as he competes for playing time. Whitmore and Brazile are also players to watch as they attempt to earn larger roles through their preseason performances.
With roster spots and minutes still being evaluated, Denver’s second meeting with Utah represents another opportunity for the coaching staff to examine different combinations and determine which players can contribute once the games begin to count.
The Nuggets do not need a preseason victory to prove they are ready for the season. More efficient shooting, continued evaluation of their newcomers and a productive performance from their core players would provide meaningful progress as Denver moves closer to the regular season.
