Nuggets' twin towers frontcourt has impressed but ultimate test comes vs. Warriors

Reporters on media row were stunned when Denver Nuggets coach Michael Malone revealed his starting lineup ahead of Wednesday night’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

While many expected the Nuggets to continue playing small ball until Paul Millsap returns after the All-Star break from left wrist surgery, Denver changed course and slotted backup center Mason Plumlee alongside Nikola Jokic. Even though Denver fell to Minnesota, Plumlee and Jokic played well together.

In a small two-game sample size, Denver is crushing opponents when Plumlee and Jokic share the floor. In the 32 minutes that Denver has gone to their twin towers look, the Nuggets are outscoring their opponent by 32 points. In those 32 minutes, Denver is scoring 133.8 points per 100 possessions and allowing just 91.2 points per 100. For comparison’s sake, this season the Nuggets average 107.4 points per 100 possessions on offense and allow an average of 107.2

Against Portland, Jokic spent a little time guarding Jusuf Nurkic, but Plumlee was his primary defender. The results were good for Denver. Nurkic only scored 10 points, registered one rebound and was a non-factor. Plumlee finished with five blocks — two of which came on Nurkic.

While that pairing has played well across two games, Denver (17-15) goes up against a different animal in the Golden State Warriors (28-6) tonight (6:30 MT, ALT) at Oracle Arena in Oakland. If Malone rolls with his same starters, either Jokic or Plumlee will check Draymond Green. The other will guard athletic rookies Jordan Bell who’s in line for his eighth start of the season with Zaza Pachulia nursing a sore left shoulder.

Winners of 11 straight, the Warriors scored a 113-106 victory over the Lakers on Friday. Kevin Durant, who’s shouldering more of the scoring load with Stephen Curry (ankle) sidelined, led Golden State with 33 points. Nuggets point guard Emmanuel Mudiay (right ankle sprain) will miss his third consecutive game.

In the two teams’ first matchup of the season, the Nuggets fell 127-108 at Pepsi Center. None of Denver’s starters scored in double-figures while Golden State shot 55 percent from the field and converted on 45 percent of their threes.

Nuggets Projected Starters:

Jamal Murray, Gary Harris, Wilson Chandler, Nikola Jokic, Mason Plumlee

Warriors Projected Starters:

Patrick McCaw, Klay Thompson, Kevin Durant, Draymond Green, Jordan Bell