There's growing chemistry among Denver's key players

1. After the game, Michael Malone fumed over Denver’s defensive effort and ranking dead last in defensive efficiency through 7 games inside of the bubble. I’m curious if he’ll feel the same way on Friday having rewatched the tape.

2. One of the most encouraging things that stood out on second watch of the game was the budding three-man game between Nikola Jokic, Jamal Murray, and Michael Porter Jr. In the clips below, all three work together to create some beautiful offensive possessions.

3. Both Jokic and Murray looked for opportunities to get Porter Jr. the ball against mismatches, even against a versatile and switch-heavy team like the Clippers. And boy does Porter make it look easy when he is being guarded by an undersized defender.

4. Jamal Murray doesn’t get enough credit for how well he reads the court off ball.

5. Nearly as encouraging as the budding three-man game is the growing chemistry between Jerami Grant and Jokic.

6. Also encouraging is Grant’s willingness and freedom to expand his role in the offense. Below, he runs a great handoff with Mason Plumlee against one of the league’s best defenders.

7. This has been stated on the list before but Murray’s ability to step into and knockdown PnR pull-up three-pointers will be a major key in how the team succeeds or fails in the playoffs, especially if teams feel like they can drop against Murray.

8. One of the most important traits a high quality role player can have is the recognition and acceptance of the role the team needs them to play. The Nuggets needs PJ Dozier to handle the ball in PnR, make smart reads, defend dribble penetration, and get the ball where it needs to go. They don’t need him to be a volume scorer or to stop the ball with isolation scoring.

9. Michael Porter is on a very short list of players who are even capable of blocking Paul George’s jump shot.

10. Playing two point guards alongside Jokic, Grant, and Porter Jr. is a great way to get the ball poppin.

11. Murray seems locked in and ready for the playoffs, even on the defensive end.

12. Here Is a great example of Murray’s added strength.

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