The Denver Nuggets are back in action with a full roster, celebrating Peyton Watson's return by securing a solid 128-112 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. However, not everyone is convinced that the Nuggets are out of the woods just yet. Bill Simmons, in a recent chat with Zach Lowe on "The Bill Simmons Podcast," expressed ongoing concerns about the team's performance in clutch situations, a lingering issue since Nikola Jokic's return from injury in late January.
Simmons painted a vivid picture, comparing the Nuggets' clutch struggles to a malfunctioning car, suggesting a certain level of discomfort with their late-game performances. It's a comparison that hits home, as the Nuggets have indeed been struggling in tight spots. With a 5-9 record since February and 14 clutch games under their belt in that period, their overall clutch record stands at a precarious 18-19 this season.
Concerns about coaching also surfaced during the discussion. Simmons raised questions about head coach David Adelman, who has been at the helm for nearly a year.
The Nuggets have found themselves in 18 one-possession games, losing 11 of them-a league-leading statistic. This raises legitimate questions about strategic decisions in critical moments.
Simmons and Lowe also critiqued the Nuggets' offensive strategy, describing it as overly reliant on Jokic. They noted a decline in Jokic's post-up plays and an increase in his three-point attempts, averaging 4.7 per game, which matches his career high. This shift might be contributing to the predictability of the Nuggets' offense, limiting opportunities for players beyond Jamal Murray.
Despite these concerns, there's still confidence in the Nuggets' potential. Both Simmons and Lowe believe that the Nuggets can outshine the Lakers in the playoffs, even if the Lakers secure a higher seed.
The broader sentiment across the NBA sees the Nuggets as a top-four team in the West and a genuine championship contender. With Jokic leading the charge, the Nuggets remain in a strong position to make a deep playoff run.