Entry 8: "Let The Games Begin"
The First Preseason Game Of The 2023-24 Season Was a Great Success!
By: Liz
October 10, 2023
While preseason may not mean as much as any regular season game, the opportunity for the newest rookies to show off their skills is what matters. And show off, they did. The young players Denver has acquired over the last two seasons are proving themselves to be worthy of roster spots, tonight's debut furthered the agenda.
Before I begin the overview, I just want to offer my condolences to the Malone family after the devastating loss of Brendan Malone. I will keep them in my prayers, and may he rest in peace.
Alright, we’ll start by discussing who didn’t play. Michael Porter Jr. and Christian Braun were noticeably absent from the lineups, both out with minor injuries. Porter Jr. had a boot and wrap on his ankle previously during training camp, and Braun had a minor calf strain. Really, the only reason they didn’t play was out of precaution, they don’t need to risk getting [even more] injured before the season even begins. An understandable and logical decision that not only benefits the team by protecting the players, but also gives the ‘new guy’ the opportunity to have a moment in the spotlight.
Next, let’s discuss the player we all were told to have high expectations of, but didn’t quite have those expectations met just yet. Hunter Tyson was compared to Larry Bird by Michael Malone during training camp. When fans hear that, the expectations rise before there is even evidence of this claim. Though he didn’t score, he still ended with 4 rebounds, 2 assists, and 1 block, which is a decent statline for a ‘trial run’ game. I’m honestly hoping he lives up to the expectations placed on his head by Malone, he has all the potential to be great.
Now, the star(s) of the show tonight were Peyton Watson and Julian Strawther. Both came out with energy, earning themselves double digit points which could earn them spots within the bench unit sooner than a lot of us expect. Watson ended the first preseason game of the year with 10 points, 3 steals, and 1 block [3/4 shooting, 75%] in 20 minutes; While Strawther ended with 20 points, 5 rebounds, and 3 assists [8/12 shooting, roughly 67%] in 21 minutes tonight. Very impressive performances from both, appearing to be very clear where they both believe they stand within this team and where they’re roles will most likely take place.
I won’t go into much detail about the starters, they weren’t playing nearly as seriously as they will be in a couple weeks after receiving their rings. However, Jamal Murray still ended the night with 12 points and 5 assists on 5/11 [roughly 45%] shooting; And Kentavious Caldwell-Pope ended up with 12 points on 4/7 [57%] shooting. Nikola Jokić had 9 points, 3 rebounds, and 2 assists on 4/11 [36%] shooting.
Overall, the 115-107 victory over the Phoenix Suns was filled with lots of impressive moments, mostly from the newcomer Julian Strawther. The potential he and other first and second year players (such as Peyton Watson and Christian Braun) have to really be considered for the future of this Nuggets team is going to show the league this year just what they’re made of.
Sources:
Druin, Donnie (October 10, 2023) Suns Fall to Nuggets in Preseason Home Opener FanNation: Inside The Suns https://www.si.com/nba/suns/gameday/phoenix-suns-denver-nuggets-preseason
NBA.com (October 10, 2023) Denver Nuggets vs Phoenix Suns Oct 10, 2023 Box Score NBA.com https://www.nba.com/game/den-vs-phx-0012300021/box-score