Western Union Game Preview

Denver Nuggets&nbsp;(48-34, sixth in the Western Conference) vs.&nbsp;Golden State Warriors&nbsp;(53-29, third in the Western Conference)

WESTERN CONFERENCE FIRST ROUND: Warriors lead series 3-1

BOTTOM LINE: The Golden State Warriors look to clinch the Western Conference first round over the Denver Nuggets in game five. The Nuggets won the last matchup 126-121 on April 24 led by 37 points from&nbsp;Nikola Jokic, while&nbsp;Stephen Curry&nbsp;scored 33 points for the Warriors.

The Warriors are 33-19 in conference play. Golden State is second in the Western Conference shooting 36.4% from downtown, led by&nbsp;Andrew Wiggins&nbsp;shooting 39.3% from 3-point range.

The Nuggets are 29-23 in Western Conference play. Denver is 8-3 in games decided by 3 points or fewer.

TOP PERFORMERS: Curry averages 4.5 made 3-pointers per game for the Warriors, scoring 25.5 points while shooting 38.0% from beyond the arc.&nbsp;Klay Thompson&nbsp;is averaging 20.4 points over the last 10 games for Golden State.

Jokic is averaging 27.1 points, 13.8 rebounds, 7.9 assists and 1.5 steals for the Nuggets.&nbsp;Aaron Gordon&nbsp;is averaging 16.9 points and 7.4 rebounds over the last 10 games for Denver.

LAST 10 GAMES: Warriors: 8-2, averaging 116.7 points, 41.5 rebounds, 29.5 assists, 8.0 steals and 5.1 blocks per game while shooting 50.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 106.9 points per game.

Nuggets: 4-6, averaging 119.6 points, 42.3 rebounds, 28.3 assists, 7.4 steals and 3.4 blocks per game while shooting 51.0% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 123.1 points.

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Nuggets face another elimination game in San Francisco

The Denver Nuggets have fallen on hard times in their first round series against the Golden State Warriors. In moments, they have simply been outmatched by immense firepower, but have shown their ability to hang tough in desperate times.

Game 3 was a perfect example of what the Nuggets could do if they fought for 48 minutes. Nikola Jokić, Aaron Gordon, and company bounced back each time the Warriors went on a run, and despite the loss, head coach Michael Malone felt a sense of pride for what his team accomplished.

But in a results-oriented business, the Nuggets fell to a 3-0 series deficit, and are now just one loss away from their season coming to a close.

On Thursday night, Malone said that the team had a choice. They could either roll over and concede a series sweep for the second consecutive season, or they could give the Warriors everything they have and attempt to force this series back to San Francisco for Game 5.

Even with the Nuggets being undermanned -- as they have been all season -- they won't just go out without a fight. DeMarcus Cousins, Gordon, and Jokić essentially confirmed this after the close Game 3 loss.

At practice on Saturday, Malone looked for a balance of do-or-die desperation with a loose and free play-style. "We've done it before. I mean, we've been in so many elimination games I think the guys understand. It's a delicate balance of 'our lives are on the line, desperation.' But while you're fighting for your life, smile and enjoy it."

Bones Hyland exuded positivity despite the Nuggets potentially having their final practice of the season, saying that getting at least one win is essential. "Major. Just to show our fight and show our toughness. Just to get one and not back down and let them just sweep us. It's going to show a lot of heart and a lot of courage just to go out there and be Nuggets basketball."

So what can the Nuggets do to ensure this series continues beyond a fourth game? It starts with limiting the damage done by the three-headed monster of Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson, and Jordan Poole. Combined, these hot-shooting guards are averaging 76.4 points per game on 56.8% from the field and 48.8% from three.

While almost nothing can be done to completely shut down Curry, Poole, and Thompson, this type of efficiency makes the Warriors nearly impossible to beat. It requires near perfection from the Nuggets just to keep the score close.

If Denver wants to buy themselves a slim margin of error, it starts on the defensive end. Guards Monte Morris, Will Barton, Austin Rivers, Bones Hyland, and Facundo Campazzo are all certainly vital parts of this task, but it also comes down to increased activity on the perimeter for Gordon, Jeff Green, and JaMychal Green.

On the offensive end, Jokić slightly decreased efficiency numbers need to be bolstered by his teammates. The Serbian superstar is averaging 29.3 points and 13.0 rebounds on 52.2% from the field.

The next three leading scorers combined -- Barton, Gordon, and Morris -- have put together 38 points and 16 rebounds on 42.9% from the field. If everyone else can bump their field goals percentages, it increases the type of mobility Jokić has in the post.

Game 3 revealed all the tools necessary to steal a win against the Warriors. Now, it's about going out and executing for 48 minutes, as Malone has discussed all series long. Forcing a Game 5 would be a testament to the will power of the Nuggets roster, and there's certainly belief that it can be done.

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Game 4 Preview: Nuggets On Brink Of Elimination In Final Push Vs. Warriors

The Denver Nuggets have returned to Ball Arena and get to play in front of their home fans for the first time during this postseason. More than ever, they need energy from that home crowd, as they face a 2-0 series deficit to the Golden State Warriors.

Games 1 and 2 completely belonged to the Warriors. Nuggets head coach Michael Malone criticized the consistency of the team in the first two games, saying that they have not yet played a full 48-minute game.

So to turn the tide of this series, it's going to take more than just a few more made shots and a few extra defensive stops. The Nuggets need to find a way to keep their intensity throughout the entirety of the game, as they've proven -- in small spurts -- that they are more than capable of beating the Warriors.

Malone spoke about the mindset of the team as the venue changes from San Francisco to Denver. "Frustration. I think guys understand we're down 2-0," Malone said. "My message is simply, 'they did what they were supposed to do, they won two at home.'"

"Now, we're coming home and we have a chance to get back into this series by protecting our home court."

This season, the Nuggets were one of five NBA teams to have a better road record than home record. But things are different in the playoffs, as home court advantages grow stronger and road wins are even harder to come by.

From a mental perspective, Denver appeared refreshed at their Wednesday practice after what was a frustrating Game 2. Now, as Game 3 approaches, the mental aspect must combine itself with a new method of success on the court.

"We're only going to [protect home court] if we change our plan," Malone implored. "The points off turnovers, 23 a game, 18 transition points per game, 44 [percent] from the three-point line, and we're putting them on the foul line 27 times a game."

The Warriors should receive credit for coming into this series with a strong plan of attack. But now, the Nuggets have a chance to rebuttal on their home floor. If they can ramp up the physicality -- without fouling -- and run the Warriors off the three-point line, winning a game becomes a much more doable task.

Denver also needs to see continued improvements on an individual level. Nikola Jokić let his frustration get the best of him in Game 2, getting ejected for arguing with officials. Draymond Green has done incredible work defensively on him, Aaron Gordon, and just about anyone who tries to enter the paint on the Nuggets.

Jokić and Gordon need to be in sync on both ends of the floor for them to have success. They also need help from the guards, as Will Barton, Monte Morris, Austin Rivers, and Bones Hyland have all struggled in their own ways.

The Nuggets need more efficient shooting from Morris and Hyland, a reduced turnover rate from Barton, and a healthy Rivers, who took a nasty spill in Game 2 before ultimately returning later in the game.

If all of these main contributors can get on the same page for 48 minutes, they can absolutely make real noise. It remains important to note that the Nuggets have held strong leads midway through the second quarter in both games thus far.

The challenge in Game 3 -- beyond everything listed above -- is to avoid the big run from the Warriors. In both second quarters, the Warriors have gone on 18-4 and 26-8 runs respectively. Those five-minute spurts affected both results, and they must be avoided at all costs if the Nuggets want a win in Game 3.

A win in Game 3 would completely shift the narrative surrounding this series. Trailing 2-0 with two blowouts is never a good look, but trailing 2-1 with one more home game is hardly a bad situation to be in.

Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado; Thursday, April 21; 8:00 p.m. MST

TNT, Altitude TV, and Altitude Radio 92.5

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Game 3 Preview: Nuggets Return Home In Hopes Of Tightening Series Vs. Warriors

It was a slow start to the first round of the NBA Playoffs for the Denver Nuggets, who finished on the wrong end of a blowout loss in Game 1. The Golden State Warriors flourished behind 49 combined points on 10 made three-pointers from Jordan Poole and Klay Thompson in a 123-107 victory.

Now, the Nuggets have to find a way to reset and steal a win on the road in this best-of-seven playoff series. To do so, they need to make significant changes to their game-plan in the hopes that this can be an even ball-game heading back to Denver.

The first change is on the perimeter, where the defense must be on a completely different level from Saturday night. Will Barton said it best of their defensive effort in Game 1. "We didn't defend. We had too many breakdowns and gave up too many threes. We've got to defend better."

This sentiment was echoed by point guard Monte Morris, who felt the team got away from their game-plan after the Warriors started making shots. "We have a scheme, we just gotta execute it. We can't let them distort what we're trying to do just because they can shoot."

Morris, Barton, Bones Hyland, and of course, Austin Rivers, are vital to the defensive scheme that the Nuggets are attempting to run. In Game 1, off-ball breakdowns against Thompson, Poole, and Stephen Curry were far too frequent. Both Morris and Barton attributed this to poor communication, meaning it should be a relatively simple fix for Game 2.

The Warriors were a plus-15 from behind the three-point line. Defensively, the Nuggets have to keep the Warriors inside the three-point line instead of outside. Golden State is simply too dangerous if they get going from three-point range.

But running the Warriors off the three-point line is not just a job for the guards. It's also on the wings and the big men -- including Aaron Gordon and Nikola Jokić -- to put pressure on jump-shooters. Head coach Michael Malone introduced this concept prior to Game 1, and likely reinforced it ahead of Game 2.

If Jokić and Gordon can increase their defensive activity, Warriors guards may feel less comfortable with an endless three-point attack. The Nuggets making Game 2 a battle within the paint exponentially increases their odds of winning.

In general, the Nuggets are also hoping for an improved outing from Gordon, who struggled from the field in the series opener. Gordon finished with eight points and five rebounds on 3-of-10 shooting, and as the team's current second option offensively, his efficiency must be higher.

For Gordon to do this, his focus should turn towards attacking the paint. In Game 1, the Warriors showed an ultimate comfort level allowing Gordon to take uncontested jump shots. If he starts Game 2 by making those shots, then he should continue shooting them. But if they fall at the same rate as the first game, Gordon can use his strong post moves and elite athleticism to make the game easier on himself.

It may have been a disappointing result in the first game, but the Nuggets have been here before. Denver is 2-6 in Game 1's since 2019, but are 3-2 overall in series' where they lose Game 1. The adjustments are there to be made, it's just a matter of making them quickly.

Chase Center, San Francisco, California; Monday, April 18; 8:00 p.m. MST

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Game 2 Preview: Nuggets Look To Bounce Back With Warriors Holding Series Advantage

The Denver Nuggets are in the postseason for the fourth consecutive year, and are one of just two teams to get past the first round in each of the last three seasons. This time around, Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets face perhaps their biggest opening round challenge yet, as they take on the championship-tested Golden State Warriors.

The Nuggets have been a part of the No. 3-No. 6 matchup in each of the last two seasons, however it was Denver with home-court advantage in 2020 and 2021. Now, the Warriors will play four of seven on their home floor at the Chase Center where they were absolutely dominant this season.

The Warriors had the NBA's second-best home record in 2021-22, winning 31 of their 41 home games. But if any team in the league is equipped to steal home-court advantage away in this series, it's the Nuggets. Denver set a franchise record for road success, winning 25 games this season away from Ball Arena, and had the fourth-best road record in the league.

While Stephen Curry, Draymond Green, and Klay Thompson have all missed significant time this season, the Warriors still managed to have the fourth-ranked net rating this season, powered by a No. 2-ranked defense, but falling behind with a 16th-ranked offense.

On the Nuggets side, their numbers were boosted by a powerful offensive attack. Their No. 6-ranked offense and 15th-ranked defense led to the 11th-best net rating in basketball this season.

Of course, how far the Nuggets go is determined by their MVP-frontrunner and one of the best players in the game today in Jokić. In four games against the Warriors this season, Jokić averaged 28.0 points, 15.8 rebounds, and 8.8 assists. However, he never saw Draymond Green, a perennial Defensive Player of the Year candidate.

Green has historically had success against Jokić, holding him well below his averages in previous seasons. But Green has yet to face this version of Jokić, a player who is not only in the midst of his best individual season, but is having one of the most efficient seasons in the history of the NBA.

Jokić and Green are two of the smartest players in the league today, so the mental battle between these two is just as vital as the physical battle. As always, the Nuggets star is going to get his elite statistics, but he'll also need to rely on his teammates.

Down in the post, Aaron Gordon is another massively important aspect of this series for Denver. As Jokić gets significant attention, it becomes Gordon's responsibility to pick his spots, get open for easy opportunities, and hit shots. Gordon had his most efficient season shooting the ball, surpassing 50% from the field and 60% True Shooting for the first time in his career.

When Jokić faces expected double-teams from Green, Kevon Looney, or even Andrew Wiggins and Jonathan Kuminga, it's almost a guarantee that he'll make the right play. When he makes that play, it now comes down to another vital factor of this series.

The backcourt collection of Will Barton, Monte Morris, Austin Rivers, and Bones Hyland are tasked with making life easier on Jokić as a difficult series progresses. They can do this by hitting open shots and providing some defensive relief on what could easily be one of the greatest backcourts in NBA history in Curry and Thompson.

Morris is in the midst of a career year, shooting 39.5% from beyond the three-point line. He also performed extremely well in three games against the Warriors this season, averaging 16.7 points, 4.7 rebounds, and 4.7 assists on 46.7% from three.

Hyland is also proving himself to have no fear, as the 2021 first-round draft pick has cemented himself as the Nuggets' back-up point guard, hitting nearly 40 percent of his threes since becoming a major part of the rotation in mid-January.

Making open shots is only half the job, as Rivers and Barton figure to be essential in slowing down Curry, Thompson, and Jordan Poole. Head coach Michael Malone tasked Rivers with being the team's primary perimeter defender. “I was talking to Austin this morning, if you look at all the clips and the film that we watched as a staff recently, Austin had tremendous examples of defending," Malone said of Rivers at a team practice. "He actually won defensive player of the game for us twice in our matchups against them."

There will also be plenty of spotlight on wings Jeff Green and JaMychal Green to hit those same open shots while dealing with All-Star Andrew Wiggins on the defensive end. Nuggets starting forward Jeff Green had some thoughts on how to be successful in this series at a practice earlier in the week. “It’s about honing in on what they do best, and trying to take that away."

"And after the game – win or lose – we have to go back and we have to get better each game. It’s always about the small details when it comes to the playoffs.”

If the Nuggets plan on continuing their streak of making it out of the first round, it's going to require a complete effort from every part of the roster. Reigning MVP Jokić is going to do all he can, but winning in the playoffs is a team challenge, not an individual one.

On an individual level, the health of Jamal Murray, Michael Porter Jr., and Curry will continue to be monitored. Curry appears to be a go for Game 1, but could be facing a minutes restriction. As for Murray, Malone hinted that he is considered doubtful at this time, but that the door has not been closed on a return.

Denver has to double down on what has worked for them so far this season. Run the offense through Jokić, hit open shots, and steal victories on the road. If they can do this while playing serviceable defense on Curry, Thompson, Poole, and Wiggins, winning this series can be within reach.

Nuggets (48-34) vs. Warriors (53-29) Series Schedule

Game 1: Nuggets vs. Warriors; Saturday, April 16, 6:30 p.m. MST; ABC

Game 2: Nuggets vs. Warriors; Monday, April 18, 8:00 p.m. MST; TNT and Altitude TV*

Game 3: Warriors vs. Nuggets; Thursday, April 21, 8:00 p.m. MST; TNT and Altitude TV*

Game 4: Warriors vs. Nuggets; Sunday, April 24, 1:30 p.m. MST; ABC

Game 5 (if necessary): Nuggets vs. Warriors; Wednesday, April 27, TBD

Game 6 (if necessary): Warriors vs. Nuggets; Friday, April 29, TBD

Game 7 (if necessary): Nuggets vs. Warriors; Sunday, May 1, TBD

*Games 1-7 broadcast on Altitude 92.5 FM radio

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Series Preview: Nuggets Put Playoff Streak On The Line In First Round Matchup Vs. Warriors

The Denver Nuggets have already secured their spot in the 2022 NBA Playoffs, but still have one final game to figure out their first-round matchup and seeding. In the last game of the regular season, it's the Los Angeles Lakers coming to town.

The Nuggets could be short-handed against the Lakers. As of Sunday morning, only Michael Porter Jr. and Jamal Murray had been officially ruled out, although several players -- including Nikola Jokić and Aaron Gordon -- are considered questionable.

Meanwhile, the Lakers are without LeBron James, Anthony Davis, Russell Westbrook, Carmelo Anthony, and Kendrick Nunn, all of whom have been ruled out for their season finale.

Regardless of who's playing, Nuggets head coach Michael Malone has no interest in waving the white flag. "We have to keep an edge. We have to keep a proper mindset going into the playoffs. You don't want to come up for air and stay there."

When the postseason begins next weekend, the Nuggets will either be in the No. 5 or No. 6 seed in the Western Conference. Sunday night's slate of games determines exactly who winds up where, as fans can closely watch the score of the Utah Jazz matchup with the Portland Trail Blazers.

If the Jazz win or the Nuggets lose on Sunday night, the Jazz will take the No. 5 seed and the Nuggets will claim sixth. However, if the Nuggets win and the Jazz lose, the two will swap spots in the bracket.

Nuggets fans can also watch the outcomes of two other games: the Golden State Warriors and New Orleans Pelicans, as well as the Dallas Mavericks and San Antonio Spurs. If the Warriors win or the Mavericks lose, Golden State will be No. 3 and Dallas, No. 4. If the Mavericks win and the Warriors lose, the two switch sides.

Nuggets guard Will Barton -- questionable for the Lakers matchup -- said that the Nuggets do not have a preference in their first round matchup, and that they would be confident against either team.

Heading into the final game of the regular season, the Nuggets have the correct mindset across the board. Rather than trying to manipulate the standings to be in a specific seed or face a specific opponent, they are going to go for a win, even if some key players sit out.

Hopefully, against a depleted Lakers team, Denver can put together a performance they can be proud of heading into the fight for an NBA championship.

Los Angeles Lakers (32-49, 11th in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (48-33, sixth in the Western Conference)

Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado; Sunday, April 10; 7:30 p.m. MST

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Regular Season Comes To A Close As Nuggets Face Short-Handed Lakers

On Tuesday night, head coach Michael Malone called a loss to the San Antonio Spurs a "wasted opportunity" with the chance to clinch a postseason berth. The Denver Nuggets have a chance to right that wrong, but they need to go through the Memphis Grizzlies to do it.

The Grizzlies have won 11 of their last 13 games, cementing themselves as the No. 2 seed in a top-heavy Western Conference. Even more impressively, they've done this without young superstar Ja Morant.

This gives Nikola Jokić and the Nuggets a great test as they look to secure their place in the NBA Playoffs.

After a remarkable performance against the Spurs, Jokić has another opportunity to put himself at the top of the Most Valuable Player race. Over his last 17 games, Jokić is averaging 32.0 points, 13.5 rebounds, and 7.8 assists on 62.2 percent from the field.

However, in order to continue his recent success, he'll need to outwork one of the league's stingiest defenses. The Grizzlies have the No. 5-ranked defense in the NBA, anchored by the front-court duo of Steven Adams and Jaren Jackson Jr.

Jokić should have some great help in the form of Aaron Gordon, who is coming off of a strong game of his own against the Spurs with 18 points and 13 rebounds. With Morant sidelined due to injury, the interior presences of the Nuggets and Grizzlies should be the X-factor.

On the perimeter, Nuggets guards have their hands full with Desmond Bane and Tyus Jones, who have both stepped up in Morant's absence. Monte Morris and Will Barton struggled from the field against the Spurs, but getting back on track could provide a massive boost for Denver.

Coach Malone is also hopeful to be more reliant on his second unit. He criticized his bench on Tuesday after a difficult stint in the second quarter, but an improved sense of urgency can easily change the course of a game.

With only two games remaining in the regular season, there remains plenty to fight for. A win ensures the Nuggets won't see the Play-In Tournament, earning themselves a full week off before beginning their quest for a championship.

Memphis Grizzlies (55-24, second in the Western Conference) vs. Denver Nuggets (47-33, sixth in the Western Conference)

Ball Arena, Denver, Colorado; Thursday, April 7; 7:00 p.m. MST

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Nuggets Look To Clinch Playoff Berth Against Red-Hot Grizzlies

Denver Nuggets&nbsp;(46-32, sixth in the Western Conference) vs.&nbsp;Los Angeles Lakers&nbsp;(31-46, 11th in the Western Conference)

BOTTOM LINE:&nbsp;LeBron James&nbsp;and&nbsp;Nikola Jokic&nbsp;meet when Los Angeles takes on Denver. James leads the NBA averaging 30.3 points per game and Jokic is ninth in the league averaging 26.6 points per game.

The Lakers are 16-31 in Western Conference games. Los Angeles ranks fifth in the NBA with 14.5 fast break points per game led by James averaging 4.8.

The Nuggets have gone 27-21 against Western Conference opponents. Denver is fifth in the Western Conference scoring 48.9 points per game in the paint led by Jokic averaging 15.8.

The teams play for the second time this season. The Nuggets won the last meeting 133-96 on Jan. 16, with Nah'Shon Hyland scoring 27 points in the win.

TOP PERFORMERS:&nbsp;Russell Westbrook&nbsp;is averaging 18.2 points, 7.4 rebounds and 7.1 assists for the Lakers. James is averaging 34.0 points over the last 10 games for Los Angeles.

Jokic is shooting 58.1% and averaging 26.6 points for the Nuggets. Hyland is averaging 2.6 made 3-pointers over the last 10 games for Denver.

LAST 10 GAMES: Lakers: 2-8, averaging 114.4 points, 41.8 rebounds, 24.8 assists, 6.3 steals and 3.0 blocks per game while shooting 48.5% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 121.4 points per game.

Nuggets: 6-4, averaging 119.9 points, 43.7 rebounds, 30.5 assists, 6.5 steals and 3.3 blocks per game while shooting 51.8% from the field. Their opponents have averaged 118.7 points.

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Top scorers square off in Los Angeles-Denver matchup

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