Denver Nuggets Win Over Phoenix Suns Proves Ship Has Been Righted
By Ryan Aston
@mrmarykateolsen
NBAE/Getty Images
Earlier this week, the Denver Nuggets lost a road game to the Phoenix Suns that ended their recent win streak. After struggling to begin the season in the manner that many expected them to, the streak was serving as notice that the ship had been righted for coach Brian Shaw and company. Following the defeat, one couldn’t help but wonder how the team would respond when they faced the Suns again on their home floor. What ended up transpiring in the contest was more evidence that the team is on the right track.
The 122-97 victory offered everything a Nuggets fan would want to see. They were able to regroup after suffering a setback. They persevered in spite of the injuries to Randy Foye and JaVale McGee. Aaron Afflalo played like the leader he was for the Orlando Magic last season. Danilo Galinari actually looked like something resembling Danilo Galinari. The bench was as deep and debilitating as many hoped it would be.
Before the season, many predicted that the Nuggets were a club that could exceed expectations and get back to their winning ways. After all, the injuries that plagued them last season were no longer an issue, Afflalo was back in a Nuggets uniform and coach Shaw now had a year of experience under his belt. Initial returns were disappointing, but this win in particular serves as a reminder of just how much this team is capable of when it plays to its potential.
Does this mean Denver is once again a contender in the Western Conference? Absolutely not. In the wild west of the NBA, they’ve still got a lot of ground to cover to even scratch the surface of the playoff conversation. That said, mounting evidence continues to show the Nuggets are back on the right path and have become a force to be reckoned with on a nightly basis.
Watch out, Western Conference — the gauntlet has grown more difficult.
Ryan Aston covers the Utah Jazz for RantSports. Follow him on Twitter @MrMaryKateOlsen or add him to your network on Google.
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