Game Preview
The Denver Nuggets enter Friday's home clash against the San Antonio Spurs riding a three-game winning streak and boasting an impressive 19-13 record on the season. Their high-octane offense has been firing on all cylinders, averaging a blistering 121.1 points per game while shooting a scorching 50.4 percent from the field. The Nuggets have been particularly lethal from beyond the arc, hovering around 38 percent on three-pointers.
Over their last 10 games, Denver has been even more potent, posting a 7-3 record while averaging a shade above 126 points and grabbing nearly 46 rebounds per contest. Their defense has tightened as well, allowing just 119.3 points over that stretch. The Nuggets' balanced attack features a 33.5 assist average, showcasing their unselfish ball movement and ability to create open looks.
Meanwhile, the San Antonio Spurs limp into the Mile High City with a 17-16 record, though they snapped a three-game skid in their last outing. Their offensive numbers pale in comparison to Denver's, averaging just 111.5 points on a 45.8 percent shooting clip for the season. San Antonio has struggled to find consistent scoring punch, especially from deep where they've connected on just 34.4 percent of their three-point attempts.
The Spurs' saving grace has been their stingy defense, surrendering 111.2 points per game. They've also been a formidable presence on the glass, grabbing 45 rebounds a night. However, San Antonio's production has dipped over their last 10 games, with scoring dropping to 112.6 points and opponents scoring 107.1 points against them. Their 46.6 rebounding average over that span is solid, but they'll need to control the boards to keep pace with Denver's firepower.
In a clash of contrasting styles, the high-flying Nuggets' offense will look to overwhelm the gritty Spurs on their home floor. Denver's ability to share the ball and knock down perimeter shots could be the difference against a San Antonio squad struggling to generate consistent scoring punch. If the Spurs can't contain the Nuggets' balanced attack, they could find themselves on the wrong end of another offensive onslaught from one of the league's most explosive teams.