the step was too high against the Suns, the MVP was too lonely

Beaten last night by the Suns in a tense game, the Nuggets are now officially on vacation and this rest may do good for a group that has long been plagued by injuries. Objective: to recover everyone in good condition and to catch up with next season with envy.

The only team in the last bubble quartet to reach the second round, Denver has done its best to save the furniture. Unfortunately for them, it was nowhere near enough against a Suns team on a mission who quickly smelled the scent of blood in their prey. Series ? A formality for Monty Williams and his family who flew over the first three games before meeting a tougher resistance but despite everything defeated in Game 4. Because yes, there was a gap between these two groups. A gap in the quality of the game deployed, in defensive solidity but also, and it is important to remember this, in the forces available. Deprived of two holders (Murray, Barton) and an important member of the bench (Dozier) when attacking the Playoffs, Mike Malone has long had to play Mr Bricolage with his group. If that was enough to get rid of the weak Blazers, the march was too high against the West’s second record. The difference in level between the backcourts was visible as the nose to the middle of the face and the absence of Jamal Murray was never so glaring as Nikola Jokic appeared more alone than ever as the matches progressed. Michael Porter Jr? In the back pocket of Mikal Bridges and more and more targeted in his half of the field. (we wouldn’t be surprised if he took lessons with Enes Kanter on the defensive pick and roll) Aaron Gordon? Very useful in defense in the first round but to subscribers absent in this series. We will regret the late return of Will Barton, who made a good comeback, especially since he had not played for almost two months. A very useful but insufficient reinforcement to fill all the gaps: the time had come to close the chapter 2020-21.

What to wish now to our Nugget friends? For starters, a real offseason with rest to make up for the last one. Between the progress of MPJ, the successful addition of Aaron Gordon, the season MVP of Jokic, there is something to draw satisfaction from the fans and the real regret is never to have had peace with the injuries. 5 is the number of games Nikola Jokic, Aaron Gordon and Jamal Murray were able to play together. As a symbol, the only defeat of the lot is the day when the leader is injured, like a grain of sand in the cog that prevents him from reaching his full potential. The positive point is that despite the injuries and the disappointment of this season marred by the twists of fate, you keep a group with the majority of your forces under contract and leaders still young (Jokic 26 years old, Murray 24 years old, Porter Jr 22 years old). All that remains is to find a few additional pieces to surround them or at least compensate a little for a possible absence. It’s up to Tim Connelly to play now.

The Nuggets have found stronger than them and it is logical that they trade the sneakers for the fins and the beach towel. See you next year with, we wish them, much better karma to have a chance to be competitive when it comes to attacking spring.

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