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The Denver Nuggets are not the only team down 2-0 in the opening series, but it feels as if they may be the most frustrated. The opening two games have been a nightmare for the Nuggets. Tempers began boiling over with arguments between teammates breaking out on the bench. Nikola Jokic’s ejection put the icing on the cake in the frustrating game as the Warriors cruised to a victory in Game 2. Nonetheless, now it's time to look at Nuggets-Warriors Game 3.
Nikola Jokic gets upset at the non-call and goes OFF on the referee. He gets hit with his second technical foul and is ejected.pic.twitter.com/NUDZyI8o36
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) April 19, 2022
The Warriors have given the NBA a strong reminder of why they shouldn’t be counted out in these playoffs. The emergence of Jordan Poole has made them nearly impossible to guard and the team is clicking on all cylinders. The series will head to the Mile High City and the Nuggets will hope to have some better luck in front of their home crowd.
Nuggets-Warriors Game 3 Predictions
Nikola Jokic gets a triple-double
Following a very impressive regular season, Nikola Jokic has struggled to find his stride in the playoffs. The reigning MVP is a -45 through the first two games and has failed to make a positive impact in either game. The frustration in Jokic has been clear as he has spent a great amount of time arguing with the officials.
If the Nuggets are to have any chance in the series, they need their superstar to get back to the brand of basketball he typically plays. The biggest area in his game that has been lacking is his passing ability which he is known for. Through the first two games of the playoffs, Jokic has tallied just 10 total assists. This is well below his average of 7.9 assists per game and a major reason for the ineffective offense from the Nuggets.
Nikola Jokic is the lifeblood of this Nuggets team and they will only be able to go as far as he takes them. He must cut out the extra-curricular activities and focus on his game. Look for Jokic to get back on track and tally a triple-double just as has become the norm in his game.
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Aaron Gordon Scores 15 points
The Nuggets have had difficulty finding production outside of Nikola Jokic all season. While Aaron Gordon’s main job is on the defensive end, he needs to find his stride offensively. The former 4th overall pick has scored just 15 total points in the series on inefficient shooting splits. Gordon has shot just 6-19 from the field and is 1-7 on three-point attempts during the series.
The trade to bring Aaron Gordon to Denver was great in theory, but much less effective when the roster is incomplete. The 6’9 forward was projected as the team’s defensive stopper in the long run. However, the injuries to Michael Porter Jr and Jamal Murray have moved him up in the pecking order this season. While Gordon’s role on the defensive is still essential, he must be more effective offensively. Pouring in 15 points would open up the offense a great deal and is the reason why he is the X-factor on this Denver team.
Nuggets will make 15+ three-pointers
It is nearly impossible to match the three-point shooting of the Golden State Warriors, but the Nuggets will be forced to try. Denver has shot the ball uncharacteristically bad through the first two games. In total they are 24-71 (33.8%) on three-point attempts compared to the 44% the Warriors are shooting from deep. Nikola Jokic alone is 0-8 from beyond the arc on the series. It is nearly impossible to win with this type of deficit.
The Warriors are able to take over a game like few teams ever have, but the Nuggets must remain composed in these moments. Look for Denver to feed off the home crowd and connect at a better rate from deep. The Nuggets have not made more than 13 three-pointers in the series but this must change in Game 3. Knocking down 15+ three-pointers will provide Denver with the necessary production and hopefully get them back on the right track.
Truthfully there is not much Denver can do when the Warriors are playing at the level they recently have. The emergence of Jordan Poole and the return of Steph Curry has raised this team’s ceiling to a championship contender. Regardless, the Nuggets must get back to playing their brand of basketball. Head Coach Mike Malone had some harsh words for the team following the loss and they clearly have a lot to correct for them to have a chance. Even if they are overmatched in the series, there must be a turnaround in the quality of effort the team is giving.
