Denver Nuggets forward Paul Millsap is feeling very confident in his team's preparation for Game 2 of the Western Conference Semifinals against the Portland Trail Blazers after taking Game 1 at home on Monday.
“We got through every play in the playbook (at shootaround). Every play,” said Millsap.
Paul Millsap said Nuggets feel extremely prepared for Game 2. “We go through every play in the playbook (at shootaround). Every play.” pic.twitter.com/Wp6PdkVb2r
— Mike Singer (@msinger) May 1, 2019
Millsap noted that coach Michael Malone and the coaching staff often ensures his team is prepared for in-game situations, which has only boosted their confidence as the playoffs go on.
“That’s why I’m confident in our group,” said Millsap, according to Chris Dempsey of Nuggets.com. “We’re well-prepared.”
The Nuggets were indeed ready to take on the high-powered Blazers, as Nikola Jokic's 37 points were vital in grabbing that first win at home.
According to NBA.com's Sekou Smith, Millsap has talked with his frontcourt mate Jokic and told him to be aggressive as he approached his first playoff experience. An approach Jokic has clearly relished through this run.
Jokic put up 37 points, nine rebounds and six assists in Game 1, making 11 of his 18 shot attempts, including 3-of-5 on threes and a perfect 12-of-12 from the foul line.
It will be tough for the Blazers to find someone to stop him at the center position, given the recent season-ending leg injury to Jusuf Nurkic.
His replacement, Enes Kanter, who was acquired as a waiver, has proved to be an able offensive contributor, but ultimately unable to contain Jokic's scoring ability or his deft passing that creates offense for his teammates.
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