Nuggets seeking consistency, particular defensively, as playoffs loom

When it comes to the Denver Nuggets, you never know which team you’re going to get.

Are they championship contenders? Or first-round playoff fodder? Well, the current swing should tell us a lot.

“After splitting a back-to-back set against the West-leading Thunder in Oklahoma City last week, the Nuggets sputtered,” wrote ESPN’s Ohm Youngmisuk. “They were handled by the Timberwolves, found a way to beat the Lakers but then lost, for the second time this season, to the rebuilding Wizards.”

Yeah. So good luck figuring out Denver. But wait. There’s more.

“With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray banged up, the Nuggets stunned the red-hot Warriors in Golden State on Monday,” Youngmisuk noted. “Aaron Gordon exploded for 38 points and Russell Westbrook controlled the game with a triple-double. It was the type of win that can give the Nuggets a jolt as they play three more games on a four-game road trip.”

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One thing’s for certain — coach Michael Malone would like to see the Nuggets shore up any defensive shortcomings. Otherwise, trouble could loom in the playoffs.

“If we’re going to be a team that is serious about making the postseason and being a team that can win a round, win another round,” Malone said, “if we don’t start defending for four quarters, we’re never gonna get that opportunity.”

The Nuggets boast one of the league’s most potent offenses, ranking third in points per game. However, their defensive numbers paint a stark contrast. Denver ranks 24th in the league in points allowed, giving up 116.7 per game.