Thread by @stevejones20

You know what, let's watch some Nuggets/Magic.

Good spot for Wendell Carter Jr to continue to grow. Rolling harder in P&R in Orlando. Good job catching, seeing the help and getting the dunk. You can always tell how Denver's defense is going by their help. Also I don't know if you can point at the ref *and* curse them out.

Really good reads from Jamal Murray here, that Murray/Jokic two man game is tough. Sees Hampton anticipating the screen so tries to reject. Hampton keeps him in front but that little drive put him in better position to get screened. Murray comes off, sees the under and hits the 3

When Murray is hitting shots you see what it opens up. Jokic screens for him, Carter Jr does a good job of getting to the level. That forces help to pull over. Ennis holds too long at the nail, Murray hits Porter Jr for 3.

Yeah. Chuma Okeke can play play.

No score but I like this possession from Denver. Just watch the flow. Gordon screens and cuts, Murray cuts backdoor. MPJ fakes a cut and fakes a screen. Gordon flashes into the gap. Just a lot of different things they are trying by just playing.

Another strong roll from Carter Jr, like the slip to the rim. Think handoffs/elbow action can help him because the rolls are shorter. Also when Denver's help/rotations aren't there it looks bad. And that was a lot of the first half for them.

Denver hurt Orlando to start the second half with the same play multiple times. Elbow action with Gordon/Murray/Jokic and just a reminder how they can use those guys together.

Denver goes Elbow, Gordon is handling, Jokic catches. Murray screens for Gordon. Hampton worried about the lob threat so helps, Okeke chases, leaves Murray open for 3.

Denver goes back to the same Elbow set, this time when Murray screens for Gordon, Hampton thinking more about recovering to than the cut. Help is early but not physical, Okeke point switching as he gets screened, good pass and finish. Notice Gordon's fake and cut inside as well.

Gordon's cutting ability...super underrated and valuable for Denver.

Denver goes back to the *same* Elbow set. Hampton still worried about Murray popping. Okeke looking to force him to come off the screen after getting beat inside. Good screen/sell by Murray, no help from Hampton, another good pass/finish.

Michael Porter Jr's development as a cutter has been big. Know he can score but mixing in this off-ball makes it real tough. Good set up and cut, great pass from Jokic and it's a finish.

Great sequence from Aaron Gordon and this is why Denver got him. Good closeout, keeps the drive and front and gets a block. Pushes in transition, hits Jokic and watch the cut as soon as he throws it. Another nice pass from Jokic.

I still have no idea how RJ Hampton made this play. Chase the rebound in transition, strips Jamal Murray in mid-air, saves the ball and then hits the 3. Big opportunity for him.

Look at Michael Progress Jr (cc: @TweetNugs) putting the effort in on defense. Automatic rotation when Bamba pops in pick and roll. Switches on the next screen. That's good steps.

Good activity from JaVale McGee here in P&R, I think he will help them on that end. Mo Bamba remains a mystery to me. Good roll and finish (Green has to meet him earlier). In 13 minutes Bamba had 11 points, 4 rebounds and 6 fouls.

The potential is there for Denver. Murray/Jokic P&R, Murray rejects which brings Carter Jr up. Jokic keeps rolling in the pocket. Gordon cuts from the corner but comes too early, Okeke doesn't really have to make a decision since Barton overhelps. That cut *did* open Barton up.

Go ahead and just bookmark this action because Denver's going to keep going to it. Murray setting a backscreen for Gordon with Jokic at the elbow. Okeke trying to navigate, Ennis trying to help and now Murray flies off for a handoff. Good effort from Ennis though.

JaVale McGee comes in, gets an ovation from the crowd in his return, *corrects* Mo Bamba on FT positioning and then has to go back to the sidelines because the refs let him in before the first free throw. Can't make any of that up.

I mean if Wendell Carter Jr is going to play this fearless that's a W for Orlando. He was aggressive and that stood out after the last stretch in Chicago.

The time for sleeping on Aaron Gordon's cutting is over with. Think it's the biggest piece he adds to Denver offensively. Hits Jokic in the post and goes to set a split for Jamal Murray. You see Ennis get into Murray's body so Gordon slips and cuts to the rim.

The weakside help from Aaron Gordon is just *different* for Denver, changes the math. Helps Jokic continue to stay in front and protect knowing he has that behind him. Look at this help, Carter Jr has a good roll and Gordon is almost at the rim before Carter Jr goes up.

Chuma Okeke, man. Nice jab, drive and finish through contact.

Me in my head when I drop a great pun on the #DunkerSpot pod.

It's the Magic I get it but this is a game where the Nuggets have stubbed their toe before (several times). The comeback was great but the closing sequence spoke volumes.

Closing time, Nuggets go with Murray/Jokic two man game action. No P&R, Murray goes to pitch and catch. Has space, Ennis has to defend. Fakes coming off, pops back and hits the 3. *tough*

Sidenote, I love pitch and catch action. You can get to a P&R or handoff but also have options where the guard can *really* lead the dance if they can move off the ball. Puts so much pressure on the defender and the weakside can't *always* load up on it.

Nuggets go back to Murray pitching to Jokic and cutting off. Great job by Murray of cutting, getting Ennis to chase over the top and coming right back off. That brings Carter Jr up which opens the roll for Jokic. Help comes, good cut by MPJ for the lob.

Nuggets go to Murray/Jokic P&R and I want to point out the cut from Aaron Gordon. Carter Jr has to come to the level and Murray beats him. That keeps Ennis in help. The pop holds Okeke. Gordon flashes in which holds Ross for a split second. Skip to Porter Jr for 3.