Much has been made of Denver's poor three-point shooting allowed to the opposition so far in the bubble.
Here are the 3P% ranks for each of the teams they've played (2019-20 season):
MIA: 38.2 (1st)
OKC: 35.3 (18th)
SA: 37.4 (4th)
POR: 37.8 (3rd)
UTA: 37.9 (2nd)
Here are the 3P% ranks for each of the teams they've played (2019-20 season):
MIA: 38.2 (1st)
OKC: 35.3 (18th)
SA: 37.4 (4th)
POR: 37.8 (3rd)
UTA: 37.9 (2nd)
Is part of the reason Denver has struggled because of their perimeter defense being out? Yes. Working in a rookie that has defensive lapses? Yes. They just haven't been good on that end? Yes.
They've also just ran into a bunch of opponents who are GREAT 3P teams.
They've also just ran into a bunch of opponents who are GREAT 3P teams.
There are lots of reasons why the Nuggets have struggled defensively. They are 3rd to last in defensive rebounding, have given up a bunch of free throws, and yes, teams are shooting the hell out of the ball against them.
Opponents so far have shot 51.7% on wide open threes against the Nuggets. That is by far the highest mark among teams in the bubble. 47% is the next highest. 38% is about average.
If teams shot an average percentage against the Nuggets, the defense would appear better.
If teams shot an average percentage against the Nuggets, the defense would appear better.