The Denver Nuggets’ hard-fought series against the Oklahoma City Thunder exposed some key vulnerabilities that should worry Memphis Grizzlies fans as they prepare to face Denver in the playoffs. While the Nuggets ultimately advanced, the series revealed critical areas where Denver struggled — and Memphis could exploit those weaknesses to gain an edge.
First, Denver’s defense showed notable inconsistencies. Despite having star Nikola Jokić anchoring the paint, the Nuggets allowed the Thunder to score efficiently, particularly from mid-range and beyond the arc. Oklahoma City’s sharpshooters found too many open looks, highlighting Denver’s occasional lapses in perimeter rotations and closeouts. For a Grizzlies team boasting multiple lockdown perimeter defenders, this is promising; Memphis’ defensive tenacity on the wings could disrupt Denver’s rhythm and force contested shots.
Second, Denver’s offensive creativity depended heavily on Jokić’s brilliance. While Jokić dazzled with his passing and scoring, the supporting cast struggled for consistent contributions. Jamal Murray and Michael Porter Jr. had moments of success but also periods of offensive stagnation. The Nuggets’ offense lacked reliable secondary scoring when Jokić was neutralized or forced into defensive attention. The Grizzlies’ defensive schemes, which focus on limiting star players and forcing others to beat them, could capitalize on this imbalance.
Another concern is Denver’s bench depth. The Thunder’s bench made key contributions to keep the team competitive, exposing Denver’s second unit as a potential weak link. Memphis’ bench, known for its energy and hustle, might exploit these mismatches to gain momentum swings late in games.
Lastly, Denver showed some struggles with pace and transition defense. The Thunder, a younger, faster team, pushed the Nuggets in transition and caused some early defensive breakdowns. Memphis thrives in fast-paced, physical play, and if they can dictate tempo and exploit Denver’s transition vulnerabilities, it could tilt the series in their favor.
In summary, the Nuggets-Thunder series highlighted Denver’s defensive inconsistencies, over-reliance on Jokić, bench depth issues, and transition defensive lapses. These are all areas the Grizzlies can target, suggesting Memphis fans have legitimate reasons for cautious optimism but should also be prepared for a tough, tactical battle ahead.
