The Denver Nuggets are facing a critical juncture as their championship aspirations rest on their ability to maintain high offensive outputs. With Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray leading the charge, the Nuggets possess the best offensive rating in the Western Conference. However, they recently suffered a disappointing loss to the Washington Wizards, exposing their defensive vulnerabilities. Coach Michael Malone emphasized the necessity of consistent defense, which has been lacking throughout the season, especially early in games.

Despite showing signs of defensive capability in the latter quarters, the Nuggets' early game struggles have left them vulnerable. They are currently ranked 22nd in defensive rating and give up a concerning number of points in the paint and from beyond the arc. If Denver wishes to make a deep playoff run, they will need to find a way to enforce a more reliable defensive presence throughout the entirety of the game.