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Denver Nuggets: Look Out For Ty Lawson

By Tom West

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Ty Lawson is running the point at an elite level right now, and it’s getting the Denver Nuggets back on track to make a potential playoff run

Amongst a league loaded with star point guards, there are often a few that fly under the radar. Ty Lawson is one of them.

Now he’s beginning to hit his stride this year, he’s a reason you might want to start watching the Denver Nuggets. After a shaky start to the season, they’ve won 6 of their last 8 games, and gave the Chicago Bulls a surprise by beating them 114-109 on Tuesday night. And their star player leading the way is none other than Mr. Ty Lawson.

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At 5’11” Lawson isn’t one of the typical 6’3″ atheletic freaks that seem to be taking over his position in today’s NBA. Damian Lillard, John Wall, Russell Westbrook and Derrick Rose (when he manages to stay healthy) dominate in that area, and along with their talent and the flashy plays they make, it’s no surprise they get extra attention. Whereas guys who play above their size, like Kyle Lowry and, of course, Ty Lawson, often get forgotten.

It can’t be denied that the Nuggets struggled at the start of the season, they lost their first six games, even if they did have to play tough opponents like the Trail Blazers and the Kings twice. Now they’ve worked their way back to reasonable 7-8 record, though, they are at least going to give teams a challenge, even if they aren’t contending for a decent spot in the playoffs this year. While Kenneth Faried is busy dunking, as usual, it’s their electric point guard who’s making the plays to get results.

Nov 14, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Denver Nuggets guard Ty Lawson (3) takes a shot against Indiana Pacers guard

C.J. Miles

(0) at Bankers Life Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

Lawson may not be the biggest guy on the court, but with his combination of handles, quickness, speed, shooting, and ability to finish around the rim, it’s no surprise he’s averaging 16.6 points and 10 assists per game this year. The only other guard averaging a double-double right now is Rajon Rondo, a two-time NBA leader in assists. Being one of just two players distributing the ball so effectively puts Lawson in some pretty elite company.

(If you want a quick fix of basketball entertainment then click the links above).

The Nuggets started poorly, yet after beginning to get their season back on track, and it’s clear that Ty Lawson stepping up has been a turning point for them.

Mar 17, 2014; Denver, CO, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center

DeAndre Jordan

(6) defends against Denver Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson (3) in the first quarter at the Pepsi Center. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

In five of his last six games Lawson has had at least 12 assists, while dishing out at least 15 twice. As well as getting all his teammates involved, he’s also recorded 17.5 points per game over the last six contests, and his pesky defense has equated to 1.6 steals a game.

Lawson was still playing relatively well at the start of the season, but now that his passing prowess has hit full swing, the Nuggets look far better. In their last six game stretch, they’ve taken down LeBron James‘ Cleveland Cavaliers, the star studded Chicago Bulls, and crushed Anthony Davis‘ New Orleans Pelicans 117-97.

Despite being out of playoff contention with their 11th place ranking in the Western Conference, the Nuggets are at least on the up. If  Ty Lawson continues to lead the way, and Denver emerges as the Phoenix Suns of 2015, then maybe he’ll start to gain a more deserving reputation among the endless talent of the NBA’s point guards.

He’s not always as flashy as the superstars we’ve all grown to love but he gets the job done, and he’s putting up the numbers to prove it.

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