NBA: Breaking down Kemba’s, Steph’s and the Pelicans’ hot start to 2018-19

Charlotte Hornets NBA Kemba Walker (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
Charlotte Hornets NBA Kemba Walker (Photo by Streeter Lecka/Getty Images)
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LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets reacts during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES, CA – OCTOBER 02: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets reacts during a preseason game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on October 2, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

Denver’s D

For much of the last two seasons, the Denver Nuggets have pretty much lived and died with their offense. In the last two seasons, they’ve had a bottom third defense in the NBA. However, that is not the case this season.

At least thus far, the Nuggets want to change that narrative. Through the first week of the season, the Nuggets have the NBA’s best defense (and by a large margin.) They’ve held each of their three opponents (including the Warriors) under 100 points to start the season.

The Nuggets have fallen short of the playoffs in the last two years, but if they continue down this road of a defensive-minded team (and they’re 3-0), I have a hard time believing that they’re going to come up short of the postseason again.

The Nuggets look good through the first week of the season. Really good.