Denver Nuggets: A strong supporting cast has been all the difference in 2018-19

After missing the playoffs by one game last season, the Denver Nuggets are now 37-15 and currently hold the 1st seed in the Western Conference. What has been the difference?

The Denver Nuggets are one of the youngest teams in the NBA, but they haven’t let that hold them back. After going 46-36 last season and ending the year with the 9th seed, they now find themselves at the top of the NBA pyramid, at 37-15.

They’re lead by young stars Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray who have both grown and progressed tremendously, but the difference between last season and this season has been the team’s impressive bench depth and supporting cast.

Malik Beasley

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After only averaging 3.2 points in 10 minutes per game last season, Beasley has come out strong this year averaging 11.4 points and 2.5 rebounds per contest. That includes a career performance against James Harden and the Houston Rockets earlier this year, where Beasley finished with 35 points on 12-17 shooting and 5-9 from deep.

Beasley is also a pretty good defender and if he continues to play like this he will be a huge part of Denver’s rotation for years to come.

Monte Morris

Monte only appeared in three games during his rookie season, but has played in all 52 this season including four starts while Jamal Murray was injured. He is averaging 10.5 points and 3.9 assists per game and coming off a great performance against the Minnesota Timberwolves where he tallied 17 points, 7 rebounds and 10 assists. Monte has continued to progress and become more aggressive throughout the season and will be a huge factor for a deep playoff run.

Torrey Craig

Another huge part of the Nuggets this season, Craig has shown great 3-and-D ability and filled in very well during Will Barton‘s absence, averaging 6.4 points and 4.2 rebounds per game in 47 games this year. He will continue to be a huge boost off the bench while continuing to grow.

All three of these guys have been vital to the success of the Denver Nuggets and will continue to be has they look to make a run during the second half of the season and in the playoffs. The Nuggets are young, fast and hungry and this is only the beginning. The Nuggets are still missing Isaiah Thomas, Michael Porter Jr. and Jarred Vanderbilt whom all are capable of contributing and receiving minutes which will make for some very interesting decisions for Mike Malone and the Nuggets’ staff.

One thing for certain is the Nuggets are legit contenders and will be fun to watch for years to come thanks to their big man who can pass like a point guard (The Joker) and a fantastic shooter in Murray, and a very good supporting cast that makes them whole.