The Nuggets were ranked No. 8 in the NBA in team defensive rating heading into Friday night, allowing 112.6 points per 100 possessions at the 36-game mark of the season. At the same time last year, they were a couple of points worse — enough of a difference relative to the rest of the league that Denver ranked 25th. Here are five reasons the Nuggets have improved defensively after winning a championship.
Swatson’s ascendance
In terms of personnel, it certainly helps that the Nuggets have the same starting five as last season. From a communication and cohesiveness standpoint, any group of players should theoretically improve with more time together.