The Denver Nuggets are tied for 3rd in Defensive Rating this season, and Paul Millsap’s resurgence is the biggest reason why. Have Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray improved with their effort and focus? Sure. Has the bench play been fantastic defensively when the starters leave the floor? Absolutely. Still, the improved effort and scheme changes are symptoms of what Millsap provides the Nuggets on a daily basis as their best defensive player.
Some of Denver’s defensive improvement has stemmed from the scheme change of bringing Jokic higher in line with defending the pick and roll, but that change is useless without an excellent back line of defense.