One glance of the stats isn’t enough. A look at Nuggets players’ 3-point percentages demands a double take when the second name on the list is . Yes, that Darrell Arthur. In fact, of the Nuggets who take at least two 3-pointer a game, he leads the Nuggets in percentage from the arc, at 51.7 percent.
That percentage would lead the NBA if Arthur had taken enough to this point to be counted among the official leaders.
Still, his improvement from the 3-point line is remarkable. The veteran has never been known for his 3-point shooting. His percentage now is a ridiculous 13 percent higher than it was last season – and last season’s 38.5 percent was a career-high for him.
How does anyone explain Arthur’s consistent sharp-shooting from deep? Nuggets coach Michael Malone took a stab at it.
“I would explain it by just giving Darrell all the credit because he’s a guy that takes a lot pride in his craft,” Malone said. “He’s a professional that works extremely hard. People never see the time these players put in — before practice, after practice, whatever it may be. Darrell is a great example of that.
“For every shot he makes in a game, he’s had thousands and thousands of repetitions in practice. And just player development working on his game. As he gets deeper into his career, he’s kind of establishing a niche in terms of being able to really shoot the ball well, and being a very good defensive player.”
Gallo taking one for the team. In scoring a season-high 32 points against the Suns, Nuggets forward got back to being the center of attention – at least for one night – and being the player counted on to carry the Nuggets with sidelined due to injury.
And Gallo proved he is remains up to that task.
“So without Nikola Jokic, who we put the ball in his hands so much, who’s hands are you going to put the ball in? Thatap Gallo,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone said. “Gallo has been a go-to player for most of his career, and he showed you that he’s still a heck of a player.”
Not that Gallo was biting on any question of any satisfaction he took from being the lead player again.
“The focus was to get a win,” Gallinari said. “I have to be, to bring it every night like this, be aggressive and try to open up the space for my teammates and go to the free throw line. I thought I was able to do that pretty well.”
Good problem to have. ’s return to the lineup after missing a few games with a back injury, is on the horizon. What does that mean for the current guard rotation? Thatap not exactly clear.
has had a great season, and has been a key contributor to the Nuggets during their seven-wins-in-nine-games stretch. Rookie continues to get rave reviews from Nuggets coach Michael Malone about his play, when given ample time on the court.
Would a shakeup be in the cards? To be determined, Malone said.
“That something that we’re going to have to look at,” Malone said. “Jameer, in the four and a half games he’s played, ever since Emmanuel left with the back injury, has played at a very high level. Jamal Murray, playing backup (point guard) minutes, has played at a very high level. And prior to Emmanuel getting hurt, we were playing at a high level as well.
“So thatap something I have to look at, talk to our training staff, see how ready he is, does he have a minute-restriction, answer all of those questions and figure out whatap going to give us the best chance to continue to play at a high level and win games.”
Attitude adjustment. There was a time where a bad quarter was inevitable. The Nuggets struggled starting games, then started well but lost their edge in the second quarter. Or played a good half but lacked energy coming out of halftime.
Those problems have disappeared during their hot streak. Guard Jameer Nelson has a theory as to why.
“We don’t have as many bad stretches in games anymore,” he said. “Itap basketball, you’re not going to have a perfect game, you’re not going to make all the shots, not going to complete all the passes. But one thing we haven’t been doing is holding our heads down. We have a lot of guys who are young and need to prove themselves and try to prove themselves. Itap not just an individual thing, itap a team thing. Teammates, we want each other to do well, and we help each other out. We’re very supportive.”
DENVER AT LOS ANGELES 8:30 p.m. Tuesday, ALT; 950 AM
Spotlight on D’Angelo Russell: He missed the past three games with a mild strained medial
collateral ligament in his right knee and a strained right calf, but he is improving to the point that the Lakers’ second-year point guard could return against the Nuggets. Russell was a full participant in Sunday’s practice and repeated that Monday. Jose Calderon has been starting in place of Russell. The Lakers were 0-3 in those games.
Nuggets: According to coach Michael Malone, all of the players were expected to travel to Los Angeles for this game. It doesn’t mean they are all playing. Nikola Jokic (hip) remains out and is day to day. Emmanuel Mudiay (back) has been upgraded to questionable, but is more likely to return Wednesday against Memphis than Tuesday. Also, rookie Jamal Murray missed Monday’s practice because of illness. His status for the game is still to be determined. Also on the injury list but expected to play are Kenneth Faried (sore left hamstring) and Wilson Chandler (right neck/shoulder pain).
Lakers: Los Angeles is in the midst of a cold stretch, loser in eight of its past nine games. But the Lakers’ last victory was at home over Indiana, and their game against the Nuggets is the first back at the Staples Center after a three-game road trip. Forward Julius Randle (pneumonia) was not at practice Monday and is questionable.
