The Denver Nuggets are currently waiting to see who they will face in the NBA Finals as they returned to practice on Friday. The team has not played since Monday, where they swept the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference Finals. With nine off-days heading into Game 1 of the NBA Finals, the Nuggets are preparing themselves for the game, which is scheduled for June 1st, regardless of the outcome of the Eastern Conference Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Miami Heat.
Concerns of Rhythm and Conditioning
Head Coach Michael Malone expressed his concerns about the team’s rhythm and conditioning during practice on Friday. He stated that it’s impossible to keep up with the rhythm if the team is not playing games. Though the players participated in an optional workout day on Wednesday and did conditioning on Thursday, it’s impossible to replicate the experience of playing an NBA playoff game. Malone is concerned about the team’s conditioning, as they’ve had an eight to ten-day break, which is a long time considering they’ve been playing every other day for an extended period.
Staying Mentally Sharp
The Nuggets are trying to work on their mental sharpness during this break. Point guard Jamal Murray stated that the team is trying to maintain their awareness and focus. They want to make sure they don’t pick up bad habits during this week-long break. Despite not knowing their Finals opponent yet, the Nuggets are sharpening things mentally to stay on top of their game. The team is aware of the importance of staying sharp mentally, and Murray believes that their bodies will be ready by June 1st.
The Nuggets are using this break to rest up and get healthier, nursing any lingering injuries to be ready for Game 1 of the NBA Finals. They want to maintain their urgency as they don’t want to relax and wait for their opponents. The team is using this time to stay sharp and maintain their focus, ensuring they are ready to play their best basketball in the upcoming NBA Finals.
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