Opinion
3 min read

Clash at Ball Arena: Denver Nuggets Host Portland Trail Blazers

As the Denver Nuggets gear up to host the Portland Trail Blazers at Ball Arena, fans are in for a treat. The Nuggets have been on a roll, and their recent performances suggest they're not slowing down anytime soon. With an impressive 22-10 record following their Christmas Day victory over the Golden State Warriors, where they scored 120 points to the Warriors' 114, it's clear that Denver has found a rhythm that works.


DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets drives around a pick set by Nikola Jokic (15) on Josh Hart (11) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Ball Arena in Denver on Tuesday, January 17, 2023. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)

The Nuggets' offense has been firing on all cylinders. In their last three games alone, they've averaged an astounding 114 points per game. Their shooting efficiency is off the charts with field goal percentages consistently above 48 percent and three-point shooting hovering around an impressive 41 percent mark. This offensive prowess was on full display against Golden State when they led for over half of the game time and outscored them in fast break points by a significant margin.


Defensively, Denver has shown some tenacity as well. They've managed to keep their opponents under pressure with solid defensive ratings across recent games – even though there's room for improvement in this area compared to their offensive output.


DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers handles the ball during the game against the Denver Nuggets on January 17, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Garrett Ellwood/NBAE via Getty Images)

The Trail Blazers will have their work cut out for them as they face this high-powered Nuggets team. While Portland brings its own set of skills to the table, including a respectable three-point shooting percentage of around 35 percent against Golden State Warriors recently, it might not be enough to stifle Denver's momentum.


Denver fans should feel confident heading into this matchup given how well-rounded their team has been playing lately – from scoring depth to defensive stops when needed most. The key players have been stepping up big time; whether it’s through blocks or steals leading to fast-break opportunities or clutch free throws down the stretch.


DENVER, CO - JANUARY 17: Zeke Nnaji #22 of the Denver Nuggets drives to the basket during the game against the Portland Trail Blazers on January 17, 2023 at the Ball Arena in Denver, Colorado. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2023 NBAE (Photo by Bart Young/NBAE via Getty Images)

Looking ahead at what promises to be an exciting encounter between these two Western Conference teams, one can't help but lean towards predicting another win for DN based on current form and home-court advantage at Ball Arena.


Mark your calendars for February 3rd at 7:00 PM MST when these two teams collide in what promises to be an electrifying game of basketball in Denver. Fans can catch all the action live on ALT channel 681 or ROOT Sports NW channels if you're cheering from away territory.

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