Tip of the Tower
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Toronto Raptors come back down to earth against the Denver Nuggets

By Paul Taylor

Kyle Lowry #7 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors look on during the first half against the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images)
Kyle Lowry #7 and Kawhi Leonard #2 of the Toronto Raptors look on during the first half against the Boston Celtics. (Photo by Tim Bradbury/Getty Images) /
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Toronto Raptors
DENVER, CO – NOVEMBER 09: Head coach Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets instructs his team as they play the Brooklyn Nets at the Pepsi Center on November 9, 2018 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. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images) /

4) Nuggets are sneaky good

We’re not saying people underrated the Nuggets per se, but it’s still possible we didn’t realise how good they actually are. As of Tuesday morning, they stand at the top of the Western Conference standings and have the league’s second-best record behind the Raptors.

Prior to beating the Raptors, the Nuggets had already beaten some top teams, to illustrate how good they were. In fact, they served notice early on, with wins against the Los Angeles Clippers and Golden State Warriors in their opening three games of the season.

Highlighting the Nuggets’ start to the season, is their form on the road. After surprising the Raptors on Monday night, they are now 7-4 on their travels, which works out as the second-best winning percentage among all NBA teams away from home.

Helping Denver win is hard-nosed defence; they enter Tuesday’s slate of games with the third-best defensive rating in the league. They have been particularly effective on the boards, with the NBA’s third-highest defensive rebounding percentage.

Another reason Denver has been tough this season, is their ability to close it out in tightly contested games. Following the win against Toronto, they are now 5-2 this season in games decided by three points or less.

In truth, the Nuggets will probably be just fine if teams continue to overlook them, as it will give them an edge. However, there is no getting around the strong believe they are going to be a genuine contender in the West this season.

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