Non-Jokic minutes need to be better for Nuggets to have any chance

Ben Handler of Nugg Love argues that the Denver Nuggets must significantly improve during the minutes Nikola Jokic rests to succeed this season. Despite jumping out to an early 21-6 lead against the Los Angeles Clippers, Denver's revamped bench collapsed, leading to a 122-110 preseason defeat after being outscored by 16 points when Jokic was on the bench.

Handler notes that starters Jokic and Jamal Murray posted positive plus-minus ratings, but reserves including Cam Whitmore, Trevon Brazile, and Marvin Bagley suffered heavy deficits. The writer emphasizes that while DeMar DeRozan and Spencer Jones were absent, prolonged bench struggles risk overburdening starters before the playoffs, compounded by an injury to Julian Strawther.