Nuggets suddenly have a problem cleaning up the defensive glass

Nugg Love's David Decker argues that the Denver Nuggets have developed a concerning defensive rebounding issue across their first three games of the season. Denver is currently ranked 21st in defensive rebounding, averaging 31.0 per game, down significantly from finishing third and fifth in the prior two seasons. Decker attributes this early drop-off to inconsistent overall hustle and energy, pointing to a 50-36 rebounding deficit against an undersized Golden State Warriors team.

Center Nikola Jokic has experienced an inconsistent start on the glass, recording only seven rebounds against both the Oklahoma City Thunder and Golden State. Decker notes that while Denver's offensive rebounding has sharply improved to fifth in the league under head coach David Adelman's transition strategy, the team has struggled to replicate that same intensity defensively.