Is having too many 3-point shooters a problem in basketball? The Nuggets are not affected by the ongoing debate in the NBA because it doesn't apply to their team.

The Cleveland Cavaliers, a team that is often overlooked in the NBA, have once again outshined the Denver Nuggets, making them question the impact of the league's latest trend: shooting an abundance of three-pointers. This debate is not one that resonates strongly in Denver, as their main concern is whether they are shooting enough three-pointers themselves.

Coach Michael Malone, who has been with the team for ten years, has publicly stated that increasing their three-point attempts could benefit the Nuggets. However, he believes that their defensive performance is a more pressing issue. In their recent losses against the Cavaliers, these two topics were closely intertwined. The constant struggle between the Nuggets' style of play and the direction of the league has put their perimeter defense at a disadvantage. This is especially evident when their opponents are making a high number of three-pointers.

The Cavaliers are known for their proficiency in three-point shooting, and they did not hold back against the Nuggets. Malone acknowledged this, saying, "That's how their roster is built. They have seven players shooting over 40% from three, whereas we only have two. They have shooting throughout their lineup, whether it's their starters or their bench players. They get these shots in transition and off pick-and-rolls."

In their game against the Cavaliers, the Nuggets struggled to defend against pick-and-rolls, leaving Donovan Mitchell open for pull-up three-pointers. This led to the Cavaliers becoming only the second team in NBA history to make 20 or more three-pointers in four consecutive games. The Nuggets' inability to defend against these shots can be attributed to their lack of aggression and effort in fighting over screens. This often results in the opposing team moving the ball around the perimeter, causing the Nuggets to expend energy and still give up open shots.

The Nuggets' forward, Christian Braun, believes that their defensive troubles stem from a mindset and physicality issue. He stated, "In the last few years, we have always been known as an offensive team, but we have also prided ourselves on our defense. However, this year has been different. It's all about mindset and physicality. We need to be more aggressive and not allow ourselves to get screened. It starts with me, as I am often involved in these plays. We all need to step up and set the tone, even if it means fouling to show the referees that this is how we defend."

Despite their efforts, the Nuggets were unable to contain the Cavaliers, who consistently made three-pointers throughout the game. Even though the Nuggets shot 49% from three-point range, the Cavaliers were always one step ahead, often answering with a three-pointer of their own whenever the Nuggets tried to make a comeback. The final score showed the stark difference between the two teams, with the Nuggets winning 68-50 in the paint, but the Cavaliers dominating with a 69-45 advantage from beyond the arc.

Malone was full of praise for the Cavaliers after being swept in the season series. When asked about the impact of shooting too many three-pointers on the game of basketball, he deflected the question, stating that each team must do what is best for them. He also added, "Their roster is built for three-pointers, and ours is not. Whether it's too much or too little, I cannot say. The game is always evolving, and with the increasing value of three-pointers, teams are taking more of them. But honestly, I don't care about this debate. My focus is on coaching my team and getting them to play at their best."

In the end, the Nuggets' struggles with defending against three-pointers can be attributed to their roster construction and mindset. They must find a balance between their offensive style and adapting to the changing trends in the NBA. As for the debate on the impact of three-pointers on the game of basketball, it is not a top priority for the Nuggets. They are more concerned with improving their performance and achieving success on the court.

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