Nugets Soar: 10-2 Start & Secret to Success

The Denver Nuggets Are Redefining Success Early in the 2025-26 Season

The Denver Nuggets are off to a scorching start, boasting a 10-2 record that ties the franchise's best 12-game start in history. This impressive run isn't just about winning; it's about how they're winning. With a blend of elite depth, dominant third-quarter performances, and suffocating defense, the Nuggets are proving they are a more dangerous team than ever before.

Depth: The Key to Longevity

Last season, the Nuggets' championship hopes were hampered by a lack of depth. They ran out of gas in the Western Conference finals against the Minnesota Timberwolves, and former coach Michael Malone's reliance on a short bench became a liability. Fast forward to the 2025-26 season, and new head coach David Adelman and the front office have addressed this issue head-on.

Even without starters Christian Braun (ankle injury) and Cam Johnson (biceps strain), the Nuggets are thriving. Against the Timberwolves, they received crucial contributions from Tim Hardaway Jr., who scored 23 points on 5-of-6 shooting from three-point range, and Peyton Watson, who locked down Anthony Edwards with 12 points and stellar defense. Coach Adelman is playing nine players significant minutes, ensuring stars like Nikola Jokić and Jamal Murray stay fresh.

As Jokić noted,

We're missing two guys and we still manage to play really quality minutes, first unit and the bench unit. It's been really good for us at the beginning of the season.

Third Quarter Dominance: The "Championship Quarter"

If there's one quarter where the Nuggets are truly elite, it's the third. Through 12 games, they have a league-best +27.4 Net Rating in the third quarter, meaning they outscore opponents by 27.4 points per 100 possessions in that frame. This dominance has been a driving force behind their record, as they've won the third quarter in nine of their 12 games.

Historically, championship teams excel in the third quarter. It's often when teams impose their will and gain separation from the competition. The Nuggets are following that blueprint, starting each half with a burst of energy. They also lead the NBA in first-quarter Net Rating (+22.7), but the third quarter is where they truly shine, often flipping the momentum of games.

Elite Defense: The Overlooked Ingredient

While much is made of the Nuggets' offensive firepower, their defense has been flying under the radar. Through their first 11 games, the Nuggets have the second-best defensive rating in the entire league, trailing only the Oklahoma City Thunder.

This defensive prowess is a collective effort. New additions like Bruce Brown and Tim Hardaway Jr. are known for their offense, but they've made significant defensive impacts. Jonas Valančiūnas has provided crucial rebounding and rim protection. The team's new aggressive defensive scheme, preached by Adelman, is clicking as players buy into the system.

"Just to help our main people not get run into the ground," Adelman said of the team's depth strategy, which has the added benefit of keeping defenders fresh and effective.

Conclusion: A Contender for the Ages

With a 10-2 record, the best third-quarter Net Rating in the NBA, and an elite defense, the Nuggets are establishing themselves as the team to beat in the Western Conference. They have the best player in the world in Nikola Jokić, who is averaging a triple-double, and a supporting cast that is deeper and more versatile than ever.

The early season success has been impressive, but the real test will come in the playoffs. However, with this newfound depth and the ability to dominate in the third quarter, the Nuggets are poised to make a deep run and potentially raise another championship banner.