The Athletic NBA Daily Nuggets Heating Up + Derik Queen Rising? | Slam N Jam
Nov 22, 2025
Adam Mares, a DNVR writer and podcaster, joins to discuss the Denver Nuggets' hot start this season and Nikola Jokic's impressive evolution. He explains Denver's strategic improvements against teams like Minnesota and assesses their recent loss to Chicago as a motivational dip rather than a major concern. Mares highlights Jokic's enhanced engagement on the court and dives into the new defensive scheme that’s bolstered their performance. The discussion also touches on Cam Johnson's struggles and the team’s upcoming matchups.
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Pistons' Unexpected Hot Start
- The Detroit Pistons surged to a 11-game win streak and led the East at 13-2, surprising many this season.
- Jalen Duren's strong inside play (21 and 12) fuels talk of him becoming an All-Star caliber big.
Wembanyama Injury And Curry Scoring Spree
- Victor Wembanyama suffered a calf strain and will miss a couple weeks after an impressive moment vs. Draymond Green.
- Steph Curry followed with back-to-back 46 and 49 point games highlighting veteran scoring bursts.
LeBron's Low-Volume Return
- LeBron James returned and played 29 minutes, showing playmaking (11 points, 12 assists) while limiting shot attempts.
- His reduced volume games are notable given rare low-shot games historically.