Normally preseason NBA games aren't that interesting. But Jusuf Nurkic has something to say about that. The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers in a preseason game in Las Vegas by a score of 104-93. Kenneth Faried led the Nuggets in scoring with 19 points while also grabbing 7 rebounds. Ty Lawson left a few minutes into the first quarter while suffering a minor hamstring injury. What I noticed in this game is that The Nuggets played this game like it was a playoff game late in April. Their toughness on defense was evident in the way that they got into the heads of the Clipper players. Nate Robinson was a complete pest to Jordan Farmar. While he did pick up a few fouls, Nate seemed to be at full strength, since suffering a torn ACL last season. The only previously injured Nugget we didn't see was JaVale McGee, who is questionable to be ready for the season opener while recovering from a stress fracture in his leg that made him miss virtually all of last season.

There are three main things I took away from this game:

First, Jusuf Nurkic is a grown man. While only scoring 4 points, Nurkic grabbed 9 rebounds, 2 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals in just 17 minutes of play. Or as JaVale would say, "he got a triple double!". He noticeably frustrated Blake Griffin, giving him no room in the paint and forcing numerous contested shots. I also noticed how great of a passer he is. For a big man to be an efficient passer is a rarity in the NBA. Pau Gasol and Boris Diaw are both very good passers, and have both won NBA Championships. Maybe Nurkic will be added to that list? We'll see.

Second, Timofey Mosgov has developed a post game. He also has extended his range to the three point line, where he's surprisingly efficient. Coach Brian Shaw previously was an assistant coach for The Indiana Pacers, where he brought the best out of Roy Hibbert. Mozgov and Hibbert are around the same height, weight, and in my opinion, skill. I think that this season we'll see Mozgov play similarly to the way Hibbert played in the 2012-2013 season, averaging 12 points and 8 rebounds per game. If Brian Shaw can get that kind of play for Mozzy, he could really be a weapon.

Third, the offense looked good, but it will get even better. Danilo Gallinari has his shot back, but he still runs tentatively. Arron Afflalo will develop chemistry with Ty Lawson and the other players, which will make the offense more fluid. Nate Robinson, JJ Hickson, JaVale McGee, and Danilo Gallinari are all coming off of serious injuries meaning they will take some time to adjust to the game. This Denver offense can be one of the best in the league.

With one of the deepest benches in the league, and skilled players at every spot, the offense will be just fine. The real test will be the defense. If the Nuggets can improve their defense this season, watch out. People are sleeping on The Nuggets. which is just they way they like it.