Almanza On Holmgren: Analyzing The Impact Of Physicality In Game 3

Admin

3 min read

Post on May 10, 2025

4.9

Share

Almanza on Holmgren: Analyzing the Impact of Physicality in Game 3

The Denver Nuggets' Game 3 victory over the Phoenix Suns wasn't just about another win; it was a statement. The physicality injected into the series, particularly targeting Suns rookie forward, Jalen Holmgren, significantly altered the game's dynamic. Veteran Nuggets forward, Bruce Almanza's post-game comments shed light on this pivotal shift in momentum, emphasizing the strategic importance of imposing their will on the young Suns team.

The Holmgren Factor: A Target on the Court?

Holmgren, known for his exceptional length and shooting ability, has struggled to find his rhythm against the more physical Nuggets' defense. Game 3 saw a noticeable increase in physical contact around Holmgren, leading to several turnovers and missed opportunities. This wasn't accidental; it was a deliberate strategy employed by the Nuggets to disrupt the Suns' offensive flow and limit Holmgren's impact.

“We knew we had to make it tough on him,” Almanza stated in his post-game interview. “He's a talented player, but he’s still learning how to play in the NBA. We needed to make him uncomfortable, make him work for every possession.”

This strategy highlighted a clear shift in the series' narrative. While the Suns focused on their perimeter game in the first two contests, the Nuggets effectively countered by targeting Holmgren, disrupting their offensive rhythm, and forcing them to adjust their game plan. This targeted approach proved remarkably effective, directly impacting the Suns' overall performance.

Almanza's Role: Leading the Physical Charge

Almanza, a seasoned veteran known for his defensive prowess and physicality, played a crucial role in executing this strategy. He consistently battled Holmgren for position, disrupting his offensive movements, and setting a physical tone for the rest of the Nuggets team to follow. His impact wasn't solely reflected in the statistics; it was visible in Holmgren’s body language and overall performance.

• Increased Turnovers: The increased physicality directly led to a significant rise in Holmgren’s turnovers.
• Reduced Scoring Efficiency: Holmgren's shooting percentage dropped noticeably in Game 3, a direct consequence of the physical defense he faced.
• Impact on Team Morale: Holmgren's struggles noticeably impacted the Suns’ overall team morale and offensive flow.

Looking Ahead: Will the Physicality Continue?

The success of the Nuggets' physical approach in Game 3 begs the question: will this strategy continue in the upcoming games? The Suns will undoubtedly adjust, potentially employing different offensive sets or focusing more on exploiting mismatches elsewhere on the court. However, the Nuggets' success demonstrates the effectiveness of targeted physical play in neutralizing a key offensive player.

The impact of physicality in Game 3 extends beyond the box score. It highlights the importance of strategic adjustments, the power of veteran leadership, and the challenges faced by young players entering the physically demanding world of NBA playoffs. Almanza's comments offer a compelling insight into the Nuggets' game plan, demonstrating a calculated and successful shift in their strategy. The series is far from over, and the intensity of the physical battles is sure to continue as both teams fight for supremacy. The coming games promise to be even more fiercely contested, with the focus shifting back and forth, highlighting the strategic importance of physical play in determining the ultimate victor.