Joel Rush
@joelrushnba.bsky.social
Denver #Nuggets writer for Forbes.
Grateful Dead, Star Wars. No-fascism zone.
Still at the old place (same handle) but weaning off.
My Forbes pieces: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joelrush/
My NBA Bluesky list: https://shrtn.escalar.pt/iRuN
Grateful Dead, Star Wars. No-fascism zone.
Still at the old place (same handle) but weaning off.
My Forbes pieces: https://www.forbes.com/sites/joelrush/
My NBA Bluesky list: https://shrtn.escalar.pt/iRuN
Pinned
Joel Rush
@joelrushnba.bsky.social
· Sep 27
Can Bruce Brown Regain His 2023 Denver Nuggets Championship Form? [Film Study]
Bruce Brown was pivotal in the Nuggets' first title win, and a fan favorite.
This film study examines if he can regain that championship impact in his return to Denver.
www.forbes.com
Bruce Brown was not only pivotal in the #Nuggets' first title win, but a fan favorite.
In returning to his Denver home, can he recapture that championship magic and impact?
I dig DEEP into that question in my latest film study for
@forbes.com Sports: www.forbes.com/sites/joelru...
In returning to his Denver home, can he recapture that championship magic and impact?
I dig DEEP into that question in my latest film study for
@forbes.com Sports: www.forbes.com/sites/joelru...
Cam Johnson's 3-point shooting for the #Nuggets:
1st 11 games:
21.1%
0.7 makes, 3.5 attempts per game
Last 4 games:
57.9%
2.8 makes, 4.8 attempts per game
Surging at the right time, when Denver needs him most with Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun out.
1st 11 games:
21.1%
0.7 makes, 3.5 attempts per game
Last 4 games:
57.9%
2.8 makes, 4.8 attempts per game
Surging at the right time, when Denver needs him most with Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun out.
November 25, 2025 at 3:50 AM
Cam Johnson's 3-point shooting for the #Nuggets:
1st 11 games:
21.1%
0.7 makes, 3.5 attempts per game
Last 4 games:
57.9%
2.8 makes, 4.8 attempts per game
Surging at the right time, when Denver needs him most with Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun out.
1st 11 games:
21.1%
0.7 makes, 3.5 attempts per game
Last 4 games:
57.9%
2.8 makes, 4.8 attempts per game
Surging at the right time, when Denver needs him most with Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun out.
Jamal Murray postgame:
"We're only getting better. As guys went down, more guys are stepping up and having confidence to play. The 2nd unit looks great, and we're moving the ball."
On what he'll do over the #Nuggets' 3-day break:
"As little as possible."
"We're only getting better. As guys went down, more guys are stepping up and having confidence to play. The 2nd unit looks great, and we're moving the ball."
On what he'll do over the #Nuggets' 3-day break:
"As little as possible."
November 25, 2025 at 3:27 AM
Jamal Murray postgame:
"We're only getting better. As guys went down, more guys are stepping up and having confidence to play. The 2nd unit looks great, and we're moving the ball."
On what he'll do over the #Nuggets' 3-day break:
"As little as possible."
"We're only getting better. As guys went down, more guys are stepping up and having confidence to play. The 2nd unit looks great, and we're moving the ball."
On what he'll do over the #Nuggets' 3-day break:
"As little as possible."
MAGIC JOKIC ✨🃏
More playmaking wizardry from Nikola Jokic, as he spins into the lane and delivers and AMAZING no-look behind-the-back pass to Peyton Watson on the baseline cut for the layup
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
More playmaking wizardry from Nikola Jokic, as he spins into the lane and delivers and AMAZING no-look behind-the-back pass to Peyton Watson on the baseline cut for the layup
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
November 25, 2025 at 3:22 AM
MAGIC JOKIC ✨🃏
More playmaking wizardry from Nikola Jokic, as he spins into the lane and delivers and AMAZING no-look behind-the-back pass to Peyton Watson on the baseline cut for the layup
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
More playmaking wizardry from Nikola Jokic, as he spins into the lane and delivers and AMAZING no-look behind-the-back pass to Peyton Watson on the baseline cut for the layup
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
Jamal Murray drains the DEEP triple over Jock Landale, then 2 possessions later drives and dishes an INCREDIBLE no-look, behind-the-back wraparound assist to Zeke Nnaji in the corner for another three
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
November 25, 2025 at 3:18 AM
Jamal Murray drains the DEEP triple over Jock Landale, then 2 possessions later drives and dishes an INCREDIBLE no-look, behind-the-back wraparound assist to Zeke Nnaji in the corner for another three
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
From half court, Nikola Jokic drills the CLUTCH 3rd quarter buzzer-beating 3-pointer!
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
November 25, 2025 at 2:55 AM
From half court, Nikola Jokic drills the CLUTCH 3rd quarter buzzer-beating 3-pointer!
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
#Nuggets #MileHighBasketball
Peyton Watson drains three corner 3-pointers in four #Nuggets possessions, catching fire for 12 points in the quarter at that point 🔥🔥🔥
#MileHighBasketball
#MileHighBasketball
November 25, 2025 at 2:53 AM
Peyton Watson drains three corner 3-pointers in four #Nuggets possessions, catching fire for 12 points in the quarter at that point 🔥🔥🔥
#MileHighBasketball
#MileHighBasketball
In a fairly dark recent age for the Memphis Grizzlies, I think Jaylen Wells should be emerging as more and more of a bright spot. I know he's had some ups and downs, but I dig what I'm seeing from him in this game, think he's got some juice.
November 25, 2025 at 2:08 AM
In a fairly dark recent age for the Memphis Grizzlies, I think Jaylen Wells should be emerging as more and more of a bright spot. I know he's had some ups and downs, but I dig what I'm seeing from him in this game, think he's got some juice.
#Nuggets go on a quick 8-0 run
-Nikola Jokic w/ the push shot and-1 out of some nice 2-man action w/ Jamal Murray
-Murray drives baseline for the crafty layup
-Then Mal drops a triple in transition after a great Peyton Watson rebound
#MileHighBasketball
-Nikola Jokic w/ the push shot and-1 out of some nice 2-man action w/ Jamal Murray
-Murray drives baseline for the crafty layup
-Then Mal drops a triple in transition after a great Peyton Watson rebound
#MileHighBasketball
November 25, 2025 at 1:47 AM
#Nuggets go on a quick 8-0 run
-Nikola Jokic w/ the push shot and-1 out of some nice 2-man action w/ Jamal Murray
-Murray drives baseline for the crafty layup
-Then Mal drops a triple in transition after a great Peyton Watson rebound
#MileHighBasketball
-Nikola Jokic w/ the push shot and-1 out of some nice 2-man action w/ Jamal Murray
-Murray drives baseline for the crafty layup
-Then Mal drops a triple in transition after a great Peyton Watson rebound
#MileHighBasketball
Okay, I'm formally declaring this terminology:
"Rush's Jokic Equation"
(I mean, since I came up with it, I get to name it, right?):
"The actual IQ of NBA fans who believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Jokic's basketball IQ."
"Rush's Jokic Equation"
(I mean, since I came up with it, I get to name it, right?):
"The actual IQ of NBA fans who believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Jokic's basketball IQ."
November 24, 2025 at 5:06 PM
Okay, I'm formally declaring this terminology:
"Rush's Jokic Equation"
(I mean, since I came up with it, I get to name it, right?):
"The actual IQ of NBA fans who believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Jokic's basketball IQ."
"Rush's Jokic Equation"
(I mean, since I came up with it, I get to name it, right?):
"The actual IQ of NBA fans who believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Jokic's basketball IQ."
The inanity of the Jokic hater replies to this tweet provides evidence for a hypothesis of mine:
The actual IQ of NBA fans who somehow believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Joker's basketball IQ.
(In reply to @tommybeernba.bsky.social 's tweet at the old place, shown below.)
The actual IQ of NBA fans who somehow believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Joker's basketball IQ.
(In reply to @tommybeernba.bsky.social 's tweet at the old place, shown below.)
November 24, 2025 at 4:22 PM
The inanity of the Jokic hater replies to this tweet provides evidence for a hypothesis of mine:
The actual IQ of NBA fans who somehow believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Joker's basketball IQ.
(In reply to @tommybeernba.bsky.social 's tweet at the old place, shown below.)
The actual IQ of NBA fans who somehow believe Nikola Jokic sucks is inversely proportional to Joker's basketball IQ.
(In reply to @tommybeernba.bsky.social 's tweet at the old place, shown below.)
But even if the Nuggets just go 8-7 in this stretch (less ambitious than my 10-5 prediction), that still puts them on a 53-win pace, which would be 3 more wins than they got last season.
The AG & CB injuries are a tough pill, but this could/should be a weatherable storm.
The AG & CB injuries are a tough pill, but this could/should be a weatherable storm.
Granted this is a fairly rosy forecast, as it would put them on pace for a 58-win season.
But there are a *lot* of winnable (and should-win) games in this stretch, albeit with some super tough ones mixed in.
But there are a *lot* of winnable (and should-win) games in this stretch, albeit with some super tough ones mixed in.
My prediction for the #Nuggets' record by the turn of the new year:
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
November 24, 2025 at 3:18 PM
But even if the Nuggets just go 8-7 in this stretch (less ambitious than my 10-5 prediction), that still puts them on a 53-win pace, which would be 3 more wins than they got last season.
The AG & CB injuries are a tough pill, but this could/should be a weatherable storm.
The AG & CB injuries are a tough pill, but this could/should be a weatherable storm.
Granted this is a fairly rosy forecast, as it would put them on pace for a 58-win season.
But there are a *lot* of winnable (and should-win) games in this stretch, albeit with some super tough ones mixed in.
But there are a *lot* of winnable (and should-win) games in this stretch, albeit with some super tough ones mixed in.
My prediction for the #Nuggets' record by the turn of the new year:
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
The Denver #Nuggets' schedule through the end of 2025 (and Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun are likely out for all):
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
November 24, 2025 at 3:15 PM
Granted this is a fairly rosy forecast, as it would put them on pace for a 58-win season.
But there are a *lot* of winnable (and should-win) games in this stretch, albeit with some super tough ones mixed in.
But there are a *lot* of winnable (and should-win) games in this stretch, albeit with some super tough ones mixed in.
My prediction for the #Nuggets' record by the turn of the new year:
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
The Denver #Nuggets' schedule through the end of 2025 (and Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun are likely out for all):
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
November 24, 2025 at 3:11 PM
My prediction for the #Nuggets' record by the turn of the new year:
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
22-9
That would mean they go 10-5 through Dec. 31. That's a steep hill to climb missing two key starters, but, imo, realistically achievable.
The Denver #Nuggets' schedule through the end of 2025 (and Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun are likely out for all):
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
November 24, 2025 at 3:07 PM
The Denver #Nuggets' schedule through the end of 2025 (and Aaron Gordon & Christian Braun are likely out for all):
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
@ MEM, SAS, @ PHX, DAL, @ IND, @ ATL, @ CHA, ORL, HOU, UTA, @ DAL, MIN, @ ORL, @ MIA, @ TOR
DEN's 12-4 now. What do you think their record will be by Jan. 1, 2026?
Watching all of the #Broncos' 49 sacks through the first 11 weeks is incredibly fun... This team has its flaws, but the defense terrorizing opposing quarterbacks is not one of them.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZPb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZPb...
WATCH: All 49 of the Broncos' sacks from the first 11 weeks of 2025
YouTube video by Denver Broncos
www.youtube.com
November 24, 2025 at 2:59 PM
Watching all of the #Broncos' 49 sacks through the first 11 weeks is incredibly fun... This team has its flaws, but the defense terrorizing opposing quarterbacks is not one of them.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZPb...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=MZPb...
No NBA opponents get more home cooking on the road than Nuggets opponents in Denver.
November 23, 2025 at 4:08 AM
No NBA opponents get more home cooking on the road than Nuggets opponents in Denver.
I'll have many more clips up later from this big #Nuggets win, but first I gotta eat lunch and go for a walk while I still have some daylight left, so it'll be a minute.
November 22, 2025 at 5:22 AM
I'll have many more clips up later from this big #Nuggets win, but first I gotta eat lunch and go for a walk while I still have some daylight left, so it'll be a minute.
Reposted by Joel Rush
"SENGUN JUST GOT SERVED!"
Nikola Jokic blows by Alperein Sengun from the free throw line for the big poster dunk, and the #Nuggets' bench's minds are blown
#MileHighBasketball
Nikola Jokic blows by Alperein Sengun from the free throw line for the big poster dunk, and the #Nuggets' bench's minds are blown
#MileHighBasketball
November 22, 2025 at 4:04 AM
"SENGUN JUST GOT SERVED!"
Nikola Jokic blows by Alperein Sengun from the free throw line for the big poster dunk, and the #Nuggets' bench's minds are blown
#MileHighBasketball
Nikola Jokic blows by Alperein Sengun from the free throw line for the big poster dunk, and the #Nuggets' bench's minds are blown
#MileHighBasketball
New "best win of the season" for the #Nuggets, winning on the road at Houston down 2 starters, after their previous best at Minnesota, also down 2 starters.
5 of Denver's last 6 games have been on the road, they've won all of them (only loss was at home in that stretch).
5 of Denver's last 6 games have been on the road, they've won all of them (only loss was at home in that stretch).
November 22, 2025 at 5:18 AM
New "best win of the season" for the #Nuggets, winning on the road at Houston down 2 starters, after their previous best at Minnesota, also down 2 starters.
5 of Denver's last 6 games have been on the road, they've won all of them (only loss was at home in that stretch).
5 of Denver's last 6 games have been on the road, they've won all of them (only loss was at home in that stretch).
Pwat kinda gives me Miles Davis vibes
November 22, 2025 at 5:05 AM
Pwat kinda gives me Miles Davis vibes
Peyton Watson leads the #Nuggets with a +16 now, despite having only 9 points.
Kevin Durant has only 13 points on 5 of 14 shooting.
Not a coincidence.
Kevin Durant has only 13 points on 5 of 14 shooting.
Not a coincidence.
November 22, 2025 at 4:56 AM
Peyton Watson leads the #Nuggets with a +16 now, despite having only 9 points.
Kevin Durant has only 13 points on 5 of 14 shooting.
Not a coincidence.
Kevin Durant has only 13 points on 5 of 14 shooting.
Not a coincidence.