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Two days after falling to the Utah Jazz in their preseason opener, the Denver Nuggets exacted revenge with a 117-106 win on Tuesday night at the Delta Center in Salt Lake City.
While preseason results don't count in the standings, Denver's improved play was a welcome sight. The Nuggets, who struggled with their shooting in the first meeting, found their rhythm in the rematch, converting 53% of their field goals and 39% of their three-point attempts.
Beyond the final score, several bench players made strong impressions. Here's a closer look at three reserves who stood out and are making a case for regular-season minutes.
Alpha Diallo
For the second consecutive game, Alpha Diallo was a clear standout for Denver. When the Nuggets signed him, many questioned how his game would translate to the NBA after a career spent entirely overseas. The 29-year-old wing has quickly silenced those doubts, showcasing why Denver gave him a chance.
In Tuesday's win, Diallo contributed eight points, two rebounds, and two steals, while shooting a perfect 3-of-3 from the field and 2-of-2 from beyond the arc. His defensive presence alone could secure him a rotation spot, but if he continues to produce offensively, head coach David Adelman will have a hard time keeping him off the floor. Diallo's emergence underscores the value of preseason games, as the Nuggets now have a much clearer picture of his abilities after just two outings.
Julian Strawther
One player whose minutes Diallo might challenge is Julian Strawther, but the 24-year-old guard is proving he won't relinquish his role easily. After scoring 14 points in the preseason opener, Strawther followed up with 15 points, four rebounds, three assists, and one steal on Tuesday. He shot 4-of-7 from the field, 3-of-4 from three-point range, and 4-of-4 from the free-throw line.
With the offseason departures of Tim Hardaway Jr. and Peyton Watson, Denver needs a reliable three-point threat off the bench. Strawther is the most obvious candidate to fill that void, making it likely he'll see an expanded role. Still, he must continue to prove himself, and Tuesday's performance was a step in the right direction. Ideally, the Nuggets will find ways to deploy both Strawther and Diallo together, as their best second unit likely features both players.
Cam Whitmore
Another wing who impressed in the win was Cam Whitmore, arguably the Nuggets' biggest riser this preseason. The 22-year-old delivered 14 points in just 15 minutes, shooting 4-of-7 from the field and 6-of-7 from the charity stripe.
Whitmore brings a unique skill set to Denver's roster, thriving when attacking the rim and playing above the basket. He has the potential to be a disruptive defender to complement his scoring ability, and he could ultimately earn a spot in the rotation. The Nuggets appear to have found a steal by signing Whitmore to a two-way contract. He is already proving to be one of the league's top two-way players, and it would surprise no one if he earns a standard contract before the season ends.