Spaghetti and maple syrup make sense individually.
They are both delicious. But you would not stick spaghetti on pancakes or maple syrup on toast.
It just would not make sense. Nor does the Nuggets’ season in some ways.
They are a better team now than at the start of the campaign, when they were actually winning games.
You will all remember they started hot. They won their first four but have won only one of their past seven games for an overall record of five wins and six losses.
The decision to jettison American Michael Henn and bring in Australian Craig Moller has really improved the lineup.
They can stretch the floor and are a more threatening offensive unit.
But the results have got worst not better. Here is why.
The Nuggets stole a march on the competition.
They had their team together early, had a thorough preseason and hit the campaign match fit.
They came up against some sides who were still completing their roster or had players yet to arrive.
They caught teams napping and rushed to four wins.
It was intentional and it has given them a shot at the playoffs.
But they also had to pay the players during that five-week period.
That is money they might not have now to make any additional changes.
It is clear now that they are a level below the top four teams.
And some of the middling teams have caught up or even moved ahead. That has left their grip on a playoff spot feeling tenuous.
The Nuggets need to make a change or find a solution on the court if they are going to halt their slide.
The heartbreaking 94-93 loss to the Franklin Bulls in Dunedin could prove costly.
With the competition standings the way they are, the Bulls shape as a strong rival for the final couple of playoff spots.
Tonight’s game against the Canterbury Rams at the Edgar Centre will be a stretch for the Nuggets.
They are getting value out of Moller. He is good for a double-double most nights.
The captain, Ethan Rusbatch, has lifted his scoring production.
Import small forward Buay Tuach is accurate, but he is not putting up a massive volume of shots.
Canadian point guard Alain Louis has not had as big an impact on the league as you might want out of an import slot.
Isaac Miller-Jose has moved into the starting five and brings some physicality under the hoop.
The bench has been an area of strength for the Nuggets.
Matthew Bardsley is a livewire defender. Caleb Smiler and Zach McKenzie have played some important minutes.
Tyson Thata-Paese is the big improver. He started against the Bulls and connected with three triples.
The Nuggets are a decent unit. They defend hard and they kept a very talented Wellington outfit honest during their last outing on Sunday.
But it felt like you knew exactly where their ceiling was and you did not have to reach for the stars to touch it.
This is the Nuggets’ first year under new ownership, though. And they have already eclipsed the number of wins they notched last year.
It just feels like they are one more quality player away from becoming a much more competitive side.
Just as an aside, former Otago Nuggets point guard Richie Rodger was spotted at the game against the Bulls last Friday.
