The Denver Nuggets haven’t been known for their defense in recent seasons, but Cameron Johnson believes that the unit is coming along early in the season.

The Nuggets are ranked 21st in defense going into Monday’s contest against the Portland Trail Blazers after giving up 120 points to the Phoenix Suns.

Speaking ahead of the game against Portland, Johnson said that the defensive principles are coming along and they will continue to progress over the course of the 82-game season.

Asked about the layering process of the defense, Johnson mentioned the second and third effort on peels and switches where they can cover for each other better and be in the gap more to take away certain things.

He said that they want to leave a limited number of options on the table instead of giving the offense “a buffet of options.”

He closed by saying there are a lot more layers, and they are only on the first, second, or third, but they will get through them.

The conversation then shifted to Jamal Murray, who has been inconsistent at best on the defensive end over the course of his career. He’s shown the ability to use his size and strength to give guards problems if he can be physical with them, but he’s also lacked the footwork to stay in front of certain guards.

Asked about Murray’s importance to the defense, Johnson said that he was “bringing it” and that he had good possession against the Suns and Pelicans where he was the aggressor, which sets the tone.

“When he turns it on, he has a good defensive ability,” he said, before recalling a play where Murray cut off the initial drive and came up with a steal.

“That’s quick and easy defense. He’s been doing a really good job. As everybody buys in on that end of the court, it’s going to make us even better.”

Denver’s defense has been better with Murray on the court this season, as they have a 112.7 defensive rating with Murray on the court compared to a 119.5 defensive rating with him off. This has flipped from last season, when the team had a 119.6 defensive rating with Murray on and a 113.1 rating with him off the floor.

In fact, this is the first season since 2020 that the Nuggets have been better on defense with Murray on the floor compared to when he sits.

The defense remains a work in progress, but if Murray can maintain this level, the process may come along quicker.