Crunch Time Analysis

After a sensational victory over the Suns on Tuesday night, and with Dallas defeating the red hot Warriors last night, the Nuggs have moved into 8th place in the Western Conference all by themselves for the first time in over two months. There was a three way tie after the loss at Phoenix on Monday, but as fate would have it, Dallas’ Dirk was back in action to spring the Nuggs into the sole 8th position.

Nene finally played some meaningful minutes, locking down the Big Cactus Shaquille O’Neil on the defensive end. He seemed to be the only man for the job, as Shaq was too much for even Camby’s defense. The 270 pound Brazilian Beast Nene really matched up well with the 330 pound Shaq, and it’s about time for the Nuggs to be at full strength with only seven games left in the regular season.

Of the three teams on the “bubble” as it were, Dallas, Denver and Golden State, Dallas has the toughest schedule remaining as far as opponents winning percentage. Luckily, Denver has the easiest, even though there are still tough matchups left with Golden State, Utah and Huston. Dallas has some tough games left with the Lakers, Phoenix, Utah and New Orleans, and Golden State still needs to play New Orleans, Phoenix and the Nuggs.

Its definitely crunch time, and it’s like the playoffs have begun before the end of the season. The Nuggs have to keep getting production from guys off the bench like J.R. and Nene, and hope that Melo and A.I. keep up their prolific scoring down the stretch.

The Nuggs have three games left at home, and four still to play on the road, where they have been less successful.