As the Nuggets sit around their million dollar homes and watch the rest of the NBA playoffs on their HDTV’s, I’m sure that there is a bit of anxiety inside of all of them concerning the future of the Nuggets organization. With players’ contracts coming to an end and as everyone on the team is about to be one year older come next season, the future is very uncertain in Denver.
Sure, there are some quality building blocks. As ranted about often on this blog, JR Smith offers a promising future, if the Nuggets can afford to resign the up and coming star. Carmelo is the backbone of this team, and with all of his legal woes, hopefully he can turn things around for the betterment of the team. He is still young, and will probably reach his prime in the next few seasons.
Other than that, there’s Iverson, who still plays like he’s 20 even though he’s 33. But his contract may move somewhere else this off season. Chucky Atkins is a veteran who was injured all year but could still have one year left in him. Then there’s Kenyon Martin, who exploded back on the scene this season, but he’s getting pretty old himself.
As this blog goes into the off season with the Nuggets, I would like to thank anyone who had the pleasure of reading this brilliant and insightful publication this season. Signing out, I’m Mase, and this was mase on nuggs.
Thursday, May 8, 2008
Tuesday, May 6, 2008
Put Yourself In Coach
Keep Karl? There have been rumors in that ol’ creaky mill, but is it even an option?
Critics of Coach George Karl argue that he was unable to teach the Nuggets defense this season, unable to advance to the second round of the playoffs, and unable to keep his players out of trouble (MELO). They also cite the fact that he has some of the best talent in the league, and yet the Nuggets barely made the playoffs.
Proponents, like me, would argue that Coach Karl did a great job this season, considering that there were so many injuries during the beginning of the season. I would also contribute the Nuggets terrible defense to the player’s overconfidence in their scoring ability. It seemed that all season the Nuggs were never concerned with stopping opponents because they could out cap them in a shootout.
I don’t think he should be fired, and neither does the Nuggets front office, as they re-signed Karl for the coaching position next season.
Critics of Coach George Karl argue that he was unable to teach the Nuggets defense this season, unable to advance to the second round of the playoffs, and unable to keep his players out of trouble (MELO). They also cite the fact that he has some of the best talent in the league, and yet the Nuggets barely made the playoffs.
Proponents, like me, would argue that Coach Karl did a great job this season, considering that there were so many injuries during the beginning of the season. I would also contribute the Nuggets terrible defense to the player’s overconfidence in their scoring ability. It seemed that all season the Nuggs were never concerned with stopping opponents because they could out cap them in a shootout.
I don’t think he should be fired, and neither does the Nuggets front office, as they re-signed Karl for the coaching position next season.
Thursday, May 1, 2008
If It Ain't Broke..
Da Rainmaker. The Microwave. The Kid. The 6th man. Whatever you want to call him, you can’t deny that JR Smith certainly made a significant impact for the Nuggets organization this season. Finishing with an outstanding 40%+ from beyond the arch and throwing down ridiculous dunks for the fans, JR Smith is on his way to becoming a superstar in this league.
The only problem? He’s a free agent this off season, and can go wherever the big money is, if he wants to. He is close friends with everyone on the team, and undoubtably likes making trips to the playoffs (his two runs have been as a Nugget). So, it is very possible that he is satisfied with playing in Denver, but it’s all about the cash flow these days.
He’s making a hair over $2 million this season, but is very capable of earning $8 to $10 million next season and receiving a starting job. The only major criticism of JR is that he is too erratic at times; throwing up 30 foot jump shots early in the shot clock. It’s not that he’s not able to make them from anywhere, but teams like to see some control out of their starting 5.
JR would be a great investment for the Nuggs because:
He’s young, only 22
Possesses uncanny athletic ability
Is a proven 3 point threat
Gels well with the team
When he’s hot, he’s unstoppable
The only problem? He’s a free agent this off season, and can go wherever the big money is, if he wants to. He is close friends with everyone on the team, and undoubtably likes making trips to the playoffs (his two runs have been as a Nugget). So, it is very possible that he is satisfied with playing in Denver, but it’s all about the cash flow these days.
He’s making a hair over $2 million this season, but is very capable of earning $8 to $10 million next season and receiving a starting job. The only major criticism of JR is that he is too erratic at times; throwing up 30 foot jump shots early in the shot clock. It’s not that he’s not able to make them from anywhere, but teams like to see some control out of their starting 5.
JR would be a great investment for the Nuggs because:
He’s young, only 22
Possesses uncanny athletic ability
Is a proven 3 point threat
Gels well with the team
When he’s hot, he’s unstoppable
Tuesday, April 29, 2008
Off Season ?'s: The ? about the Answer
As this newly declared “seasonal” blog comes to a close, I will highlight the off season moves that I feel necessary for the Nuggs to continue to be a force in the West. With that said, this should definitely be an interesting off season for the Nuggets. From free agents to coaches to superstars, there is a lot to be considered for the team this summer.
First of all, there is a rumor going around the sports world that Allen Iverson, aka A.I., the Answer, etc, you might have heard of him, might not be a Nugget come next season. The 2008-2009 season is defined as an “opt out” year for A.I.’s $19,012,000 contract, which means that he can leave and go somewhere else if he wants to. And give Kroenke the $20 million in cap space to make other moves.
It also means that he can opt out and resign with the Nuggs, but it would probably be for a little more scratch, probably an extra $1 million some experts speculate. I love the guy, and would hate to see him go, but he might just go for the dough, especially since he has proven to team owners in his years in Philly that he can take a bunch of scrubs to the second round of the playoffs all by himself. A feat he was unable to do with the Nuggets, unfortunately.
That is just one thing to consider for the team during this off season. Other moves to consider:
1. Resign J.R., da rainmaker?
2. Trade K-Mart for cap room?
3. Fire Coach Karl?
Stay tuned for updates, nugg-o-maniac’s.
First of all, there is a rumor going around the sports world that Allen Iverson, aka A.I., the Answer, etc, you might have heard of him, might not be a Nugget come next season. The 2008-2009 season is defined as an “opt out” year for A.I.’s $19,012,000 contract, which means that he can leave and go somewhere else if he wants to. And give Kroenke the $20 million in cap space to make other moves.
It also means that he can opt out and resign with the Nuggs, but it would probably be for a little more scratch, probably an extra $1 million some experts speculate. I love the guy, and would hate to see him go, but he might just go for the dough, especially since he has proven to team owners in his years in Philly that he can take a bunch of scrubs to the second round of the playoffs all by himself. A feat he was unable to do with the Nuggets, unfortunately.
That is just one thing to consider for the team during this off season. Other moves to consider:
1. Resign J.R., da rainmaker?
2. Trade K-Mart for cap room?
3. Fire Coach Karl?
Stay tuned for updates, nugg-o-maniac’s.
Clean Sweep
Bring out the brooms, because the boys just got swept. And, in summation, it really wasn’t close at all. Even though the Nuggs were tied in the last two minutes of game four, and looked to be playing the best basketball of the series, the Lakers pulled away to humiliate us in defeat.
It seems like we were down by 20 points the entire series, and that LA was just toying with us, knowing that they could pull away at any given moment. Ultimately, the Nuggets made a good run, won 50 games this season, and got humiliated in the playoffs, getting knocked out for the 7th straight playoff appearance.
Well, there’s always next season.
It seems like we were down by 20 points the entire series, and that LA was just toying with us, knowing that they could pull away at any given moment. Ultimately, the Nuggets made a good run, won 50 games this season, and got humiliated in the playoffs, getting knocked out for the 7th straight playoff appearance.
Well, there’s always next season.
Tuesday, April 22, 2008
Boys in Da Yard
Playoff basketball or playground basketball? This is the question that the entire Nuggets squad needs to ask themselves. After getting beat by 10 in LA on Sunday, the Nuggs have a two day break to learn how to play D.
Critics of the Nuggs continue to bash the defense, or lack thereof, as this year’s playoffs kick off, calling us the Enver Nuggets (notice that there is no D in Denver, haha).
Personally, I think that we just needed to see how the Lakers run their offense, and that we’ll step up the D next game. All that really needs to happen is a split in the first series of games in LA, and then let those Lakers come to our house, where we only lost 9 games this season.
Three things need to happen for Denver to be successful in this first playoff round:
Keep the points coming
Stop Kobe, make the others beat you
Stay hot off the bench, put in the RAINMAKER!
Critics of the Nuggs continue to bash the defense, or lack thereof, as this year’s playoffs kick off, calling us the Enver Nuggets (notice that there is no D in Denver, haha).
Personally, I think that we just needed to see how the Lakers run their offense, and that we’ll step up the D next game. All that really needs to happen is a split in the first series of games in LA, and then let those Lakers come to our house, where we only lost 9 games this season.
Three things need to happen for Denver to be successful in this first playoff round:
Keep the points coming
Stop Kobe, make the others beat you
Stay hot off the bench, put in the RAINMAKER!
Thursday, April 17, 2008
Melo Woes
Just as Carmelo Anthony’s public relations team got him looking like a law abiding citizen, he goes and gets arrested under suspicion of driving under the influence. The community at large was just forgiving the superstar for his previous encounters with the law, and now there is another foul to let slide. What? Having trouble remembering Melo’s last negative publicity? Let me refresh your memory.
Before I get to mud-slingin’, let it be known that I am a huge Carmelo fan, and always will be no matter what he does. With that said, let me remind you of Melo’s 2004 Stop Snitchin’ video, where Carmelo is kickin’ it with his boys on the block and talking about the threats that come to people who serve as police informants. Basically, he got a bad “rap” for looking like a violent thug who would beat up a snitch. He later distanced himself, but it was a sign of things to come. In 2006, Melo felt it necessary to punch fellow NBA player Marty Collins in the face after an altercation during a Nuggets-Knicks game. Apparently, Collins was snitchin’ to the ref’s. Just kidding, but there may be some truth there.
Like to puff the gonja? Well, coming from the mean streets of Baltimore, Melo is no stranger to the green leaf. He was cited in 2004 for marijuana possession at Denver International Airport after security found a little greenery in Melo’s backpack. But, the charge was later dropped after his boy took the heat for it in a signed affidavit. In 2006, another one of Melo’s boys from the hood was pulled over while driving Carmelo’s pimped out Dodge Magnum while in possession of an ounce of marijuana. Melo’s PR team came to the rescue again, recommending that Melo take this opportunity to say that he is no longer associated with his washed up buddies from back in the day.
And then, just earlier this week, Melo got caught driving while a little buzzed, but reports do say that he was coherent and not messed up enough to be places under arrest.
I don’t mean to negate his responsibility as a public figure, like the influence he has on kids and what have you. However, what he has done isn’t too different from what any of us have done in our lifetimes. I have friends who have been cited for possession of marijuana, know people who have gotten into fights at sporting events, know friends who have one too many and gotten behind the wheel, and friends who have say that they don’t like a tattle tale.
I’m not trying to say that what he has done isn’t illegal, or immoral, but I don’t believe that he should be labeled as a bad guy for what he has done. I’m sure that he has many people in his life that couldn’t even make it out of the ghetto, let alone into the NBA. But, he is getting paid millions to do a job which requires that you don’t get into any controversy, and I guess that he has failed in that regard. And he looks bad to kids across most of the country that look at him as a role model.
On the flip side, he still looks like a success symbol to kids in the inner city who are around drugs and violence a lot. Just a thought. I guess you can take a player out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the player.
Before I get to mud-slingin’, let it be known that I am a huge Carmelo fan, and always will be no matter what he does. With that said, let me remind you of Melo’s 2004 Stop Snitchin’ video, where Carmelo is kickin’ it with his boys on the block and talking about the threats that come to people who serve as police informants. Basically, he got a bad “rap” for looking like a violent thug who would beat up a snitch. He later distanced himself, but it was a sign of things to come. In 2006, Melo felt it necessary to punch fellow NBA player Marty Collins in the face after an altercation during a Nuggets-Knicks game. Apparently, Collins was snitchin’ to the ref’s. Just kidding, but there may be some truth there.
Like to puff the gonja? Well, coming from the mean streets of Baltimore, Melo is no stranger to the green leaf. He was cited in 2004 for marijuana possession at Denver International Airport after security found a little greenery in Melo’s backpack. But, the charge was later dropped after his boy took the heat for it in a signed affidavit. In 2006, another one of Melo’s boys from the hood was pulled over while driving Carmelo’s pimped out Dodge Magnum while in possession of an ounce of marijuana. Melo’s PR team came to the rescue again, recommending that Melo take this opportunity to say that he is no longer associated with his washed up buddies from back in the day.
And then, just earlier this week, Melo got caught driving while a little buzzed, but reports do say that he was coherent and not messed up enough to be places under arrest.
I don’t mean to negate his responsibility as a public figure, like the influence he has on kids and what have you. However, what he has done isn’t too different from what any of us have done in our lifetimes. I have friends who have been cited for possession of marijuana, know people who have gotten into fights at sporting events, know friends who have one too many and gotten behind the wheel, and friends who have say that they don’t like a tattle tale.
I’m not trying to say that what he has done isn’t illegal, or immoral, but I don’t believe that he should be labeled as a bad guy for what he has done. I’m sure that he has many people in his life that couldn’t even make it out of the ghetto, let alone into the NBA. But, he is getting paid millions to do a job which requires that you don’t get into any controversy, and I guess that he has failed in that regard. And he looks bad to kids across most of the country that look at him as a role model.
On the flip side, he still looks like a success symbol to kids in the inner city who are around drugs and violence a lot. Just a thought. I guess you can take a player out of the hood, but you can’t take the hood out of the player.
Monday, April 14, 2008
Nuggs Playoff Madness
Destiny has fallen into the hands of the Nuggets. Although it looked bad losing to Utah on Saturday, the Nuggs definitely made up for the loss with a huge win over the Rockets last night. Denver now sits alone in 8th place, leaving the Warriors on the outside looking in.
So, with one more game left to play, will the Nuggets have what it takes to make their way in? Well, all that really has to happen is for the Nuggets to win on Wednesday and their in for sure. But, if we wanted to make things interesting, there are other ways. Golden State still has two games left, one with the Suns tonight and one with the Supersonics on Wednesday. They’ll probably win on Wednesday, so we need the Suns to win tonight.
Dallas is also in the mix, because the Nuggs are only one game behind them. If they lose their last game to New Orleans, and the Nuggs win, both teams would be tied with 50 wins and 32 losses. Denver holds the tiebreaker with Dallas and Golden State, and would then be the seventh seed in the playoffs instead of the eighth. What does that mean? Well, right now it would mean playing the Lakers instead of the Hornets come playoff time.
Personally, I would rather see the Nuggs play the New Orleans Hornets before the Los Angles Lakers because of the advantage we would have in the defensive matchups. Also, the Lakers are no stranger to the playoffs, and New Orleans is definitely new to the scene. But, if New Orleans loses to Dallas, then the Nuggs would remain in 8th place, and the San Antonio Spurs would be in a tie for first with New Orleans, and these teams would have to have a playoff to see who the Nuggets would play. Talk about the craziest year in the NBA ever.
So, with one more game left to play, will the Nuggets have what it takes to make their way in? Well, all that really has to happen is for the Nuggets to win on Wednesday and their in for sure. But, if we wanted to make things interesting, there are other ways. Golden State still has two games left, one with the Suns tonight and one with the Supersonics on Wednesday. They’ll probably win on Wednesday, so we need the Suns to win tonight.
Dallas is also in the mix, because the Nuggs are only one game behind them. If they lose their last game to New Orleans, and the Nuggs win, both teams would be tied with 50 wins and 32 losses. Denver holds the tiebreaker with Dallas and Golden State, and would then be the seventh seed in the playoffs instead of the eighth. What does that mean? Well, right now it would mean playing the Lakers instead of the Hornets come playoff time.
Personally, I would rather see the Nuggs play the New Orleans Hornets before the Los Angles Lakers because of the advantage we would have in the defensive matchups. Also, the Lakers are no stranger to the playoffs, and New Orleans is definitely new to the scene. But, if New Orleans loses to Dallas, then the Nuggs would remain in 8th place, and the San Antonio Spurs would be in a tie for first with New Orleans, and these teams would have to have a playoff to see who the Nuggets would play. Talk about the craziest year in the NBA ever.
Friday, April 11, 2008
CSU Rec Center Expansion
The ASCSU officially endorsed a proposal to spend $32 million on expanding the student recreational center, making it one of the best in the state. However, many students feel that the increased student fees may not be worth it. Mason Halfmann reports.
Wednesday, April 9, 2008
Chugging Along....
Carmelo Anthony has been hotter than a frying pan as of late. He has carried the Nuggs offensively, scoring an amazing 121 points in the last three games. Do the math. Ok, ill do it for you. That’s over 40 points per game after 77 games in a grinding 82 game season.
The win last night over the LA Clippers was absolutely critical to the Nuggets playoff dreams, but that was the first game of the rest of their playoff lives. Denver stays in the Golden State for a huge matchup with the Warriors on Thursday, one that could decide the 8th place position in the ridiculously competitive Western Conference.
After that battle, it’s off to Utah where the official Northwest Champion Jazz try to rob the Nuggs of playoff glory. Talk about running uphill. After that, you ask? The Nuggs finally come home for the last two games of the season. It starts with a battle with the Rockets, who have locked in a playoff spot for themselves but still look beatable. Then the regular season finishes with a contest with Memphis.
Just a little FYI in case you Nuggets fanatics are interested in attending the final Nuggets game, it’s free food night at Pepsi Center. Yeah, that’s right, free food. All food. Every food. Find me near the food cart. I'll get all my fans some nachos.
The win last night over the LA Clippers was absolutely critical to the Nuggets playoff dreams, but that was the first game of the rest of their playoff lives. Denver stays in the Golden State for a huge matchup with the Warriors on Thursday, one that could decide the 8th place position in the ridiculously competitive Western Conference.
After that battle, it’s off to Utah where the official Northwest Champion Jazz try to rob the Nuggs of playoff glory. Talk about running uphill. After that, you ask? The Nuggs finally come home for the last two games of the season. It starts with a battle with the Rockets, who have locked in a playoff spot for themselves but still look beatable. Then the regular season finishes with a contest with Memphis.
Just a little FYI in case you Nuggets fanatics are interested in attending the final Nuggets game, it’s free food night at Pepsi Center. Yeah, that’s right, free food. All food. Every food. Find me near the food cart. I'll get all my fans some nachos.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Running Uphill.....
So, destiny no longer rests in the Nugg’s hands, and times are tough here in Denver, but there is still hope on the horizon. Losses to beatable teams like Sacramento and Seattle means that the pressure for wins is even greater. But for the Nuggs players, and to all you fans, the idea isn’t to dwell on “what if’s” and “shoulda coulda’s”, nut to docus on the five remaining games.
We shouldn’t even THINK about injuries, either, despite Melo’s sore shoulder and A.I.’s broken finger, oh no. The focus in on the FUTURE, the dream of being in the playoffs this season is so, so, so, so, so close to coming true.
The Nuggs are in fact in a position to go to the playoffs if the season ended today, because even though we have the same record as Golden State we hold the tiebreaker. But, we do play Golden State later on this week in a critical matchup. And, we still have to play powerhouses Utah and Huston before it’s all over.
But let’s not even think about these match ups yet. First and foremost, the Nuggs must defeat the Clippers tonight to have any sort of prayer of taking one of the top eight spots in the West.
As Nuggets fans, we’re in for a show, for better or for worse. As Terrel Owens would put it, ya betta grab ya popcorn.
We shouldn’t even THINK about injuries, either, despite Melo’s sore shoulder and A.I.’s broken finger, oh no. The focus in on the FUTURE, the dream of being in the playoffs this season is so, so, so, so, so close to coming true.
The Nuggs are in fact in a position to go to the playoffs if the season ended today, because even though we have the same record as Golden State we hold the tiebreaker. But, we do play Golden State later on this week in a critical matchup. And, we still have to play powerhouses Utah and Huston before it’s all over.
But let’s not even think about these match ups yet. First and foremost, the Nuggs must defeat the Clippers tonight to have any sort of prayer of taking one of the top eight spots in the West.
As Nuggets fans, we’re in for a show, for better or for worse. As Terrel Owens would put it, ya betta grab ya popcorn.
Thursday, April 3, 2008
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.
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.
Thursday, March 27, 2008
...But Not Forgotten
As Dallas’ players keep dropping like flies, the Nuggs keep getting stronger. Despite starting the season with considerable injuries (Atkins, Nene and K. Mart), Denver seems to be on the up and up toward the end of the season. With only 11 games left in the regular season, the timing couldn’t be better. Denver definitely needs all the help that they can get while playing in the most competitive Western Conference in recent memory.
The man known only as Nene might be back in action for the Nuggets Thursday night against the Mavs. Nene, the Brazilian Beast, the 6’11”, 270 pound cancer survivor, would definitely contribute to the end of the season rush as players are getting worn down in this 82 game rat race. He’s only played in 12 games so far this season, all in the opening weeks, but Coach Karl thinks that he’s just about ready to suit up and run. Nene practiced in 5 on 5 drills for the first time in months yesterday.
The rush is on, and the Nuggs need to win the next 11 games no matter what to have a chance at making the playoffs. Some outside help is necessary, but with Golden State on the schedule twice in the remaining weeks, the Nuggets destiny is in their own hands. At least for right now, anyway, so hold on tight and let’s hope they come to play tonight.
The man known only as Nene might be back in action for the Nuggets Thursday night against the Mavs. Nene, the Brazilian Beast, the 6’11”, 270 pound cancer survivor, would definitely contribute to the end of the season rush as players are getting worn down in this 82 game rat race. He’s only played in 12 games so far this season, all in the opening weeks, but Coach Karl thinks that he’s just about ready to suit up and run. Nene practiced in 5 on 5 drills for the first time in months yesterday.
The rush is on, and the Nuggs need to win the next 11 games no matter what to have a chance at making the playoffs. Some outside help is necessary, but with Golden State on the schedule twice in the remaining weeks, the Nuggets destiny is in their own hands. At least for right now, anyway, so hold on tight and let’s hope they come to play tonight.
Tuesday, March 25, 2008
J R 4 3
When the average fan thinks about the Nuggets, a few names come to mind. Allen Iverson, the 12 year veteran who has led the NBA in scoring numerous times, is often in the conversation. Carmelo Anthony, the fourth year All Star who has yet to hit his peak in the NBA, is fourth in the NBA in scoring behind Mr. Iverson. And, of course, J.R. Smith?? Who?
That name really shouldn’t be that unfamiliar to you. J.R., AKA the Rainmaker, the One Man Comeback, the Weatherman, went for 25 points last night…. In the fourth quarter! Smith has been absolutely amazing this season off the bench, shooting a staggering 42% beyond the arc and making six or more 3’s in eight games this season, tying an NBA record held by Peja Stojakovic.
Smith went for 27 points in only 21 minutes, which is also pretty significant. The only other player in Nuggets history to put up anything comparable to that feat is Alex English in 1984, when he put up 28 points in 21 minutes. That’s pretty good company to be in.
As for the team as a whole, the Nuggs have won three straight, and things are as crazy as ever in the West. Denver is only a half game out of the last spot in the playoffs, only three games behind division leader Utah, and six games out of the lead in the conference. Good news for the Nuggs, though, as competitors like Dallas and Huston seem to be cooling off and may slip behind Denver down the stretch.
Looking ahead, Denver (43-28) plays:
- The Dirk-less Dallas Mavericks (44-26) on Thursday
- The most important game of the year, Golden State (43-27) on Saturday (ya boy Mase will be in attendance)
- The Big Cactus and the Suns (47-23) on Monday
Wednesday, March 12, 2008
Above the Rim, Law
Who says that Nuggets players aren’t above the law? Carmelo never was charged with assault for socking Mardy Collins last year, Iverson had 14 charges dropped in 2002 after brandishing a firearm and threatening to kill his cousin and his roommate, and most recently, Kenyan Martian escaped losing his license after going over 100 miles per hour twice in the same month.
K. Mart got caught speeding in 2006 going 101 mph in a 30 mph zone, and was caught speeding again later that year going 103 mph in a 55 mph. According to Colorado law, he should have lost his drivers license after the first offense, but apparently he has the best lawyers known to man, and it was reduced to a simple fine. He definitely should have lost it after the second offense, but again, managed to escape the charges.
Recently, the prosecutor in charge of K. Mart’s cases was suspended for being too easy on him. What a benefit to the job, eh?
As far as ethics are concerned, I would have let him go too, if it means the Nuggs make it to the playoffs. F*** the man.
K. Mart got caught speeding in 2006 going 101 mph in a 30 mph zone, and was caught speeding again later that year going 103 mph in a 55 mph. According to Colorado law, he should have lost his drivers license after the first offense, but apparently he has the best lawyers known to man, and it was reduced to a simple fine. He definitely should have lost it after the second offense, but again, managed to escape the charges.
Recently, the prosecutor in charge of K. Mart’s cases was suspended for being too easy on him. What a benefit to the job, eh?
As far as ethics are concerned, I would have let him go too, if it means the Nuggs make it to the playoffs. F*** the man.
Tuesday, March 11, 2008
Don't Lose Hope
Despite playing some quality basketball, the Nuggs (37-26) aren’t playing quite good enough. With another loss last night, following the massacre in Utah, things are looking grim for our boys in blue.
San Antonio probably saw some of Denver’s best defense last night, and it just wasn’t good enough. The hard pill to swallow is that even if the Nuggs creep in the back door of the playoffs, which will probably be the 8th spot at best, they will have to play San Antonio again in the first round. Just like every other year that we make the playoffs.
So what are we to do? Hope, Nuggets fans, hope. Hope that Golden State starts losing, and that Houston doesn’t win another 20 in a row to finish the season. And hope that we can win a majority of our remaining games. Looking ahead this week (it looks like a three game winning streak!):
Memphis (15-47) on Wednesday at home
Toronto (34-28) on Friday at home
Seattle (16-47) on Sunday at home
San Antonio probably saw some of Denver’s best defense last night, and it just wasn’t good enough. The hard pill to swallow is that even if the Nuggs creep in the back door of the playoffs, which will probably be the 8th spot at best, they will have to play San Antonio again in the first round. Just like every other year that we make the playoffs.
So what are we to do? Hope, Nuggets fans, hope. Hope that Golden State starts losing, and that Houston doesn’t win another 20 in a row to finish the season. And hope that we can win a majority of our remaining games. Looking ahead this week (it looks like a three game winning streak!):
Memphis (15-47) on Wednesday at home
Toronto (34-28) on Friday at home
Seattle (16-47) on Sunday at home
Thursday, March 6, 2008
Another Win, But Times Are Tough
For the first time this season, two players on the same team scored 30 points in a single game. Which two do you ask? Take a wild guess. It was none other than Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony, of course, the prolific NBA All Star starters who simply cannot be stopped this season.
The Nuggs showed absolute dominance against the Suns last night, scoring 101 points before the fourth quarter even started. High energy J.R. Smith was also a force to be reckoned with, hitting six of eight three pointers while scoring 20 points himself.
Both A.I. and Melo had double doubles as well, with Iverson racking up 12 assists with his 31 points and Melo snagging 13 boards to go with his 30 points.
What it all boils down to is that Denver is playing the best basketball it has all season. With the league leading Spurs coming to D-Town on Friday and a trip to Utah Saturday, and again in San Antonio on Monday, this could be the toughest stretch the Nuggs have faced all year.
Things are definitely getting exciting in the West, and the Nuggs are only three games behind a guaranteed playoff spot if they can catch the Jazz, and a game out of eighth place in the West behind the Warriors.
The Nuggs showed absolute dominance against the Suns last night, scoring 101 points before the fourth quarter even started. High energy J.R. Smith was also a force to be reckoned with, hitting six of eight three pointers while scoring 20 points himself.
Both A.I. and Melo had double doubles as well, with Iverson racking up 12 assists with his 31 points and Melo snagging 13 boards to go with his 30 points.
What it all boils down to is that Denver is playing the best basketball it has all season. With the league leading Spurs coming to D-Town on Friday and a trip to Utah Saturday, and again in San Antonio on Monday, this could be the toughest stretch the Nuggs have faced all year.
Things are definitely getting exciting in the West, and the Nuggs are only three games behind a guaranteed playoff spot if they can catch the Jazz, and a game out of eighth place in the West behind the Warriors.
Tuesday, March 4, 2008
Nuggs Keep Slipping
With a loss to the Rockets on Sunday, the Nuggs fall to 35-24 on the season, and a game and a half out of the playoff race. So we either start winning a lot, or hope that Golden State starts losing a lot.
So are the Rockets really that good? Really? Good enough to win 15 straight, and all three games so far without Big China Yao Ming? Or are the Nuggets simply unfocused, injury stricken, and selfish. I choose the latter.
Let it be known, this is nothing more than constructive criticism mixed with some venting of frustration from Denver’s poor play as of late.
Alright, so Denver is the only team with two starting All Stars, the best center in the NBA, and probably some of the best bench players in the league, yet everybody in the sports world believes that Denver will be the team in the West that just misses the post season.
Defense in the issue that everyone references, I mean we do give up 104.6 points per game, but I think that the problem is not playing together as a team. Whenever adversity strikes, like a 10-0 run, the Nuggs are quick to panic instead of stick together. Also, when things are going good, like a 15-0 run, we always let the other team back in with poor team defense. Nobody rotates, nobody doubles the hot shooter, quite frankly, as Stephen A. Smith would put it, it’s pathetic.
There’s still hope, however, because the race is so close in the West anything can happen. Just keep on truckin’, Nuggs, its only going to get tougher this week. Looking ahead:
Phoenix (39-20) on Wednesday
San Antonio (41-17) on Friday
Utah (39-22) on Saturday
So are the Rockets really that good? Really? Good enough to win 15 straight, and all three games so far without Big China Yao Ming? Or are the Nuggets simply unfocused, injury stricken, and selfish. I choose the latter.
Let it be known, this is nothing more than constructive criticism mixed with some venting of frustration from Denver’s poor play as of late.
Alright, so Denver is the only team with two starting All Stars, the best center in the NBA, and probably some of the best bench players in the league, yet everybody in the sports world believes that Denver will be the team in the West that just misses the post season.
Defense in the issue that everyone references, I mean we do give up 104.6 points per game, but I think that the problem is not playing together as a team. Whenever adversity strikes, like a 10-0 run, the Nuggs are quick to panic instead of stick together. Also, when things are going good, like a 15-0 run, we always let the other team back in with poor team defense. Nobody rotates, nobody doubles the hot shooter, quite frankly, as Stephen A. Smith would put it, it’s pathetic.
There’s still hope, however, because the race is so close in the West anything can happen. Just keep on truckin’, Nuggs, its only going to get tougher this week. Looking ahead:
Phoenix (39-20) on Wednesday
San Antonio (41-17) on Friday
Utah (39-22) on Saturday
Thursday, February 28, 2008
Takin Care O' Business
The Nuggs handled their business Wednesday night, taking care of a simply terrible Seattle Supersonics squad that has failed to win 20 games this season.
Denver’s 138 points is an NBA high for this season, and an all time franchise high. This is just what the Nuggets needed after losing three straight to teams that, quite frankly, should have been beaten easily.
Holding Seattle to under 100 points is one of the few times all season that the Nuggs haven’t allowed over 100, opponents usually score 105 points on average.
Iverson was simply on fire, leading all scorers with 31. Melo was, well, a little more mellow, scoring only 16, the first time in 11 games he hasn’t reached at least 20.
Looking ahead, the Nuggs (34-23) take on:
LA Clippers(19-36) on Friday
The broken Rockets (37-20) on Sunday
The red hot Suns (39-19) on Wednesday
Denver’s 138 points is an NBA high for this season, and an all time franchise high. This is just what the Nuggets needed after losing three straight to teams that, quite frankly, should have been beaten easily.
Holding Seattle to under 100 points is one of the few times all season that the Nuggs haven’t allowed over 100, opponents usually score 105 points on average.
Iverson was simply on fire, leading all scorers with 31. Melo was, well, a little more mellow, scoring only 16, the first time in 11 games he hasn’t reached at least 20.
Looking ahead, the Nuggs (34-23) take on:
LA Clippers(19-36) on Friday
The broken Rockets (37-20) on Sunday
The red hot Suns (39-19) on Wednesday
Tuesday, February 26, 2008
Lose Three Straight, But Catch a 7'6" Break
Three straight losses!?!?! WE”RE DOOMED!!! Wait, hold on, let’s just think about this for a minute. Even after an unforgivable losing streak in a conference where every game matters, the Nuggs still may have a shot at the playoffs, despite the poor play as of late.
How can the Nuggs be alright? Well, let’s just say we caught a big break. A huge break. A 7’6” break. The Rockets, after winning every game in February to this point, lost Yao for the season with a broken foot.
If the Nuggs continue to keep winning like they were the past few weeks, then things should be totally fine. There’s absolutely no way that Tracy McGrady can carry the slack all by himself, not in a league this tough when it’s all coming down to the wire.
So, with our own destiny out of our hands for right now, all Denver can do is win what’s left and hope Huston finally slows down. Looking ahead for the Nuggs (33-23)
· The worst team in basketball, Seattle (15-40) on Wednesday
· The next worst team in basketball, Los Angles Clippers (19-35) on Friday
· The broken giants, Huston (36-20) on Sunday, possibly for the eighth spot in the West
How can the Nuggs be alright? Well, let’s just say we caught a big break. A huge break. A 7’6” break. The Rockets, after winning every game in February to this point, lost Yao for the season with a broken foot.
If the Nuggs continue to keep winning like they were the past few weeks, then things should be totally fine. There’s absolutely no way that Tracy McGrady can carry the slack all by himself, not in a league this tough when it’s all coming down to the wire.
So, with our own destiny out of our hands for right now, all Denver can do is win what’s left and hope Huston finally slows down. Looking ahead for the Nuggs (33-23)
· The worst team in basketball, Seattle (15-40) on Wednesday
· The next worst team in basketball, Los Angles Clippers (19-35) on Friday
· The broken giants, Huston (36-20) on Sunday, possibly for the eighth spot in the West
Wednesday, February 20, 2008
It Ain't Broke, So Don't Try to Fix Anything
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. With the trade deadline creeping closer and closer, the Nuggs are supposedly discussing a trade that would bring Ron Artest to Denver. The question is: WHY?!?
Sitting in the seventh spot in a ridiculously tight Western Conference, only four games out of first place in the West, mind you, thirteen games over .500, and defeating the best team in the NBA last night with their big man K.G. back in the lineup are all reasons to keep things the way that they are.
But that’s only the half of it. The Nuggs have outstanding bench talent in Najera and Kleiza, who would both probably leave in the Artest trade. K-Mart is back to the days of old scoring over fifteen points the last three games in a row, and J.R. Smith has been dubbed the “rainmaker” from beyond the arc as of late.
Plus, Artest plays the same position as Melo, which means Artest would have to play out of position most of the time. Where would he play? Most likely, with Artest’s overwhelming desire to chuck up the tre’, he would play shooting guard, but that would mean Iverson would have to run the point, something that has proven to bring his numbers down. That’s exactly why the Nuggs acquired Chucky Atkins this off-season, to get Iverson open for more opportunities.
Not to mention what kind of ticking time bomb Artest would be in the locker room. He has been known to complain about not getting the ball, and with Melo and A.I. having such productive seasons, the last thing we need is another guy asking for fifteen shots a game. And, has everybody already forgotten about the gang fight in Detroit? Apparently so.
Please, Kroenke, don’t force a stupid trade.
Sitting in the seventh spot in a ridiculously tight Western Conference, only four games out of first place in the West, mind you, thirteen games over .500, and defeating the best team in the NBA last night with their big man K.G. back in the lineup are all reasons to keep things the way that they are.
But that’s only the half of it. The Nuggs have outstanding bench talent in Najera and Kleiza, who would both probably leave in the Artest trade. K-Mart is back to the days of old scoring over fifteen points the last three games in a row, and J.R. Smith has been dubbed the “rainmaker” from beyond the arc as of late.
Plus, Artest plays the same position as Melo, which means Artest would have to play out of position most of the time. Where would he play? Most likely, with Artest’s overwhelming desire to chuck up the tre’, he would play shooting guard, but that would mean Iverson would have to run the point, something that has proven to bring his numbers down. That’s exactly why the Nuggs acquired Chucky Atkins this off-season, to get Iverson open for more opportunities.
Not to mention what kind of ticking time bomb Artest would be in the locker room. He has been known to complain about not getting the ball, and with Melo and A.I. having such productive seasons, the last thing we need is another guy asking for fifteen shots a game. And, has everybody already forgotten about the gang fight in Detroit? Apparently so.
Please, Kroenke, don’t force a stupid trade.
Tuesday, February 19, 2008
Monday, February 18, 2008
All Stars Shine Bright
All Star Nuggets were in the house in New Orleans representing the NBA’s Western Conference powerhouse of players on Sunday. A.I. had some flashy crossovers and nice dishes, and Melo prevailed as a top point’s scorer with 18 along with 7 rebounds.
A.I., Melo, Kobe, Timmy and Yao, the West’s starting unit in Sunday’s All Star game weren’t enough for the East, despite the fact that the Western Conference is much more competitive this season.
The weekend was defiantly as memorable of an All Star game as any, with old school players like “The Admiral” David Robinson making an appearance in the revised NBA Skills Competition, and the newly dubbed Dwight “Superman” Howard was simply amazing in the dunk contest.
This wasn’t your typical All Star game, either, with the game actually on the line in the final minute of play. The Celtics Ray Allen showed why many call him the purest shooter to step on the court since M.J., scoring four straight three pointers in the last two minutes of the game.
The Nuggets had better be ready for that pure shooter by tomorrow, as they play the Big Three at home. Kevin Garnett should be back, and there’s still the other two All Stars in Paul Pierce and Allen.
Top 5 Nuggets All Stars:
1. Allen Iverson (9 appearances)
2. Carmelo Anthony (3 appearances, many more to come)
3. Alex English (7 appearances)
4. Kiki Vandewegh (2 appearances)
5. Dan Issel (1 NBA appearance, 3 ABA appearances)
A.I., Melo, Kobe, Timmy and Yao, the West’s starting unit in Sunday’s All Star game weren’t enough for the East, despite the fact that the Western Conference is much more competitive this season.
The weekend was defiantly as memorable of an All Star game as any, with old school players like “The Admiral” David Robinson making an appearance in the revised NBA Skills Competition, and the newly dubbed Dwight “Superman” Howard was simply amazing in the dunk contest.
This wasn’t your typical All Star game, either, with the game actually on the line in the final minute of play. The Celtics Ray Allen showed why many call him the purest shooter to step on the court since M.J., scoring four straight three pointers in the last two minutes of the game.
The Nuggets had better be ready for that pure shooter by tomorrow, as they play the Big Three at home. Kevin Garnett should be back, and there’s still the other two All Stars in Paul Pierce and Allen.
Top 5 Nuggets All Stars:
1. Allen Iverson (9 appearances)
2. Carmelo Anthony (3 appearances, many more to come)
3. Alex English (7 appearances)
4. Kiki Vandewegh (2 appearances)
5. Dan Issel (1 NBA appearance, 3 ABA appearances)
Wednesday, February 13, 2008
K Mart Special
Who says that the Denver Nuggets are a two man team? In case you haven’t noticed, Denver is surprisingly deep on the bench and features powerful offensive weapons that fly under the radar with big names like Melo and A.I. taking the spotlight.
In the Nuggets win on Monday night against the snuffed out Heat, the leading scorer wasn’t Carmelo, it wasn’t Allen Iverson, and it wasn’t the Nuggets third leading scorer, Linas Kleiza, either. It was Kenyon Martin, the prolific scorer of years past at Cincinnati and earlier in his NBA career as a New Jersey Net.
K. Mart has been getting a bad rep as of late, including on this very blog a few weeks ago. Major skepticism includes his $13 million dollar salary this year and missing many games the past few seasons with injuries to both knees.
However, K. Mart looks like he is slowly overcoming these injuries that would have taken many players out of the game for good. He is regaining that bounce in his step on defense by increasing his rebounding numbers, and showing that he hasn’t lost any touch by scoring 12 points in the third quarter while shooting perfect from the field.
The Nuggs (32-19) face the Magic (32-21) tonight in their final contest before Melo and A.I. head to New Orleans for the All Star break. The four’s and five’s will defiantly be up for a challenge against the beastly Dwight Howard, but a win will build much needed momentum going into Tuesday’s match up against the best team in basketball, the Boston Celtics
Top 5 reasons to keep K. Mart:
He is gaining confidence after undergoing two major surgeries in three years
He’s a physical presence on the defensive end
He fits in well with the Nuggs style of play
He’s a high energy player with potential to do more
He’s 6’9”, 240 pounds of man
In the Nuggets win on Monday night against the snuffed out Heat, the leading scorer wasn’t Carmelo, it wasn’t Allen Iverson, and it wasn’t the Nuggets third leading scorer, Linas Kleiza, either. It was Kenyon Martin, the prolific scorer of years past at Cincinnati and earlier in his NBA career as a New Jersey Net.
K. Mart has been getting a bad rep as of late, including on this very blog a few weeks ago. Major skepticism includes his $13 million dollar salary this year and missing many games the past few seasons with injuries to both knees.
However, K. Mart looks like he is slowly overcoming these injuries that would have taken many players out of the game for good. He is regaining that bounce in his step on defense by increasing his rebounding numbers, and showing that he hasn’t lost any touch by scoring 12 points in the third quarter while shooting perfect from the field.
The Nuggs (32-19) face the Magic (32-21) tonight in their final contest before Melo and A.I. head to New Orleans for the All Star break. The four’s and five’s will defiantly be up for a challenge against the beastly Dwight Howard, but a win will build much needed momentum going into Tuesday’s match up against the best team in basketball, the Boston Celtics
Top 5 reasons to keep K. Mart:
He is gaining confidence after undergoing two major surgeries in three years
He’s a physical presence on the defensive end
He fits in well with the Nuggs style of play
He’s a high energy player with potential to do more
He’s 6’9”, 240 pounds of man
Tuesday, February 12, 2008
Melo No Match For LeBron
Carmelo. LeBron. Rivals on the court, friends off the court. Can anything come between them? Probably just a man named Darko Milicic, the player selected second in the 2003 draft after LeBron and before Melo. These two names will probably be connected forever, but only one player can prevail as better than the other.
In their most recent match up, Melo and the Nuggs defeated LeBron and the Cavs by a considerable margin, winning 113-83 in a blowout in which LeBron sat out the entire fourth quarter. Melo scored a team high 27 points, and LeBron had a cool 30, despite not playing a second in the fourth.
In head to head action, Melo is proving to be the better investment, winning seven out of the nine match ups. LeBron does average better numbers in the rivalry, but that simply shows that he has to do a lot more by himself.
The real standout in the game, however, had to be A.I., raking up 25 points with 13 assists. Iverson continues to step his game up, and is well on his way to leading the league in minutes played for the third straight year.
Going into their game tonight against the new look Heat, the Nuggs sit one game behind the Jazz in the Northwest Division and four and a half games behind the Western Conference leading Phoenix Suns, who may just get better with the recent acquisition of Shaq. The Nuggs are in seventh place in the highly competitive West, and would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. And we're are hot as of late, winning five out of our last six games.
Looking ahead, the Nuggs play:
· The worst team in basketball, the Miami Heat (9-40), tonight at 5:30 MTN
· Dwight Howard and the Magic (32-21) Wednesday at 5:00 MTN
· The best team in basketball, the Boston Celtics (39-9) after the All Star Break
In their most recent match up, Melo and the Nuggs defeated LeBron and the Cavs by a considerable margin, winning 113-83 in a blowout in which LeBron sat out the entire fourth quarter. Melo scored a team high 27 points, and LeBron had a cool 30, despite not playing a second in the fourth.
In head to head action, Melo is proving to be the better investment, winning seven out of the nine match ups. LeBron does average better numbers in the rivalry, but that simply shows that he has to do a lot more by himself.
The real standout in the game, however, had to be A.I., raking up 25 points with 13 assists. Iverson continues to step his game up, and is well on his way to leading the league in minutes played for the third straight year.
Going into their game tonight against the new look Heat, the Nuggs sit one game behind the Jazz in the Northwest Division and four and a half games behind the Western Conference leading Phoenix Suns, who may just get better with the recent acquisition of Shaq. The Nuggs are in seventh place in the highly competitive West, and would be in the playoffs if the season ended today. And we're are hot as of late, winning five out of our last six games.
Looking ahead, the Nuggs play:
· The worst team in basketball, the Miami Heat (9-40), tonight at 5:30 MTN
· Dwight Howard and the Magic (32-21) Wednesday at 5:00 MTN
· The best team in basketball, the Boston Celtics (39-9) after the All Star Break
Thursday, February 7, 2008
Overtime Woes
Overtime again for the Nuggs, but this time they came up a little short. However, they fought until the end, in a battle that Nuggets announcer Scott Hastings called “Ali vs. Frasier: Rumble in the Pepsi Center.”
Going into Wednesday night, the Nuggets sat only one game out of the lead in the Northwest Division. Now they are two games back after losing to the Jazz in a hard fought overtime period.
With less than half a minute left in the game, the Nuggs had a shot at the win at the end of regulation. Carmelo Anthony was wide open for the game winner, and unlike the Melo we’re all used to, he missed the clutch shot to finish the game.
Though there are plenty of games left to regain the top spot, the loss last night raises questions of how well the Nuggets will perform down the stretch as the games become more and more important.
A.I. was the man to save the Nuggs Monday night, and played well Wednesday, scoring a game high 34 points. But unfortunately, it simply wasn’t enough.
The Nuggs home stand continues tonight against the Wizards, and then it’s on the road to face LeBron on Sunday and D. Wade and the new look Heat on Tuesday. Here are the top five things the Nuggs need to do to keep up in the West:
1. A.I. and Melo need to continue to be in the top five in scoring
2. Marcus Camby needs to hold it down on the defensive end
3. Progressively better play from K. Mart
4. Better play off the bench
5. STAY HEALTHY!!
Going into Wednesday night, the Nuggets sat only one game out of the lead in the Northwest Division. Now they are two games back after losing to the Jazz in a hard fought overtime period.
With less than half a minute left in the game, the Nuggs had a shot at the win at the end of regulation. Carmelo Anthony was wide open for the game winner, and unlike the Melo we’re all used to, he missed the clutch shot to finish the game.
Though there are plenty of games left to regain the top spot, the loss last night raises questions of how well the Nuggets will perform down the stretch as the games become more and more important.
A.I. was the man to save the Nuggs Monday night, and played well Wednesday, scoring a game high 34 points. But unfortunately, it simply wasn’t enough.
The Nuggs home stand continues tonight against the Wizards, and then it’s on the road to face LeBron on Sunday and D. Wade and the new look Heat on Tuesday. Here are the top five things the Nuggs need to do to keep up in the West:
1. A.I. and Melo need to continue to be in the top five in scoring
2. Marcus Camby needs to hold it down on the defensive end
3. Progressively better play from K. Mart
4. Better play off the bench
5. STAY HEALTHY!!
Tuesday, February 5, 2008
Iverson Answers All Questions
Who is setting the pace for the Northwest? Who is the third leading scorer in the NBA? Who comes through at the final ticks of overtime? Lots of questions, but there is only one Answer.
Allen Iverson showed why he is the starting point guard for the Western Conference All- Stars Monday night against the division rival Trailblazers. In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, A.I. drained a three pointer to put the Nuggs up 100-99, and later hit a game winning jumper in overtime to seal the third straight victory for Denver.
While Iverson was clutch at the end of regulation and overtime, he didn’t shoot particularly well throughout the game, going only 10-28 from the field and getting to the line only seven times.
But there is always an Answer to those late game questions for Denver.
A.I. and Melo have been in sync and bench players have stepped up for the Nuggs while missing Marcus Camby for the second straight game with a sore left knee.
With their win Monday against Portland, Denver slides to just a game behind Utah for the top spot in the Northwest Division. The Nuggets and Jazz face off Wednesday night for first place, and prepare for what George Karl calls a “playoff-like atmosphere” according to ESPN news.
Denver will have to play hard while injuries continue to plague the team, as they face:
· Division leader Utah (31-18) Wednesday at home
· Washington (24-22) Friday night at home
· LeBron and the Cavs (26-20) on the road on Sunday
Allen Iverson showed why he is the starting point guard for the Western Conference All- Stars Monday night against the division rival Trailblazers. In the closing minutes of the fourth quarter, A.I. drained a three pointer to put the Nuggs up 100-99, and later hit a game winning jumper in overtime to seal the third straight victory for Denver.
While Iverson was clutch at the end of regulation and overtime, he didn’t shoot particularly well throughout the game, going only 10-28 from the field and getting to the line only seven times.
But there is always an Answer to those late game questions for Denver.
A.I. and Melo have been in sync and bench players have stepped up for the Nuggs while missing Marcus Camby for the second straight game with a sore left knee.
With their win Monday against Portland, Denver slides to just a game behind Utah for the top spot in the Northwest Division. The Nuggets and Jazz face off Wednesday night for first place, and prepare for what George Karl calls a “playoff-like atmosphere” according to ESPN news.
Denver will have to play hard while injuries continue to plague the team, as they face:
· Division leader Utah (31-18) Wednesday at home
· Washington (24-22) Friday night at home
· LeBron and the Cavs (26-20) on the road on Sunday
Thursday, January 31, 2008
Melo Out, Nuggs Still Up
Melo is out. Again. But unlike the pre- A.I. era when a Melo injury meant dropping several games in a row, the Nuggets responded with a respectable 3-2 record over the five- game Melo-less stretch.
What is a team to do when their All-Star starter is on the bench? Well for the Nuggs it’s easy, just call on the other All-Star starter, Mr. Allen Iverson. A.I. has stepped it up in Melo’s absence, averaging 27.4 points per game and 7.0 assists over the five-game stretch.
Defense has also decided to show up this past week, lead by the ’07 Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Camby. The big man is averaging 3.86 blocks per game, which leads the NBA. Those are Mutombo- like numbers, bringing back the Nuggets D of old.
With Denver's 106-102 victory over Memphis last night, the Nuggs (27-18) move to a half-game out of first place in the division. Looking ahead with Melo listed as day-to-day, the entire team needs to keep focus as they take on:
What is a team to do when their All-Star starter is on the bench? Well for the Nuggs it’s easy, just call on the other All-Star starter, Mr. Allen Iverson. A.I. has stepped it up in Melo’s absence, averaging 27.4 points per game and 7.0 assists over the five-game stretch.
Defense has also decided to show up this past week, lead by the ’07 Defensive Player of the Year, Marcus Camby. The big man is averaging 3.86 blocks per game, which leads the NBA. Those are Mutombo- like numbers, bringing back the Nuggets D of old.
With Denver's 106-102 victory over Memphis last night, the Nuggs (27-18) move to a half-game out of first place in the division. Looking ahead with Melo listed as day-to-day, the entire team needs to keep focus as they take on:
- A struggling Charlotte (18-28) team on Saturday
- A hot Portland (26-19) on Monday
- Division leader Utah (28-28) on Wednesday
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