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.
Monday, April 14, 2008
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
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