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Rocky and the Nuggets didn't need Jesus on their side to beat the Heat Friday night. Ty Lawson, Nene and Al Harrington were enough!
By beating the likely NBA champion Miami Heat on Friday night, the Nuggets showed the entire NBA that playing at the Pepsi Center is going to be no easy task this season.
First off, pardon my tardiness on this recap. I had a post-game commitment that ran late but wanted to be sure my fellow Stiffs could discuss last night's great game when waking up this morning. And as a I texted to my esteemed colleague Nate Timmons after the game, I may not write lengthy recaps but I always deliver W's for our Nuggets!
Unless you're (oddly) the New Orleans Hornets, the other 28 teams that currently comprise the National Basketball Association should be deathly afraid of playing in Denver this season. With the exception of that Hornets debacle on Monday, the Nuggets have scored at least 110 points per home game when having a full day off in advance and have home victory margins in those games of 17, 27, 8 (and it wasn't nearly that close) and 13.
But in spite of the Nuggets home prowess when given some rest, the would-be champion Heat ostensibly had all the makings of a solid road victory entering last night's contest. Yes, they were playing the fifth game of a road trip but c'mon ... they had had a full day off before the game, had presumably dropped the only two games in a row that they will drop all season and had their full complementary of players - minus Eddy Curry of course - and LeBron James was going to prove that he could come through in a clutch situation. He even Tweeted about it beforehand.
Well, "The King" never had the opportunity to showcase his crunch-time skills because our Nuggets erupted on his Heat with 31 fourth-quarter points and controlled the energy of the game even before Dwyane Wade went down with a nasty ankle sprain around the seven-minute mark in the final period. In fact, the Nuggets held the Heat to 81 points until the 8:49 mark in the fourth quarter.
Watching the game on television, it probably looked like the Nuggets won this game by finally breaking out of their three-point shooting funk (the Nuggets were red hot from behind the arc, making a shocking 48% of their three's on 25 attempts) and dishing out more assists (26 to 19) than their opponent. But having watched the game in person, I can tell you that the Heat were simply gassed. Including the ever fit James, who was settling for jump shots early and essentially went through the motions in the fourth quarter chucking long-range jumpers whenever he felt it was convenient to do so. Heat head coach Erik Spoelstra knew it, too, hence why he yanked James for James Jones with two minutes left even though the Heat - in theory - were still within earshot of a competitive finish.
Maybe the Heat should just stick with beating up on their weak Eastern Conference sisters and avoid playing against Western Conference teams altogether.
But last night's victory was more about Denver's coming out party than Miami's third straight loss. With few exceptions, it seemed like many Nugget players had their "awakening" last night, including center Timofey Mozgov who finally looked energetic and comfortable and it showed with 12 points, eight rebounds, three blocks and previously unseen friskiness that we need from the Big Moz for the remainder of the season.
Also joining in on the awakening was backup shooting guard Rudy Fernandez, who is - at last - setting his feet and squaring his shoulders when he shoots and nailed half of this three-point attempts en route to 15 points off the bench.
And the Nuggets three main staples this season - Nene, Ty Lawson and Al Harrington - were absolute studs yet again on Friday night. I don't know how many of my fellow Stiffs have had the opportunity to see Nene play in person yet or not this season, but he looks terrific physically and it seems as though he hands have gotten better. Perhaps his veteran brain has finally caught up with his body as he just seems to know where that ball is bouncing and pounces on it.
(The only disappointing performance from the Nuggets side was Danilo Gallinari who still appears to get the yips on wide open layups.)
As a ticket-paying fan, it was nice to see a fair fight on Friday night. All too often I feel like the games I attend feature a team coming into Denver on a back-to-back, are missing a key player or both. At last, we got to witness an opposing team that was ready to play and simply couldn't handle the onslaught that has become the Denver Nuggets at Pepsi Center.
And the rest of the NBA got to witness it, too.
Non-Stiff of the Game
Ty Lawson: 9-11 shooting, nine assists, two steals, a +/- of +16. Are you kidding me?! Lawson is now averaging over 17 points, six assists and almost two steals per game while shooting 52% from the field and 84% from the charity stripe. When Nuggets coach George Karl told me a while back that Lawson has All-Star potential, I didn't believe him. I do now.
Stiff of the Game
Chris Bosh: While James at least attempted to keep the Heat engaged in the game, Bosh disappeared. Bosh missed over half his shots and got eaten alive by Nene. If Wade is indeed hurt badly, Bosh will need to step it up before the Heat lose their fourth-straight game.
Parting Shot
The Nuggets have one more home game - vs. Utah on Sunday night - before hitting the road for four straight heading east (including at New York next Saturday and we'll be watching the game together at Jake's for our annual Stiffs Night Out). The Nuggets have proven that they can sweep teams off the floor at home, now let's see if that momentum can be carried on the road with them.
Go Nuggets!
0 recs | 235 comments
Good recap
GO NUGS
United Nugget Nations - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Nice recap, Andrew.
One thing I would change would be to replace Gallo with ‘Dre in the disappointment category. His energy and effort last night appeared (at least to my televised watching eyes) very low. I think part of Gallo’s problem stemmed from the ankle, and thus not being quite as explosive. In the first quarter, Gallo was key.
Russscot - January 14, 2012
ya Dre was invisible.
I thought Gallo played good defense on LeBron. Sure, LeBron scored a lot of points, but he had only 4 shots at the rim and took 9 long 2s. Of course a lot of that was just LeBron being passive. But I thought Gallo did a decent job without needing a lot of help.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
I think Brewer
played very good defense when he was in there. He gave Wade fits and made him work to get his shot off. Afflalo, in his limited minutes actually played good defense against Lebron and Wade, which is quite the load, but he did an admirable job. Which puzzles me why he played Andre MIller over Afflalo in the 2nd half because Afflalo had a better overall game. Miller looked disinterested the entire game.
However saying this, Miller has played very well this season and I hope he does not take this tiny situation and blow it out of proportion. Is our general manager a genius? Maybe so, because Felton is shooting 34% for Portland this year and is stinking up the joint this year for Portland.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
Well, Miller has been a better player than Felton throughout their careers. Turning one year of a guy into one year of an upgrade at the same position and a draft pick is pretty sweet.
Brewer’s activity is great. All those bench guys bring something a little different, I think there will always be questions as to whether Karl is playing the correct amounts of Brewer/Miller/Rudy/Afflalo and in the correct situations, but overall it’s a good problem to have.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
I like Miller
And even with his recent comments to the media, I think he should get his minutes.
He should not, however, be closing out games over AAA, period.
That bothered me last night.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Nice sarcasm Andrew
Miami isn’t going to win a championship this year, they are not going to win anything until they trade Bosh, who is a .75 cent player and trade him for two 50 cent players and free up their cap space and get some depth on their team. They are not equipped to win against teams that play decent zone defense. Not to mention all of their nagging injuries they are gathering now will not serve them well later.
I think you confuse Lebron with Kobe Andrew, as if the Lakers had lost those two previous games before, you know Kobe would come in and make this game close and even possibly win because when Kobe is mad, he is better but when Lebron has to face adversity, he cowers into a corner. I was not shocked at the results last night and you are largely over estimating the Heat Andrew. Me and ThrowItDownBigMan both agree that this team is significantly worse than their finals team they had last year.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
wade turns 30 in three days.
(he’s not getting any younger)
roxintober - January 14, 2012
He is still in his prime
but he will go downhill fast at the age of 32, that is the age where basketball player’s drop dramatically.
Seriously though, if they think they are going to get eight championships together, well.. they can dream that all they’d like.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
he might go downhill quicker
if he doesn’t stop getting hurt once a week.
roxintober - January 14, 2012
Oh crap.
I’m going to be 32 on tuesday. Does this mean my NBA dreams are dead in the water???
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
you ain't bill murray sir.
roxintober - January 14, 2012
no, no love4nuggets
you’re still good
sgiustra - January 14, 2012
Whew! Thank you.
Just found out I have the same Bday as D Wade, but 2 years earlier. Maybe that’s a good sign?
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
i read that he has plantars fascitis. isn't that the same thing that harrington had?
newsman35 - January 14, 2012
They said it may be plantar fascitis
they aren’t sure. And yes, what Al had. Kobe had it several seasons back.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Hey CB...is Al Harrington
Playing well enough now for you to eat the article bashing him?
You have to admit he is now a 6th man of the year candidate, and a key member of the team. No longer and amnesty candidate unlike the Bird who looks like he will still decline this year and was bad last year.
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
He is playing good...
if his pace is similar to what it has been, even if I expect it to lower out over the course of the season due to the law of averages, but so far, I am dreading the idea of having to stuff my face with paper and ketchup…
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
A man of his word...I like it.
To be honest, I thought Al was going to be better than last season, but not this much better.
Definitely a pleasant surprise!
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Me too. Does crow taste good with ketchup?
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
ask this guy
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Joakim-Noah-critic-eats-his-words-literally?urn=nba-201747
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
Harrington is a Goomba
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
man, that's just spot on.
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 14, 2012
I thought the Stiffs were in agreement that he's a ninja turtle?
Artimus Mangilord - January 14, 2012
Certainly this year.
He’s one bad dude, and I’m loving it.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
Which one would he be?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Was it Michaelangelo that had the nunchucks?
Because I’ve been calling him “Nunchucks” this season.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
Leonardo had blue, like the Nuggets
And he was the leader, where I see Al providing some vet leadership.
Ok, that was weird that I put analysis into that…
Artimus Mangilord - January 14, 2012
I vote Donatello,
just because I like the name
Russscot - January 14, 2012
Raphael
For sure.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Well that narrows it down! Good work, gents!
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
Wait, JR, what about me?
I also believed that Al was as good as a left over tv dinner
Look its not our fault that, for whatever reason, one year you play like yuch and next year you play great. What are we to think.
Problem with Al is that when he’s not shooting well, he doesnt usually compensate in any way whatsoever. When AAA or Gallo arent shooting well they could still chip in in various ways.
sgiustra - January 14, 2012
he reffered to me
because I said I would publicly go on youtube, take the hate fanpost I made of him last year and eat it for all of you Stiffs to enjoy.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
Like.. this guy
http://sports.yahoo.com/nba/blog/ball_dont_lie/post/Joakim-Noah-critic-eats-his-words-literally?urn=nba-201747
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
lol sorry
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
but your fanpost is on the internet not in a newspaper.
How will you eat the internet?
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
You can still print out web pages
The craziest thing!
Also: Cloudy, make sure you use a soy-based ink.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
HOLY SHIT!!!!! I'm giving this top comment of the MONTH!!!!!
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
Why is this comment not green yet?
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
Its something called
a printer, yea I know… highly technological stuff.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
thats some funny crap right there
Oh, in answer to your question re eating the internet, shouldnt you just ask Al Gore how to eat the internet?
BTW, unrelated but handy→ the chicken came before the egg
sgiustra - January 15, 2012
imagine how much better this team would be if they had a legit center. instead of Bosh Spice
Mancar - January 14, 2012
like a bosh
TyLawesome - January 14, 2012
they have Eddy Curry
Is he not legit?
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Has he even played this season?
He’s always hurt and overweight. Pretty sure that makes him illegit, just like Lamar Odom’s wife.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
stuff
i liked seeing all you morons standing up waiting for the first points. who the fuck decided that denver fans should do that? it is an okc thing. let them have it.
speaking of okc, if we beat them 2 out of 3 games can we make it to the finals? please???
mozgov’s contribution was far greater than his numbers.
miller wants to start? really??
i think tebow should thank god that he can thank god while he is thanking god for thanking god
spokenwar - January 14, 2012
they've been standing for the first points
longer than OKC has been a franchise.
just so you know.
roxintober - January 14, 2012
well...
can we give it to them? i think they should have it
spokenwar - January 14, 2012
i dont understand the issue.
roxintober - January 14, 2012
Pretty arbitrary to me, too.
I think a lot of teams do it. Not sure if it deserves the insults, though. I love my fellow Nugget fans and wish the team got more attention in this town.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
I think your right
that several teams do it. Has anyone noticed the sound effects they play at the games? Is it just me, or does every team use the same set of effects at every stadium?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I miss the tees for 3s...Digourno
But the Nuggets make too many now. In the past when Buckner was are starting shooting guard it was a good business plan.
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Err I mean our
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Are you Pastafarian?
aaarrrrrrrrrrr!
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
we stand up until first points at my local pro bball games
and thats in new zealand! don’t know where we stole it from
Nz Nuggets - January 14, 2012
I always though and now i'm sure
Wade is that team. James goes out for any length of time in game or miss games as a whole and wade carries on. Wade goes out james tries and fails. again and again. I love it. I love that Ty went off on ESPN. That may give him an All-Star bid. Brewer showed he is a Sane JR that can play D. Once Gallo can learn how to do a layup we will be set. I can’t say enough about Mosgov.
TopherYork - January 14, 2012
The thing about Mozgov
is I think that facing off against all those really good centers at the start of the year like Bynum, Bogut, Cousins, Okafor, and Duncan really set him up for this game. He played and got a lot of experience against good front courts and when he finally met a team who’s front-court is worse than ours, he delivered, we can really thank the schedule for that, because Mozgov got a lot of experience getting his ass handed to him by opposing centers at the start of the year, but you can’t learn until you play the best, and you could tell he was very confident last night.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
He's got a hook shot and a nice jumper
He showed it in SA too before GK pulled him out.
Moz will be fine, he is learning slowly, but he should be our starting center of the future and a good front court mate of Nene’s.
If he blocks well like he did yesterday…watch out.
As Scott says once he realizes he is big, it’s not out of the question to think he is a Marc Gasol kind of player.
Did I mention Ujiri is a magnificent bastard just robbing the Knicks blindly!!
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
So why didn't he get more than 24 minutes?
Moz/Nene lineup was eating the Heat up yet the only time we saw them was in the first quarter. Another head-shaker. GK glued to that small ball. I’m a GK supporter but not unequivocally. I realize Moz still has to prove he’s not a right-handed version of Priest Lauderdale. Still…what an enjoyable evening of watching basketball. The slight hangover is worth it. Glad I didn’t go to the GF’s house last night; I would have kept her up with hootin’ and hollern and a lot of “F… Y… you all stars!!!”
Rudy is really impressing with his all around game and court savvy. He could easily just come in, look for his shot and cash his game check. But he’s trying to help this team win with a good floor game, effort on defense and excellent passing. Props Rudy. Unleash the Bounce George!
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
My guess would be fatigue
He averages 16 minutes a game on the season. Play him 30 last night at that pace and he is gassed, as LBJ clearly was. Even on TV you could see him coasting.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Which is why
you can’t compare these games to playoff games. Still, if you and I made even a tenth of what these dudes make, we’d torture ourselves for 48 minutes.
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
That's easy to say from our couches
I’ve played enough sports and enough basketball to know that the 48 minute thing is simply impossible. These are grown men. I’ve gotten myself gassed in games at a time that I could run for miles at the drop of a hat.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Did I see a GK compliment from you?
I can’t believe it.
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
I try to give credit when credit is due
a bitter man might point out that seeing Karl as active and engaged as he was last night only makes the nights where he sits on the bench with his head in his hands doing nothing all the more frustrating.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I knew you couldn't resist
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
But he's inarguably correct.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
well supposedly coach said there were only 10 games a season
That were more important than the rest, apparently george is only active during those 10 games, last night being 1 of them.
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Sounds about right
Just like my Nuggets fan pack of tickets only includes 10 games.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Afflalo
He wasn’t very noticeable, but it looked like he was finally comfortable with his three point stroke and he wasn’t afraid to attack the rim. This is definitely good to see from AAA as he is a major piece to the team going forward.
Dr. Jre - January 14, 2012
He was noticeable if you pay attention to defense
Had him on Wade and James the whole night. Spent all his energy there.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
What a game
best game of the year, by far. Perhaps the best game since the WCF. G.K. was up and active early. He actually got a technical. I don’t care that Bird and KK got no minutes. I don’t care that he played Miller at PF. I was so excited that I ran out of forwarding on my TIVO before halftime and had to live with commercials.
Oh, and
MMMMOOOOOOOOOOOOZZZZZZZZZZGGGGGGOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOVVVVVVVVVVV!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I am happy Karl didn't play the Bird
Don’t play guys who don’t deserve minutes even if they are veterans.
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Bird has no trade value
I have no idea what we are going to do with him..
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
Amnesty next summer...
CombatChuk - January 14, 2012
Possibly trade to Clips
For second round picks. Ujiri will get something for the Bird.
He has a way of scamming people if you haven’t noticed already.
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
good call
clips have literally 2 bigs on the roster. they could use any bench player they can get their hands on
TyLawesome - January 14, 2012
I was rooting for KK over Bird
but I wanted him to keep the lineup big, the lineup that got the 13 point lead in the first quarter. I was pissed and yelling at the TV quite a lot in the second quarter. Karl’s strategy paid dividends in the second half, so he gets the credit today. I still maintain they would have won 145 – 36 if they had stayed big and played zone.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I got some champagne for a toast, Throw
Agreed, the Heat game showed why it’s fun to be a Stiff. Chicago will pass them in the power ratings. But don’t think they’re going away or anything. Nene lay of the refs; it ain’t helping you. Glad we don’t have a head case such as Bosh on our team.
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
I saw Nene touch a ref on the chest after calling him for a foul
He was smiling and nodding like he’d been caught justifiably. But I thought players weren’t allowed to touch refs AT ALL>EVER?
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Lucky Nene stopped short of headbutting him
Artimus Mangilord - January 14, 2012
muahahah
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Lord knows
I wouldn’t have had that restraint.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
Great game!
Nice recap. I am horse from yelling all game.
Moz really shut me up. I have been tough on him and he played awesome.
The Heat were only in the game because the refs gifted them call after call in the first. LePout complains after every play. I can see why he gets easily flustered in the 4th quarters.
Good job Nugs!
Pusherman - January 14, 2012
Unfortunately I missed the game :(
Anyone know where I can rewatch it?
chantech - January 14, 2012
espn3?
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
Is Altitude showing the replay today?
Usually they do the replay around 10:30 MST on the weekdays, I’m not sure if it’s applies on Saturdays
CombatChuk - January 14, 2012
That sucks dude
Full playoff game atmosphere from the opening tip. People who saw it in person are very lucky. No Tivo?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
No Tivo :(
We probably would have just walked down and gotten scalped tickets but I had another event last night.
chantech - January 14, 2012
Believe me
Tivo is worth the money. Once you get it, you won’t ever go back. It’s torture to go to the in-laws and watch a game live, no rewinding for replays, watching all the commercials.
Can we expect your system to be running anytime soon?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I have it at my house
But I stay at my GFs in the city most of the time and she doesn’t have a Tivo…well I guess she was supposed to get one but they ran out of one when they installed the cable.
League pass is also broken as the archived games don’t allow you to view your home team for some reason. I guess I’m going to have to buy a synergy account again.
As far as the system, we’ve been mining all year and we finally feel good about the sample sizes – hopefully we’ll have something to contribute soon.
chantech - January 14, 2012
If I moved back to Denver
I would live right downtown. So much happening down there all the time that you miss out on living further out.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
mozgov was better than his numbers
great contribution
spokenwar - January 14, 2012
True dat!
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
not that 3 pointers won the game
but tonight was the perfect example of why you keep shooting them, and why a team should always value at rim shots and 3 pointers over anything else. Heat were hitting their jumpers as well, but they took 21 long 2s (Nuggets only 16). Nuggets were better in other areas as well, but forcing non-paint 2s and shooting at rim shots and 3 pointers will win you basketball games.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
ESPN's "Heat Check" review of the game
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
yeah Ty has a great shot at an all-star bid with Deron gone to the East and Manu out with a long term injury there are two more spots for Western guards. Gotta think Lawson and Lowry are top candidates.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
This
Pusherman - January 14, 2012
Lawson is shooting 52% from the field this year
that is insane for an undersized pointguard.
It was also fun to watch him match Lebron for strength on this play from last night…
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
I'm not even sure 52% tells the whole story
he gets to the line and hits 3s too. His shot selection and finishing are awesome.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
this
TyLawesome - January 14, 2012
Don't remind me
I’m trying to focus on the positives last night.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I loved how LBJ was guarding Ty in the 4th
Ty crossed him over, give him the okie doke and hit a 3
The U.N. Fab Five - January 14, 2012
changed to a 2
but still a freakin awesome play
Mancar - January 14, 2012
video of Moz jam
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
Wilson, JR leaving China?
latest on JR soap opera
http://www.sheridanhoops.com/2012/01/14/j-r-smith-nearly-fights-with-fans-in-china/
buffallo soldier - January 14, 2012
His sister got in a "brawl"
the other day. Even if he gets booted, they won’t let him play until the season is over.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Denver shouldnt bother with him (JR)
The team is coming together nicely and GK doesnt need the headache.
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 14, 2012
bring me Ill will
TyLawesome - January 14, 2012
haha guess it runs in the family
Colsportsfan - January 14, 2012
hahahah oh my god
this whole china thing is just too funny
skithebert - January 14, 2012
multiple sources say Wilson leaving
That is more relevant to the Nuggets.
Rudy has replaced JR.
JR looks good in the picture.
buffallo soldier - January 14, 2012
WILSON!!! WILSON!!!!
Castaway?
Nuggburg - January 14, 2012 via mobile
well played
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
swish looks kinda old and skinny there
Bad training, nutrition will hamper his talents.
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
I said this last night....you can tell that Gallo is still hurting on that ankle
They taped it up, and before the game he was complaining about how uncomfortable it was. I think that explains the biffed layup. He just didn’t have any lift (and if you guys remember the end of last season, Gallo needs his lift)
Good game. Nuggets proved alot to a national TV audience. That Hornets loss is a distant memory.
Jeffrey Morton - January 14, 2012
Thump those tall
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Thump those tall midgets known as the Utah Jazz
Then the NOH loss will be forgotten.
None of the Jazz’s wins have been impressive.
When I think Jazz, I think winner of the special olympics or they are as real as a pornstar’s chest.
I dont know why people are worried about them, they will be back in reality pretty soon.
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
0 minutes for Bird with a win! hmmmmm.
some sneaky correlations!
Mancar - January 14, 2012
Wondering when Nugs will get the zone thrown at them
Miami already used to it:
Miami’s zone possessions
Date Opp. Poss. FGM FGA FG% TO Pts. OffRtg
12/27 vs. BOS 20 5 19 26.3% 3 10 50.0
1/2 vs. ATL 21 8 17 47.1% 3 21 100.0
1/4 vs. IND 5 2 7 28.6% 0 5 100.0
1/5 at ATL 2 2 2 100.0% 0 6 300.0
1/7 at NJN 15 8 13 61.5% 3 25 166.7
1/10 at GSW 12 3 9 33.3% 4 6 50.0
TOTALS 75 28 67 41.8% 13 73 97.3
OffRtg = Points scored per 100 possessions
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
Nugs are a horrible team to zone against
they’ll just go with 4 shooters, put Nene on the elbow and swing it around until they either get an open layup or a wide open 3.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
Yea, the zone weakness is the perimiter 3 pointers
It would be a bad strategy, UNLESS they were trying to contain Ty Lawson, which would work if the opposing point guard was too slow to guard him, I think the Lakers played a lot of zone against us and it was pretty effective.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
Nuggs historically struggle against zone
Don’t have any statistics for this season.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
My impression is that these Nuggets should be better at making the extra pass vs. a zone than the Melo/Chauncey version.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
In addition to more sharing of the ball this year
Many of our new guys are also decent to great passers: Gallo, Rudy, Miller
Artimus Mangilord - January 14, 2012
Nene is the best passing big man
He has great hands. Sometimes, though, he is too unselfish.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Denver wasnt hitting much of their threes when they lost to the lakers.
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 14, 2012
Indeed, but we did have a lot of open looks
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
For the Bird Haters
Birdman has the third highest PER on the team behind Brewer and Lawson. That’s right, the third best player on the team was DNP-CD last night!
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Bird sucks
PER is notoriously bad at taking into account defense which were is where bird has been killing us.
Frontrange - January 14, 2012
His PER is higher than Gallo's, Marc Gasol, and Westbrook
Are you saying he is better than those three? not to mention the others he is ranked higher than.
Mancar - January 14, 2012
reply to Throwitdown fail
BIRD SUCKS
Mancar - January 14, 2012
LOL
Just throwing that out there to get you riled up.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Bird has the lowest +/- on the team. previous game he had a minus 15.
newsman35 - January 14, 2012
One of my beefs about this site (denverstiffs)
Is if your fat or have a few bad games you don’t belong on the Denver nuggets. Case in point Al Harrington who everyone was ready to amnesty befor the season. Now all the hate for bird come on cut the guy a f^*€king break. They love you when your great-hate you when your bad. The point is he’s a Denver nugget calls Colorado home and he is the goddam birdman.
tknuckle - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Can't rec this enough.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
I, for one, never berated Al or Bird.
I love them both and hope they both continue to improve this season. :)
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
This is true
And I’m guilty.
No one likes the piling on, but I think all we are doing is hoping Karl plays the best players. And, while I’ll always be a fan of Chris Anderson, he doesn’t deserve minutes in front of Brewer and Koufos.
But, yeah. We should be nicer about it. I guess.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
100% agree with this
I wish bird the best and hope he plays better. But so far this season he doesn’t look good enough to play for this team.
Frontrange - January 14, 2012
Nice post. Hopefully you are referring to the comment section and not Jeff, Andrew and Myself.
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
I love this part
So. There is to be no slagging Chris Anderson for playing sub-par basketball and biting at every single pump fake ever because he is the Birdman.
Gotcha.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Who is Chris Anderson?
The Nuggets have Andersen. :-)
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
BOOM and roasted
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
It's one thing to correct about typos
But I do think it’s important to spell one’s name properly.
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
Did you Watch Big Al Last Season??
Many of use were on Big Al because the Nuggs signed him to a big contract and he was overweight and played awful most of last season. Sure, he may have been injured. But this forum is about giving opinions, and in the opinion of a lot of us who watched him last season, he was a major, major disappointment. (He has admitted as much, and I give him great credit for getting in shape over the summer and having a GREAT year this season thus far).
As for Bird, the opinion changes on him have occurred over the last 2+ seasons, where he has been hurt, has lost a step, and does not have the same lift. His whole game was built on his jumping ability, and he doesn’t have it anymore. It’s kinda sad, but the truth. I would prefer his minutes go to our young big men. . .Moz, KK, and Manimal.
ACEIII - January 14, 2012
After reading the game reports
I observe that almost all of them focus on what’s wrong with the Heat, drama, etc. Not about what’s working for Denver. They just got a beatdown from a decent team. LBJ was -16, Bosh was -17. TyLawsome was dominant. I was wondering if the Heat’s PG would be able to keep up with Ty because he’s pretty quick. NOT!
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
Even 2 time MVP LeBron James said
The Heat could not stop the Nuggets no matter what adjustments they made.
And yet ESPN neglects to mention that we are a dominant team.
Oh well that’s why I love the Nuggets.
Haters gonna hate!!
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
In regards to more coverage of a Heat loss than a Nuggets win
Haterz gonna hate; let them hate so long as they fear. In recent years, our team has played better with a chip on their shoulder.
Artimus Mangilord - January 14, 2012
ESPN
Run-and-gun
“Simply put, the Nuggets beat the Heat at their own game. Trying to play a fast tempo in the Mile High City is always a dubious game plan, especially after coming off a back-to-back, but the Nuggets were far more potent in the open court. The Heat got hammered in fast-break points, which is not a recipe for success.”
Plea for Intelligence - January 14, 2012
The "core" of the Nuggets going forward will be Nene, Gallo, Ty, AAA
then maybe Moz….I’m starting to like Rudy more and more off the bench. Like Corey Brewer. love K2….Faried will eventually get minutes…
This team is rounding in to shape. It started with the Nene and AAA contracts and will continue with the Gallo extension and then Ty next year.
Good things folks…good things.
Jeffrey Morton - January 14, 2012
And Chandler?
What do they do with him? The reports are they are talking contract with him. Do the Nuggets want to tie up cap space with him?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I'm of the opinion that Chandler is like Andre right now
both guys seem to have poor attitudes. The less poor attitudes the better so if they can deal him in the off season. Great.
I can’t get Chandlers disappearing act in the playoffs out of my head. More so was his blatant desire to be somewhere else. Why would that change now?
Jeffrey Morton - January 14, 2012
I'm kinda hoping
that they trade him for a backup PF that Karl will play instead of Harrington, and move Al to backup 3.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
then what would you do
between Rudy and Brewer? They both have shown the ability to be the backup 2 and be effective.
CloudBurst - January 14, 2012
I'd like Rudy to do some 3rd pg work with his passing ability (like J.R did last year)
Brewer can be a 2…lots of versatility there.
I think there’s a likely chance the Nuggets deal some of their depth at the deadline or in the offseason.
Jeffrey Morton - January 14, 2012
Agreed
I’d split the 96 minutes at Guard betweenn those 5 players.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
the logjam will sort of take care of itself
Miller is as good as gone, and my impression is that Rudy wants to go back to Spain after this year. So that creates a need to acquire a backup PG either through the draft, FA, or a trade of one of the remaining wings. It also should create some space for Jordan Hamilton should he be ready for NBA action in his second year.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
Pretty sure
that AC will be available.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
yeah, I’d prefer to roll with a rookie to AC. Just find another Norris Cole/Charles Jenkins/Reggie Jackson, whatever.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
or go with Julyan Stone if he really is all that (I have my doubts).
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
Don't discount Julyan Stone. Kid has looked pretty good in limited minutes.
I think he has backup duties here written all over him. His size is incredible at 6’7’’ and he looks to have pretty damn good court vision and the fact that he loves to distribute over shooting … perfect role for him here.
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
Imagine him anchoring a unit of athletic shooters:
Rudy at SG, Brewer at SF, Faried at PF and, um , I guess K2 anchoring the center spot.
So. That’s three athletic playmakers for Stone to pass to. K2 can collect rebounds and start the break.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Yep.
Stone played just a handful of minutes against the Nets, but he made a couple unreal passes – one I don’t think Nene was ready for. Denver might have a nice little steal on their hands.
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
Al can’t defend NBA 3s though, he’s basically a pure 4 at this point.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
He can't defend 4's
guys like Gasol and Okafor go on rebounding sprees against him.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Okafor is a center
and Al generally plays against backups, so not Gasol. Yeah, there are problems with small-ball, but putting Al at the 3 won’t solve them. You’ll just lose the extra floor spacing he gives you at the 4.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
to be clear
small ball is a problem in a lot of situations, but if Karl’s going to go away from small ball that probably just means no Al. Use Brewer as your backup 3 to play with the new power forward.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
Al did a good job on
Bogut and Duncan. In fact he was our best defender against bogut.
Frontrange - January 14, 2012
Hey about the backup PF
We got this energetic, defensive minded, shot blocking, high flying PF that resembles a Predator
Army of Nugs - January 14, 2012
I like others think signing Chandler is just to have more trade assets
But to answer your question, if he did come around, maybe it’s due to his experience overseas. Being stuck over there might have humbled him as to how lucky he is to have an opportunity to play in the NBA. What other teams currently have the money and need for him in the NBA? If he wants NYC as he said before, he has to realize by now that ship has sailed. I’m not holding my breath that his attitude changed, however.
Artimus Mangilord - January 14, 2012
I think Chandler will be a trade asset
Or if he is willing to come off the bench…then we really will have too much talent and a lot of angry players.
In Ujiri we trust is all I can say. The Chandler thing is really befuddling me.
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
I say sign and trade, throw in bird and koufos for a top level PF/Center.
newsman35 - January 14, 2012
do NOT get rid of K2
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Best backup C in the west.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
I would sign and trade, throw in Bird, and J. Hamilton though
All Day Jay - January 14, 2012
think they will do a sign and trade with him
swmrkev - January 14, 2012
ah damn
noob mistake on the reply
swmrkev - January 14, 2012
Hmmm, looks like Miami is already in "Finals" form.
Mancar - January 14, 2012
when ill will returns
how does everyone see him fitting into the rotation? who’s minutes does he take? will miller be gone by then?
swmrkev - January 14, 2012
Miller will be here till his contract runs up
No rush to trade him. He has to prove himself to get a starting job/ get a contract on another team, so he will come to play.
JR15 - January 14, 2012 via mobile
I'd say he knocks Brewer out of the rotation
and gets a few of Miller and Rudy’s minutes as well. But the Nuggets should probably consider packaging one of those guys with a prospect (Hamilton?) for an upgrade at center.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
Man that would suck.
I’d take Brewer over Chandler any day.
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
I’d take the Brewer of these first games over Chandler, the first 5 years of his career, not so much.
atomiccafe - January 14, 2012
didn't want to make a big deal out of the whole Miller comments from other night
but watching his demeanor coming off the court yesterday makes you wonder. plus, with Ty having such a huge game last night coming off a sprained foot in front of a ESPN audience, doesn’t bode well for Miller “proving” he should be getting more minutes or be starting for this team when Ty is healthy. This whole team is geared to running, finding the open man, and getting everyone involved. As much as I love Dre as a PG, is it worth having a brooding veteran like on this team? Eventually your attitude will be reflected in your play, regardless of how much of a pro you are, we’ve seen it way too many times here over the years. Rudy could play back PG, as we have seen over the past week how versatile he is, plus Brewer could fill the role as backup SG nicely as well and it could open up more time for Chandler if he comes back to back up SF. Just a thought.
jd80229 - January 14, 2012
I don't understand his attitude at all
He’s playing 29 minutes a night and is part of the unit that finishes close games. Why does it matter to him that Ty is with the starting unit? He needs to be like Ginobli was in SA when he was coming off the bench. He’s almost 36 years old, he doesn’t need to be playing a million minutes.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
i thought i understood initially, more of him feeling wanted and appreciated, but now not so much
He doesn’t seem “fully vested” in this team to think that he can set his own ego aside to help a team to a championship, and he’s never been in that situation yet in his career really. Perhaps he would feel different if he was in L.A., Dallas, Boston, or Miami where the team has won (or at least been there) recently, but we sure as hell wouldn’t want to send him to the Lakers or Mavs.
jd80229 - January 14, 2012
i think the problem is that he likes to be a driving playmaker with the ball in his hands the dish out for the open shot.
The playmaker role belongs to Law so its really out of his comfort zone being a second option at point. It also exposes his weakness, which is that he’s not that great a shot on the perimeter, which is what happens to him as a second option. I think he would be happier going without Law, but the problem is that he really gums up the offense with his slow tempo upcourt.
newsman35 - January 14, 2012
i liked to see him bulldoze shane batier list night
InboundingLobPass - January 14, 2012 via mobile
I'd just like to say that I'm really glad the Nugs are relatively injury-free
I wonder how much this risk has factored into GK’s rotations? Seems like with lots of talent on the bench there’s no reason to risk playing anybody too much before the players get into mid-season form.
river-z - January 14, 2012
He kept ty in the other night
in a loss after he hurt his foot. He’s been playing guys like Billups and Kmart too many minutes for years. I don’t think Karl thinks long term like that.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Ty's injury was like Ben's.
It only hurts a lot when you rest it and its probably better to play it a bit longer to keep it from stiffening,
newsman35 - January 14, 2012
Just because I want to post this....nothing to do with anything...just funny
http://youtu.be/1zOuxdRMJME
Jeffrey Morton - January 14, 2012
uh, ok.... that was random.
newsman35 - January 14, 2012
Yes....yes it was. Deal with it :)
Jeffrey Morton - January 14, 2012
One of these days they'll have a faster internet connection available up here
and I’ll be able to watch that video.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
It's just a Simpsons vid. I was laughing about it earlier and I decided to share.
Jeffrey Morton - January 14, 2012
been loading for 5 minutes
got about 30 seconds of it so far.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Holiday weekend
all of the Citiots are here using up the bandwidth.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
Not to self:
Do not go to Grand Lake for weekend getaways, lest getting mocked and derided by the locals.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
We depend on the tourists
It’s just frustrating every Friday evening driving 45 mph in the 65 zone because there is snow near the road.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
I used to live in a tourist town in Alaska
I know how it goes. I hated slamming on my breaks because the people in front of me think they might have seen a moose. Seriously? They are all over. Move along.
What do tourist do in Grand Lake in the winter time? Snowmachining? That’s the only reason I’ve been up that way.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Snowmobiling and Ice Fishing
Grand Lake is mostly a summer town, but we have really good snowmobiling and ice fishing. We call them “Moose Jams”. My wife has had people stop in the middle of the road and set up their tripod to take pictures – in the road. Usually we’re patient and try to get through them without running anyone over. That one resulted in my wife laying on her horn until the moose left.
My favorite story was the guy who got arrested for punching another visitor. The man was carrying his young son out to pet the Moose, and another man tried to stop him, so he punched him. The police charge him with assault and child endangerment.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 14, 2012
TOURONS!
river-z - January 14, 2012
Try living in Las Vegas.
I live within spitting distance of the strip!
All Day Jay - January 14, 2012
You can't live in Vegas
And complain about tourists.
That’s like living in Florida and complaining about hurricanes and sunshine.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
or old people...
Russscot - January 14, 2012
Never met a Simpsons episode
I didn’t like
Nuggburg - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Thinking about Andre Miller
This whiny not starting thing is annoying and soon forgotten. but….
We Need Dre This Year. J Stone is a keeper…but Dre is a battle strong warrior.
This Team, This year has a chance to cause real damage in the Playoffs. And Dre will be an important player for us, and he’s gonna realize that he’s part of something special right here. All the good teams have major flaws. The Nuggets (with Dre off the bench) have as good a chance this year as Anybody. Seriously.
.
Nuggburg - January 14, 2012 via mobile
Totally agree.
Nice post. Just have to hope that Miller doesn’t make more of a stink than he already has.
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
Yes Dre needs to wake up
And smell the Cliches. Put the ego aside, and fight and bleed for every win. Accept his role. Be a coach on the floor. Help Ty and thd young guys get better. This is Dre’s big chance to go all the way if he wakes up.
Nuggburg - January 14, 2012
Good recap
Wish I wasn’t so chapped by that Monday night loss to the Hornets. Just troubles me to see Denver get up and get motivated for the Heat, but sleepwalk through a loss to the Hornets and a win against New Jersey.
In previous years I’ve made the case that even good teams have bad games sometimes against terrible teams and not to worry about it. So why is this nagging me so much?
I guess what I am looking for is a referral to a good psychologist. If the Nuggets don’t beat Utah handily tomorrow, I’m going to have to join RMC and do nothing but talk shit about the Nuggets and their coach.
Cos if they can’t beat the teams they are supposed to beat, but demonstrate their potential with great games like last night’s, I’m just going to assume they are purposely fucking with my head.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Reminds me of the AI/Melo Nugs
Artimus Mangilord - January 14, 2012
Perhaps that's why
I have this sinking feeling.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
I hated that loss to the Hornets too, but I've come to accept that bad losses are just part of the NBA
The Bulls have lost to Golden State
The Spurs have lost to Minnesota
The Lakers and Heat have had some bad ones too
I will agree that the loss to the Hornets was especially bad, though since it came at home.
My prescription: save your anger and frustration for losses during the playoffs. those are so much more painful.
river-z - January 14, 2012
You are absolutely right
I just expect a certain fire. It can’t be there all the time. I definitely have off days myself, where I’m no good for no particular reason. They are humans, not robots. Still. Just saying that all the good feelings from last night’s win will be erased if Denver plays boring, uninspired ball against Utah tomorrow.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
yup. i want to see Utah dismantled.
river-z - January 14, 2012
No stop i dont want to relive game 5 again
5baker5 - January 14, 2012
This is GOLD
agentargo - January 14, 2012
Haha this shall be rec'd!
love4nuggets - January 14, 2012
the snake that he is...
what is he teething or something?
jd80229 - January 14, 2012
I remember seeing this during the game last night and LOL'd
it’s even weirder later on.
river-z - January 14, 2012
This should go along side the Terry gif
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
Soooo happy that the Nuggets won
I predicted the win…and wasn’t to far off the score either.
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
Me too!
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
Uh, weren't you the one saying like everyday we would lose??
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
Yes
But I’m also happy that the Nuggets won. Hence the “me too!”
Let’s go bowling.
Fly Agaric - January 14, 2012
I would love to! But alas I am in San Diego...
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
F#$* it, Dude...
Russscot - January 14, 2012
OHHHH Now I get it...
SDcat09 - January 14, 2012
If only GK played this rotation everygame.. it was sharp
5baker5 - January 14, 2012
Nice recap Andrew
And I hope Ty keeps making a believer out of you. Ty and Gallo are the Men, but this team is so deep and unselfish that if one of them is off (Gallo last night) there are literally a half-dozen guys who can step up.
If GK can keep them all happy in terms of minutes (Dre?) this group can go far. Maybe winning will help AAA forget that he only played 21 minutes yesterday. He’ll have to make due with millions instead of minutes this year. Seriously, only Ty and Gallo will probably average over 30 min this season,.
Beware the Can, NBA opponents! WIns in Denver will be scarce.
slader - January 14, 2012
i just want to clarify, so you WERE at the game right feinstein?
it wasn’t clear in your article.
Patrick KB. Nugget - January 14, 2012
Yeah he was
he posted a couple pics on twitter and he seemed REALLY close to the court
Army of Nugs - January 14, 2012
You’re not picking up his sarcasm? ‘Cause he’s laying it on pretty thick! haha
Nate Timmons - January 14, 2012
I was there
Great atmosphere.
the real stranger - January 14, 2012
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