After seeing a road-weary Nuggets squad best the Knicks in Madison Square Garden last night, and in doing so handing the Knicks their sixth-straight loss, the Carmelo Anthony trade of a year ago is looking nothing short of lopsided ... in favor of the Nuggets.
It seems like a distant memory now, but not long before the New York Knicks dealt Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov, Raymond Felton and Wilson Chandler to the Nuggets in exchange for Carmelo Anthony last February the Knicks weren't just a decent team, they were an exciting, up-and-coming team. Their 2010 free agent signee Amar'e Stoudemire was having an MVP-type season, Gallinari was showing flashes of why he was a lottery pick, Mozgov was improving with each passing game, and Felton and Chandler were flourishing in Knicks' head coach Mike D'Antoni's wide open, shoot-em-up system.
In fact, prior to acquiring Melo the Knicks had had a five-game and an eight-game winning streak, and had beaten the Bulls twice as well as the Thunder, Spurs and Heat. But as the Melo-to-the-Knicks rumors intensified in January of 2011, the Knicks lost six straight and fell apart from there, creating a sense of desperation among Knicks fans and ownership to make a major move. The Nuggets seized on this desperation and pulled off the deal, bringing four-fifths of the Knicks starting lineup to Denver.
We know all too well what happened from there. The Nuggets barnstormed through the remainder of the 2010-11 season, won 50 games, finished as a fifth-seed and lost in the playoffs first round to the Thunder. The Knicks, conversely, struggled mightily, first losing a lot of games with Melo - then winning a lot of games - and squeaked into the playoffs as a 42-40 sixth-seed only to be swept quickly by the Celtics in the first round.
Knicks fans and followers made excuses for Melo and the new-look Knicks at the time, saying they needed more time to gel (even though the Nuggets new complement of players gelled seemingly overnight) with an eye towards a vast improvement this season. Well, 16 games into the 2011-12 campaign it's more of the same for the Knicks ... and the Nuggets. And 40-plus games after "trade" the Nuggets stand at an impressive 30-12 while the Knicks are floundering at 20-24.
I don't want to bag on Melo (I did plenty of that last season leading up to the trade) for he will always deserve credit for returning the Nuggets to NBA relevancy upon arrival in 2003. But it's clear - and we saw this again last night as his Knicks lost to our Nuggets in double overtime - that Melo is nothing more than a one-dimensional scorer. Lethal at any point in a game to be sure, which made him oh-so-dangerous in Denver with good coaching and a solid supporting cast.
But Melo has neither in New York right now and it's become obvious that the Knicks were better off never trading for him in the first place. For all the joy we're experiencing in Denver watching these young Nuggets win tough game after tough game could just as easily be happening in New York instead.
On to the links...
Nuggets defeat Melo, Knicks in double-overtime thriller - The Denver Post
Benjamin Hochman recaps the Nuggets big win and gives a nice plug to Stiffs Night Out at Jake's!
For Knicks, Celebrated Trade, Celebrated No More - NYTimes.com
As the Knicks prepare to play the visiting Denver Nuggets, the blockbuster trade for Carmelo Anthony that redefined both teams is under renewed scrutiny.
Gallinari’s Career-High 37 Points Help Nuggets Top Knicks in Double Overtime - NYTimes.com
Carmelo Anthony had 25 points and 10 rebounds for the Knicks, but Danilo Gallinari, the player the Knicks gave up for Anthony, was a little better, with 37 points and 11 rebounds.
A Big Blue win over 49ers in NFC Championship will keep focus off Carmelo Anthony, NY Knicks' Giant woes - NY Daily News
Well, because I’m a glass-half-full, cock-eyed optimist, the good news for the Knicks is that their extreme makeover of Madison Square Garden, which the fans sure helped pay for with a rather epic ticket increase, seems to be a great success. Writes Mike Lupica.
Carmelo Anthony talks Friday about (another) Knicks loss, playing Nuggets | Nuggets Ink — Denver Nuggets news — The Denver Post
Carmelo Anthony talks Friday about (another) Knicks loss, playing Nuggets with Hochman.
0 recs | 306 comments
First!
I was reading a New York Journalist try make up excuses as to why the Knicks were playing so bad. One of his points was that they didn’t have a Training Camp and had no time to gel together. This made me laugh. No one had a training camp, but you don’t see anyone else (except for the already bad teams) havin the issues that the Knicks are having. Plus, they had 20 or so games and playoffs to gel last season.
NY are just not a good fit together. You ant put two guys that need the ball to score on the same team, especially without a true PG who can get them the ball. Just ain’t gonna work. It results in what we saw yesterday in Melo taking 30 shots and Stat taking 9. Also Melo doesn’t fit into D’Antoni system that requires lots of ball movement, he just slows things down and holds it up. The Tyson Chandler signing was also a very questionable one, how is a great defensive player like that going to thrive in that sort of system? He did great in Dallas because the system fit him. Knicks would be better with Billups right now. Knicks an indeed the rest of the league need to learn that putting the big name guys on the same team doesn’t guarantee wins or playoffs. It worked in Boston because the big three complimented eachother great and had a great system put in place by Doc Rivers. Front offices need to learn that they can’t just slap together the biggest names they can find, rather find players that will work in the system. That’s why Masai Ujiri is a magnificent Bastard. He understands that.
Anyway rant over. Go Nuggets!
stan_26 - January 22, 2012 via iPhone app
Same with Miami, the "Big 3" there somewhat compliment each other
Without a nashesk point guard NY will keep getting it handed to them. Amare fits the D’Antoni system. Melo would fit better in a true half court team IE the Sloan version of the Jazz.
The U.N. Fab Five - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Nashesk!?!?!?
Try Nashesque. It comes from the French. You’d best stay away from neologisms where you don’t understand the etymyology.
Thursty - January 22, 2012
Thursty with the Thursty!
The ultimate Thursty’d
stan_26 - January 22, 2012 via iPhone app
Thurstying Thursty himself is on my bucket list
someday he will slip up…
Rainbow skyline - January 22, 2012
actually....
Rainbow skyline - January 22, 2012
Yeah, I've slipped up before
Thursty - January 22, 2012
A self-Thursty
will surely be the sign of the apocalypse
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
look below
the mayans called 2012.
Rainbow skyline - January 22, 2012
Gotta keep my hand in
Thursty - January 22, 2012
Brutal
Where would we be without Thursty putting us in our place?
Dude. It’s just a silly sports blog. Calm down.
Fly Agaric - January 22, 2012
I couldn't be calmer
Nashesque is silly no matter how you spell it.
Thursty - January 22, 2012
I didn't disagree with that part; it is silly
My issue was the condescending tone in which you used; insisting Fab Five stay away from having fun with the language because he didn’t understand the French suffix was mean-spirited and elitist.
:)
Fly Agaric - January 22, 2012
Tone doesn't convey well in written word.
I had no condescending thought when I wrote it, I was laughing about it. Maybe it’s just the way I talk. I hate emoticons but have been known to use them on occasion.
Thursty - January 23, 2012
I hate them to
But I’ve decided they are essential in a strictly written medium. I don’t know if you are a fan of linguistics at all, but prosody and body language are very important aspects in proper communication and are almost entirely absent in the written word, save what we can stress with capital letters, bold, italics, etc.
Know that I always appreciate your passion and knowledge on the subject matter. But it tears me up the way people break balls over typos and mixed up homophones since this is a conversational sports blog. You might not post much, and “Thursty’ing” might be a fun little in-joke here, but I think it is distracting at best and mean-spirited at most.
I’m of the opinion that since we aren’t writing term papers or articles for publication, even people without the best typing skills or especially knowledgeable about grammar and spelling ought to be allowed to share their opinions on basketball and the Nuggets without drawing fire.
Go team.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
Did you ever see the Reader's Digest?
There was a feature in there called “It Pays to Increase Your Word Power”. There was always a blurb about how better vocabulary would make a better impression, blah, blah blah.
In the Mad magazine parody the column was “It Pays to Decrease Your Word Power”. Their blurb was about how the bullies will beat you up if you sound too sophisticated blah, blah blah.
I do anything I can to help. I don’t look at it as drawing fire. That is unless you’re from some other team’s blog and you come in here writing smack I might really come down on one of those guys. Somebody from SS&R came in here blowing hard about the Lakers and running us down about a year ago. I really gave it to him, now that was dishing out mean spirited for mean spirited.
Thursty - January 23, 2012
Your comment yesterday about ice cold "fluids" had me rolling.
I will just say my wife gets on me if my hands are cold.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
I thought that was KFH....?
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Your probably right
Still a funny comment. Imagine his wife’s surprise…
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Yeah, it was me
Just being melodramatic.
Ah, neologisms and etymology. Only Thursty can deliver us from bad usage with such elan. I myself wanted to go after the old mistake of using “compliment” when “complement” is the correct word, but now I’m afraid of running afoul of Fly Agaric. Not sure “it’s just a sports blog” works to justify spelling and usage errors when we’re writing in public.
Oh well.
LongWindedHank - January 22, 2012
I don't mind most of the errors
As we are typing quickly and can’t edit. But if you use loose for lose, lookout.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Y'all people
reely starting to loose you’re minds oveur this here gramaer stuff.
:D
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
That is IT young lady.
Time to call Jeremy and complete negotiations.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Young lady...bahahahaha
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Also, I hate using the singular when talking about some teams
Like the Heat is playing the nuggets tonight. My journalist brother tells me there is no consensus on the issue.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Can't wait for Wednesday's game!
When the Nuggets is at Sacramento who is playing with gusto.
CombatChuk - January 22, 2012
The usual usage
… is that the British always refer to a team (and even bands) in the plural while Americans tend toward the singular but as you point out there doesn’t seem to be a consistency. What I would really like to see is some agreement in the same sentence. For example it sounds correct to most English speakers to say “The Celtics are playing the Nuggets” or “The Heat is playing the Thunder”. Those sound right because the names have agreement with the singular/plural usage. When it is mixed as in “The Heat is playing the Nuggets” then the agreement should probably be with the antecedent, just as you stated. However, if you do like the British do and always use the plural then you wind up getting used to it. On Wednesday we can say the Nuggets are playing the Kings but it does sound awkward to say that the “Nuggets is at Sacramento” even if it is in general use to refer to a team in the singular.
Long story short is that you can’t win with everyone no matter which way you go.
Thursty - January 22, 2012
MELOdramatic?
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
See, I wouldn't go after that
The compliment/complement thing is too close to a simple typo and contrary to popular belief; I don’t really go after the simple typos.
Thursty - January 22, 2012
Ah, but it's not at all a simple typo
It’s an outright mistake.
LongWindedHank - January 23, 2012
Not really a typo
But it is an easy mistake to make. A lot of people are mindful of there/their/they’re and two/too/to and even then still make the error typing in haste on a sports blog. Complement/compliment is nowhere near as common.
And the fact that Thursty himself says that he doesn’t go after simple typos, etc. just reinforces what I’ve been saying the last month or so.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
Hahaha it worked
I got Thursty to come out from the rock he’s been hiding under. I rarely type words incorrectly, unless it is caused by the auto correct on my phone. That one was completely intentional. Nice to get Thursty’d for old times sake. You used to get me a lot when I was known as JR2
The U.N. Fab Five - January 22, 2012 via mobile
HA, Thursty was at Stiffs Night Out!!!!
Nate Timmons - January 23, 2012
Can't believe I missed him
gonna need name tags at the next Stiffs night out!
CombatChuk - January 23, 2012
^This!
Russscot - January 23, 2012
Yeah but what if you misspell your name
You’ll be Thursty’d in person. That’s gonna suck.
SDcat09 - January 23, 2012
Yeah, I got out from under my rock to go to Stiffs Night out.
You probably saw me there and didn’t know it was me. I was the big, tall grey haired guy sitting up front of the big TV, slouching down so others could see. Looks awful in the pictures.
Thursty - January 23, 2012
I was stuck at the opposite end by the bar in the left corner.
Nice thing was that we had a 60" right in front of us.
The U.N. Fab Five - January 23, 2012 via mobile
I showed up late
I was stuck for the first half in presumably the same corner of the bar until a couple stools opened up. Dressed like a lumberjack.
Artimus Mangilord - January 24, 2012
etymology
Rainbow skyline - January 22, 2012
So wait did you just put a check mark on your bucket list?
The U.N. Fab Five - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Rainbow'd
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
damn, can't believe you pulled that off!
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
yep and the Knicks have another huge problem apart from chemistry
They signed Amare to a 5 yr 100 m$ contract and Amare 1) is not effective without a point guard and 2)Amare might be physically slowing down. The 1st can be remedied, the 2nd really cant be.
But Stan I did read NY columnists on these Knicks vs Nugs and frankly they are calling it pretty square. Mainly, the Nuggets are real good, Knicks stink, the trade stinks even more.
And you’re right, in the NBA you cant just slap talent together with no consideration of fit. Miami kind of did but thats because James is so great that he could win with average players. Add Wade & Bosch and you have a contender for years to come.
To restate, baseball is like arithmetic but basketball is chemistry and art combined.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
Great post!
We got the better end of that deal! Masai for GM of the Year!
SD_Nugget_Fan - January 22, 2012
What a difference 11 months makes.
Reading this post caused me to search the archives and find the Denver Stiffs thread reacting to the Melo trade. (Here it is, if you’re also curious: http://www.denverstiffs.com/2011/2/21/2007087/open-thread-melo-trade-approaches)
People were so despondent. Almost everyone was convinced that we were going to flip all of our good pieces to contending teams and start a massive rebuild. To be honest, I felt much the same way.
Now look at where we are. So far, the trade has worked out better than I could have dreamed, and I’m having more fun watching the Nuggets than I ever have before.
I don’t know how the hell Josh and Masai turned the terrible hand they were dealt last season into a jackpot, but I’m certainly glad they did.
Shoemaker - January 22, 2012
LMAO at tylawsomes comment on gallo... proved him wrong eh
5baker5 - January 22, 2012
sure did
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
I for One was Very excited about the trade!
ACEIII - January 22, 2012
Yes but 1 of your comments was "How do we get rid of Al "Big Bust" Harrington?"
That one came back eh?
5baker5 - January 22, 2012
dont feel bad Ace
I wanted Al knocked off in the worse way. Now I scream “Buckets!” roughly 7 times a game. Ah, well.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
I have admitted to being wrong about Al, but he was god-awful last season..
ACEIII - January 23, 2012
holy shit was I negative that night lol...
Still feel bad that Chauncey was traded…
CombatChuk - January 22, 2012
Haha everyone was
5baker5 - January 22, 2012
I will not be bashful in pointing out how happy I was(kidding, I will)
OK it was also the day of my birthday and the drama being over was a huge relief, but even though I hated the deal with NY until it happened there was a feeling I had that was telling me something very good just happened. But again that may just be because I turned 21 that day and finally it was over, but I’ll boast anyway at my awesome rationality in that thread.
Phil H. - January 22, 2012
rec'd your post, thanks for pointing us down memory lane
I had two posts in that thread. One despondent one about Chauncey, the other telling a stupid shitty Laker fan to fuck himself sideways.
Nothing surprising, in other words.
Man, what a long ordeal that all was. I do find my bitterness about Melo ebbing pretty significantly. This team we have now is full of surprises, more pleasant than not, and Melo is starting to seem almost tragic.
ParkHillNative - January 22, 2012
Even beore reading the post, I'll tell you what I knew and
came over to Stiiffs to relay as soon as I discovered y’all.
I basically stated that you have no idea what you were about to receive, especially Gallo and Will, a good PG in Felton and a raw but athletic & intriguing big Russian.
Here in NY, when I’d heard talk about Knicks just giving up “role” players (in contemptuous tones) I’ was just aghast.
You now know why.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
to Shoemaker's above post
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
Yeah
I almost feel a little guilty at this point. The Denver Nuggets front office got away with highway robbery here.
Ditto the trade of Felton for Miller.
Fly Agaric - January 22, 2012
And the pick for Rudy and brewer
REAPtheThird - January 24, 2012 via mobile
Fine piece Andrew
Knick fans are always optimistic but some of the rapture that some Knick fans were feeling after trade was based on the distorted notion that Melo is a top 5 talent.
That was a view that was constantly blared by mainstream sports media especially ESPN. Yet there were many instances when same media would feature some sports geek who would present stats showing that Melo isnt that good. No one seemed to care about that.
I’ll come up with an example, and no I’m not going to cite source (you go and google it if you have time).
SportsNation had some stat guru on well after trade, who essentially showed how the Knicks are better when Melo is on the bench. Simple minded Colin and luscious Michelle could barely compose themselves enough to participate. Finally, a flummoxed Michelle said, “So wait, the Knicks are better without Carmelo.” “Yes”
Next show, both hosts were discussing which NBA player they’d start franchise with, blah, blah, you know, LebRon, blah blah. And then both agreed that Melo would be pretty much at the top. Fine, stick with your long held opinion but not even a mention of a long segment on the previous show.
Then there was a pretty smart NY sportscaster (Tom McDonald) who weighed in well after it seemed the Nugs were thriving, Knicks were not.
In response to a listeners suggestion that trade should not have been made, Tom said, “Nope, I dont agree. WE gave up role players and got a superstar and no matter what happens I will never ever change my mind on this issue.”
Never ever, huh? No matter what, huh?
That was the mindset here and in much of the media.
I could go on and on in the same vein. But I dont have 3 days.
Like a broken record, I will repeat these stats so no one could ever say they never knew.
Gallo 1.5 points per shot. Melo 1.25 points per shot. Most stars are at about 1.4 points per shot. Thats lifetime, Gallo is even better this year.
Notice I choose an offensive stat which is what Melo is supposed to excel in?
That was the Knick problem yesterday. Melo was so inefficient, Gallo was wildly efficient. It matters.
And, finally Melo presumed wonderful shooting% is just about the league average. I know Carmelo fans are shocked to consider this but I think Carmelo is an all arond average player who shoots around 10 more shots per game than the average player.
NOw this is really, final. For those who go on and on about how stats dont tell the whole story, please save your wind. When Melo fans talk about how great Melo is they always bring up stats. You know, 25 pts a game, 3rd in scoring, 1st in 4th quarter points etc.
Yes, yes I know, buit those are crude stats with no context. Go to more sophisticated stats and Melo doesnt look so good.
Now, its time for my nap.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
nothing like hyping up players by saying how you would start a franchis with _____
OFF NOTE: in reality, using logic. you need a good frontcourt. look at utah flourishing essentually just because of their fantastic front duo of milsap, and jefferson. If you really want to start your franchise with any player at all you go for the best center, so Dwight howard, or shaq, in his prime etc. SO really, it’s howard and no debating it from there
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
agree
a great center will undo lots of other problems. I remember when we played Magic in Orlando last year, barely lost, Jameer with last second 3, but, anyway, Nuggets had to be conscious of Dwight every second that he played because he exerts so powerful an effect. Every shot we took was with one eye on, “Where’s Dwight?”
But the dominating big man is almost extinct.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
remember who hit 2 free throw to tie the game with 4 seconds remaining?
because I do
LaimbeersGuardianAngel - January 23, 2012
We got the Moz now
Who didn’t play in that game, but will be a factor against an offensively inept Howard.
JR15 - January 23, 2012
20 and 15 isnt inept on either end of the floor
swmrkev - January 23, 2012
Most are on put back dunks, alley-oops, and FTs
Or sky hook shots that can be detered by a big center. He really doesn’t have much of a post presence if you can make him miss his skyhook. That isn’t too hard btw, even the Birdman who is an overrated defender held Dwight to 7 points when Superman came to Denver.
If you eliminate the alley-oops and putback dunks Dwight is offensively inept.
JR15 - January 23, 2012
good post
Obviously there’s a lot to what you’re saying.
Unbelievably, I am going to defend Melo a teeny bit, by pointing out that although I don’t miss him at all, I do think he has great talent, and his problems come from a bad mindset. Every once in a while we’d see him decide to put some energy into defense, and he’d look great for a minute or two.
Also, I’ll never forget this:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ivb7OtW8rpg
Why didn’t/doesn’t he do more stuff like that? If he played hard (and smart) on defense, and did more stuff like that, he’d be a top 5 player in the league for sure.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
Ditto, Andrew agree with your excellent analysis
Thought I’d add this Nugget while contemplating when Mike D’Antoni will be fired:
"Maybe I need to not take so many shots. I don’t know. That’s just a bunch of stuff that goes through my mind. Just coming down, taking less shots, just figuring out ways, how to make other guys better. Should I pass it more?"
Well perhaps Melo should just think back to the days when he had a coach who would actually stand up to him and say, “Don’t play sticky offense.” I know there are a lot of GK critics and sometimes I am one of them, especially in terms of developing the full potential of the bench, but he’s always been a 7-8 rotation coach and that’s what we have. However, GK has the balls to stand up to anyone and ask them to play defense. See Ray Allen, Sean Kemp and other offensive stars. I’ve written before here and will do so again that when it’s all over, Melo will look fondly back at his Denver days.
The other thing that stands out to me in his interview is that Melo doesn’t mention defense; as if it isn’t even in his consciousness.
Gallo showed us a glimpse of his potential in NY. He’s only, what, 22? So he will have to learn to bring it every night if he wants to be a star in this league. Yet he did show that he can play defense; he was guarding the best offensive player, Melo, and didn’t do a bad job. Note that Melo is so egocentric that he didn’t even mention the defense that Gallo was playing on him. Here you have to give GK some credit as well. He’s motivating Gallo to step it up on defense, something he always had but was never really challenged to play.
Plea for Intelligence - January 23, 2012
I think Gallo's 23
But anyway, good post — I should’ve noticed that Melo said nothing about defense in his postgame comments.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
Given your SN
I take it you have been watching the Republican debates.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
I loved when in the early debates
John Hunstman made a comment regarding the GOP to the tune of, ‘people, we cannot be known as the anti-science party.’
Too bad no one listened to him.
Artimus Mangilord - January 23, 2012
Artimus! Was good to see you at SNO and Erick too!
Nate Timmons - January 23, 2012
Yeah, definitely!
Too bad we showed up late and stuck ourselves at the other side of the bar. It was just too good a game to spend mingling ; ) I can’t wait for the next SNO, it was good to see a few familiar faces and see the Nuggets gut out the win.
Artimus Mangilord - January 24, 2012
But
People die in America because people die in America.
You can’t explain that!
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
Hahaha
love4nuggets - January 23, 2012
Corporations are people, my friend.
Artimus Mangilord - January 23, 2012
I like to fire people!
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
I especially liked it when they boo'd the golden rule
Isn’t do unto others as you would have them do unto you in a book they seem to have in high regard?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
Mmmmm Andrew quotes from before the Melo trade.
Funny what retrospect can do to you.
CloudBurst - January 22, 2012
too precious CloudBurst
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
I cant resist
Look as to Andrew’s assertions, they were so frequently repeated that even inquiring minds picked up on them.
But really, there are hundreds of false assertions that derive from just the premise that Carmelo is an all world talent. So I;m sure lots of people said stuff that now appear to be ludicrous.
But the part that really galls me most is that Gallo supposedly cant play defense. I cant help but believe, and not be able to prove, that its because Gallo is European, ie white.
Listen to broadcasters and notice how conveniently announcers constantly peg whites as not athletic, cant play dee and black players are rarely credited with succeeding because they are smart. Reality is more complex.
They are biases in which the only winners are caricaturists.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
damn straight
although jimmer doesn’t really do to much to disprove the stereotype
LaimbeersGuardianAngel - January 23, 2012
That IS a 30-cents-on-the-dollar deal (at least at the time)
But by getting Moz and Chandler plus Koufos thrown in, we did a lot better.
Andrew Feinstein - January 22, 2012
Andrew, cant believe you're still resisting. Just say it
“I was wrong” Its easy. I got that phrase down pat
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
This
Completely different than the actual trade.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Great Post Andrew
Very “Andrewesk” if I do say so myself…
Russell Ray - January 22, 2012
watch this your about to get Thursty'd:
it would be “Andrewesque”
LaimbeersGuardianAngel - January 23, 2012
He knows EXACTLY what he is doing
I’m a fan.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
He was taking a swing at me.
The U.N. Fab Five - January 23, 2012
Nah
Supporting if anything… I hated English. Still do. Too many rules. As long as someone gets their point across I think that is good English. Go Nugs!
Russell Ray - January 23, 2012
Yes!
That’s all I’m saying.
Mind, I like English and all that stuff. I just think the invoking of Thursty’s name at every typo or word mix-up is somewhat overwrought. Even Thursty himself says that he doesn’t bother with obvious typos.
Go Nuggets! I hear they are rather good.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
I was at last night's game
and HOLY cow was it intense. I’ve never felt more uneasy in my entire life. It was kinda disappointing to hear the crowd boo Gallo every time he went to the foul line, but I kinda get it since he pretty much won the game last night. The only time in the entire game that I felt at ease was when Big Al nailed that last three in double OT, I pumped my fist to myself in victory, but not big enough to get my @$$ beat by the NY fans. They are quite the rowdy bunch.
DeezNuggs - January 22, 2012
Hey Deez
Dont be surprised about crowd reaction to gallo. Gallo only played 2 years in NY (he was out half of rookie year due to back problems), was a very controversial draft pick, and opinions on how good he was and of potential was very split.
Many NYers are simply in love with Carmelo and saw and see Gallo as a joke compared to Melo.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
what section were you sitting in?
I was in platinum 107 seats sitting behind a pimp named rondell and his 3 hoes from denver…. anyway I loudly cheered for Denver the whole game and did not once feel as if I was in danger
LaimbeersGuardianAngel - January 23, 2012
Looks like the Heat lost to the Bucks in MIA
Makes that NOH loss feel less bad. I would prefer to have the Utah and NOH as wins, but it is good to get the bad wins out of the way early so we don’t repeat it in the future.
JR15 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Yeah, those losses to New Orleans and the Jazz still irritate me, but..
The Nuggs clearly bring it in big games, at home and on the road. Nice to see Sheridan put Denver at #4 in today’s power rankings. I would call this season a great success if we make the WCF against OKC, and be in the Final Four with OKC, Miami and Chicago. I suspect we will battle Portland and Memphis for that other WCF slot.
ACEIII - January 22, 2012
It Will be Interesting to See What Masai Does with Chandler
Is he able to accept the Qualifying Offer this far into the season? Or, will he be a RFA next season too? He kind of plays the same position as Gallo, but can play some 2 and 4, and would be amazing to have off the bench. With Brewer’s emergence, I suspect Masai is working on a sign and trade with Chandler’s agent, and will try to get a good draft pick for him. Just a guess, though.
ACEIII - January 22, 2012
Not sure if he would be an ufa or not.
I am hoping he will be part of a trade package. Maybe to facilitate a Howard trade.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
he'll certainly play it close to the vest
We may need Will if someone gets hurt (hopefully that doesn’t happen). Given the quality of the upcoming draft could he get us a high lottery pick on his own? I don’t think theres a huge market for him. Perhaps but doubtful.
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I am hoping for a package
For a backup c or pf. Maybe the injured c in NJ in a Howard trade. Orlando wants veterans.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
so we get Brooke Lopez
NJ Gets Howard
ORL GETS ILL WILL, K2, Birdman, Carroll, 2nd rounders?
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
And Kmart and jr
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
LOL
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
deal
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
I think he can take the QO.
atomiccafe - January 22, 2012
Yeah ACE
the Chandler question is very interesting to see how Masai handles it.
My hope is that he at least stays with us for this season because I respect his all around talent and beastly physical ability.
But much might depend on how Brewer, Rudy and Al play because if Brew plays well, really, Chandler becomes expendable.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
OT in SF
AoN must be going bonkers
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Has he left on his trip?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
I don't know.
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Manning will feel that one tomorrow
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Oh no. FUMBLE :(
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
the fumble by the 'niners?
:)
Russscot - January 22, 2012
And Williams second to on a punt
Ends the game.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Why don't they just kick the FG?
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
to increase the pressure on their kicker?
Russscot - January 22, 2012
Fumble please fumble
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Don't know
Asking for trouble. Come on fumble
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
That's what I was hoping for
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Block it! Block it!
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Bahhahhaa Delay of Game LOL
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Delay of game...really?
Russscot - January 22, 2012
They deserve to lose just for that alone
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
pretty amazing
Russscot - January 22, 2012
Bunch of po'd teenage girls
Waiting on Idol.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
Ugh. I hate both the Giants and the Patriots
Go Pats I guess
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Agree
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
game over man
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Game over
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 22, 2012
x
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Love
the aliens reference….“game over, man, it’s game over!”
Berserker13 - January 23, 2012
good game, 'niners
Russscot - January 22, 2012
Yup heartbreaking loss
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
OT: Both Giants and Pats got lucky
Feel bad for Billy Cundiff and Kyle Williams right now.
It could just as easily been a Harbaugh matchup in the Super Bowl if a probowl kicker hit a FG he normally hits and a punt returner just moves one more centimeter away from the ball on the ground.
JR15 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Get Kyle Williams a security escort out of there
49er fans are going NUTS on their blog. I feel for them.. they seem like how people react when they find out their pet hamster died.
CloudBurst - January 22, 2012
Yup
Sometimes when I watch NFL, I can’t help but think the fix is in. Sometimes it seems about as real as professional wrestling.
Meh.
Fly Agaric - January 22, 2012
I would like to call attention to the fact that higher up in the thread, I have reverse thursty'd thursty himself.
This has long been a dream of mine, and I feel it is a momentous event in denver stiffs history. Now, I am ready to be showered with roses and exaltations!
Rainbow skyline - January 22, 2012
I put this on the same level as the Bucks beating the Heat tonight.
Well done, good sir!
Russscot - January 22, 2012
Oh really?
Fly Agaric - January 22, 2012
And there was much rejoicing.
yea
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
What you've done here today.
It will be remembered.
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
ZOMG I want to poke Terry Bradshaw in the nose.
So annoying.
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
don't you want to rub his head?
for luck and all?
Russscot - January 22, 2012
God no.
It’s only newly shaved heads with about 1/8 inch hair growth that matters to me.
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
1/8? on a bald head?
So like a giant Peach?
CombatChuk - January 22, 2012
Exactly!
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Hey it's San Diego! Everyone wave at me! I'm waving back
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Which Nugget would you say
has the most rub-able head?
Fly Agaric - January 22, 2012
Big Al
No Doubt
CombatChuk - January 22, 2012
NOOOO not enough hair
I might as well rub a turtle
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Cat
whats wrong with rubbing turtles?
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
Well nothing per se
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Righto
I rub my turtle when everyone is out of the room all the time. “Here Tom, come her big boy, ohhhh, dont be shy..” Gotta go!
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
she likes 'Dre's new doo, iirc
Russscot - January 22, 2012
I doo
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
I gotta say about Nene
I’m a pretty secure man, you know, around my equator, but Nene looks real, ah, whats the word? stylish, in the new NBA TV promos for The Association. I mean, I know a lot of you like Gallo and all but Nene looks kind of elegant.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
Dude. Seriously.
Like model worthy
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
right? right?
I’m so glad someone else saw that, cause I was wondering why there wasnt a stir about it in Stiffsville.
Now I really cant wait to watch that program.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
I remember it vividly. In fact I think I commented on that outfit during the game.
He was wearing it while he was sitting behind the bench.
I was like WHOAAAAAA…….He really is a beautiful man.
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Also,
a stir in Stiffsville…../snort
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
cat, I'm not sure if
I have no idea what you meant or if I understood it completely
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
It's okay.
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Oh I can't say. Because I've not
seen all of the them with shaved heads
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
I hate the whole Fox crew!
I always watch the CBS gang. Far less annoying. I used to prefer ESPN back in the day when Steve Young and Sterling Sharpe were in studio with Boomer and TJ. That show is unwatchable now that they stretched it to three hours. It’s filled with boring interviews and fluff pieces.
KenInCO - January 22, 2012
I'm really glad NBC has the Super Bowl to be honest.
I watch the CBS crew too. Shannon Sharpe cracks me up.
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
I dunno. Jim Nantz irritates me. bit to melodramatic sometimes.
and I can’t get help but think he’d rather be calling a golf tournament than the nfl.
river-z - January 22, 2012
Did you know he's manic depressive?
He’s on antidepresants. That’s why he acts like that. I’m not kidding.
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
Terry Bradshaw that is.
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
So?
We need to get rid of the stigma with mental illness. Heck, we need to recognize that it isn’t even “illness” so much as different people have a whole range of different brain chemistries.
Anyway.
Fly Agaric - January 22, 2012
Mavs win the most bald heads on the team award!
5baker5 - January 22, 2012
also win oldest team in the league award
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
Come on Pacers
beat the Lake show.
CloudBurst - January 22, 2012
ooooh baby, close game
BTW, I’m still afraid of the Thunder especially because of Harden, a terrific, cool, young player. But I have little fear of the Lakers
Has anyone mentioned that P Jackson has interest in coaching the Knicks?
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
Pacers have great chance to win!
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
Kobe's all WTF and literally scratching his head...That made me chuckle
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
Serious question:
do you think the Lakers look to make a change at coach? I know Brown hasn’t been there that long, but LA is not used to this kind of performance.
Russscot - January 22, 2012
No I don't think so.
It’s too early to make that kind of change. Maybe in the off season but not during the season.
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
it's the lack of depth
they’ve really bleed since the 10 season. kobe, pau, and bynum are the only players on their roster who i believe should be playing in the nba. Maybe artest too
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
Metta Whirrled Peas, please.
And he’s at the same stage of his career as Bird, imo. His body just doesn’t have it to do what he used to hang his hat on; namely, playing lock down defense from the 3pt line on in.
Russscot - January 22, 2012
what he currently lacks in talent
he makes up for in crazy
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
he does have that in spades
Russscot - January 22, 2012
what about Steve Blake?
Kinda liked him while he was our player.
That was several years ago of course.
InboundingLobPass - January 22, 2012 via mobile
I like Blake, but his game is what it is, and that's pretty limited.
He gets the most out of his talent, but he’s pretty much mashed potatoes sans gravy.
Russscot - January 23, 2012
Haha. Lakers lose!
SDcat09 - January 22, 2012
what a splendid weekend
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
Laker's are the proud owners of a brand new 10 seed in the west
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
Ahahaha
I actually wouldn’t really be afraid to play the Lakers in the playoffs, unless they have a certain Dwight Howar on their team and they don’t give up too much to get him, like Bynum+Luke Walton for Howard.
The Pacers on the other hand are not surprising me, in my Eastern conference preview with Andrew, I had the Pacers at the 3rd seed this year. They would be extremely good with Rondo as their point guard though.
CloudBurst - January 22, 2012
IMPOSSIBLE!
Dont the Lakers have an all time superstar? A near superstar? And yet, he missed last second tie attempt. How is that possible? How is that possible? Mmmmm…
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
It can only get worse for them.... 11 games already played at home... havn't won
on the road i don’t think
5baker5 - January 22, 2012
1-6 on the road
guess who they beat?
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
the lakers you mean?
beat the NY Stinks? Right?
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
no utah, one of the hardest places to play
Ironic that would be their only road win
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
OK, cool
just when you think a team or 2 is dropping out of playoff contention, here they come again.
Gawd, the West is tough! From 4 – 8 is going to be a dogfight.
And honestly, good as we are, I have no real sense as to where we are going to place.
sgiustra - January 22, 2012
i have a good confidence that we'll be in that top 4
at least that’s the feeling i got after watching this first quarter of games
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
UTAH
5baker5 - January 22, 2012
speaking of teams sucking on the road
the holy roman empirematch the lakers with their own 1-6 recordTyLawesome - January 22, 2012
*spurs
TyLawesome - January 22, 2012
Yup.. Nuggs have a tough february
5baker5 - January 22, 2012
to put it mildly
after the next two games, we barely have an easy win until early march.
Rainbow skyline - January 22, 2012
the stretch where we play b2b2b at the beginning of Feb is awful
feb 2 @ clippers
feb 3 lakers
feb 4 @ portland
gonna get a taste of that “west coast coming back to Denver” that all the other teams dread. and then they have to got back to the west coast the next day! brutal.
river-z - January 22, 2012
Well the Nuggets do get up for tough teams
So they may do better than people think in February.
JR15 - January 22, 2012 via mobile
That they do
besides the Lakers haven’t been playing too well and Chris Paul is still out from that groin injury
donwoe - January 23, 2012
That Lakers game has L written all over it
West coast late game followed by mile high game. I’m not sure of the stats but I know someone else will post the exact record. Something like a 10% winning record on the second night.
The U.N. Fab Five - January 23, 2012 via mobile
Does that schedule make any sense at all?
Why in LA, then back in Denver? Why not just stay in LA and then fly to Portland? The worst possible home game squeeze in the league. Thanks NBA….who should be on the Stiff list that week.
Pusherman - January 23, 2012
I know
It is one of those times where you’d rather just play a road game than have the unnecessary travel back to Denver.
Ugh.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
Not to espouse conspiracy theories,
but this is really a brutal b2b2b, not to mention that the Nuggets are one of only a handful of teams that have two b2b2b’s on their schedule. I would have definitely raised holy hell with the league offices when the schedule came out if I were in a position of authority with the Nuggets.
Russscot - January 23, 2012
more on the sked
Not only did the league not reschedule Melo’s return to Denver, but to fricken put the game in NY as the last of 4 out of 5 nights in 4 different cities was just brutal. The league did everything they could to put this on a silver platter for the Knicks, and the Nugs still won.
Bob in Boulder - January 23, 2012
The Posting & Toasting folks miss Gallo
http://www.postingandtoasting.com/2012/1/22/2724298/nuggets-119-knicks-114-2ot-that-was-heartbreaking#89498847
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
Excellent.
stan_26 - January 23, 2012 via iPhone app
haha remember last year when Amare had like 10 game stretch of 30+ or 35+ points??? All we heard was Amare is amazing, remember the part that the opposing power forward was also scoring like 30+ points against him because his defense was horrible? yeahhhhhhhhhh about that
waterboy31321 - January 23, 2012
Great game on Saturday night
I’m finally over my hard feelings, it took awhile, but Saturday was very therapeutic for me. I’m so proud of this team and what they’ve accomplished coming from 1 year ago this time. Most teams would’ve been crushed by the weight of the drama and they’ve come through shinning. Don’t get me wrong, I want the Nuggets to beat the Knicks everytime they play, but hard feelings are gone and I’m looking towards the future w/ this exciting team. To this I say thank you Melo for putting the Nuggets back on the bball map & thank you for the trade to NYK, may it be all that you wanted and hoped for……GO NUGGETS
NewEraNugg - January 23, 2012
FINISH JANUARY STRONG!
letsgo!!!!
808inDenver - January 23, 2012
9 of our next 10 games against Western Conf teams
currently, we’re only 5-5 against the western conference. 7-0 against eastern conference. lets get these Ws against western conference teams, since there are the teams we gotta beat in the playoffs.
808inDenver - January 23, 2012
is it just me
or did a bunch of posts get deleted from this thread?
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
i think the mods delete OT posts
lots of my posts always get deleted lmao
808inDenver - January 23, 2012
huh, ok
I could swear sgiustra had a post where he was criticizing Melo’s talent and I gave a response late last night, and was looking forward to continuing the discussion today. Maybe I just dreamed it.
Didn’t seem off-topic… weird.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
I just can't find any of the new post
Even stuff posted this morning before I woke up has been marked as read.
Even though I didn’t read it.
And if they delete the off-topic stuff, why is all the playoff football conversation still here?
Was there a big nasty fight last night or something?
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
That's what I was wondering
Did something devolve into a bunch of name-calling or whatever.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
Not that I saw.
SDcat09 - January 23, 2012
I didn't delete anything from sgiustra that was hoops related.
… was it in the game recap thread?
Nate Timmons - January 23, 2012
no no, sorry,
I found it, the stuff I was thinking of is not deleted. Sorry for the false alarm.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
No worries man, was hoping that was the case.
Nate Timmons - January 23, 2012
Career High
Do u guys have highlights of Gallinari 37 points ?
marc1988 - January 23, 2012
NBA.com will have the highlights.
Nate Timmons - January 23, 2012
Stein's Power Rankings...
have the Nuggets third, behind the Bulls and the Heat, but ahead of the Thunder. Love the respect, but not sure they should be that high. Thoughts?
Russscot - January 23, 2012
somehow slipped from 6th to 8th in Hollinger rankings, after winning
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
That's based on the SOS of our opponents.
We’re beating the teams we should beat, though. Philly is the only “quality” win on this trip according to Hollinger’s statistics
Russscot - January 23, 2012
And, oddly enough
Philly didn’t drop at all, as Hollinger ranks them the No. 2 team over all.
Hmm.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
CONSPIRACY!!!!!
Russscot - January 23, 2012
philly is still really high
because their point differential is rediculous from feasting on the bottom of the league in the beginning of the season. give it a few more games and some wins against teams with better records and we’ll be near the top
swmrkev - January 23, 2012
I seem to remember OKC losing to Washington and not dropping, either
Artimus Mangilord - January 23, 2012
Not in Hollinger's rankings
He’s all cold, calculated numbers.
But a lot of the more subjective rankings did drop OKC, hence Denver’s bump.
Are they forgetting that Denver has a bad loss too? And Denver lost at home not less.
Just saying: Denver’s bad loss > OKC’s bad loss.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
Subjective?
Rankings aren’t subjective, they are facts! Nuggets the second best team in the league so far, it’s right there on the screen!
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
exactly
anything you read on the internet should be taken as absolute gospel
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
OMG
I am totally ordering those pills!
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
Haha, almost didn't get past my sarcasm detector when i read your reply
In so far (insofar, Thursty?) as you think the factors chosen, and their weightings, are correct. Anything that has the Nuggets less than #1 is clearly a broken model. CLEARLY.
Artimus Mangilord - January 23, 2012
but anyway
This team is a puzzle and this season is bizarre. They just won 4 consecutive road games in 5 nights, but they’re not playing good defense consistently, and their half-court offense is awful. I don’t really know what to think, but a whole bunch of road wins in a row like that sure feels good.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
I think the most positive sign
is that they’re learning to win games. By that I mean that when they’re not hitting on all cylinders, they are still able to find a way to be close enough to give themselves a chance to win at the end. Truthfully, this road trip could just as easily be 0-4 at this point. I also like that we’re seeing signs that we don’t necessarily need to have just one end of game “go to” guy, but rather can simply ride the hot hand.
Russscot - January 23, 2012
The amazing thing to me is that they are winning with a big chunk of their payroll, Nene and AAA, not contributing too much. If and when both of those guys are fully healthy, in better condition, and in synch, look out.
Bob in Boulder - January 23, 2012
When this team is playing their game well in all facets, they are scary good.
The key is that – as a young team – they are still learning how to bring that intensity every night (as evinced by the Hornets loss and, to some extent, the Jazz home loss). As they become more attuned to each other as a team, I see this aspect continuing to improve.
Russscot - January 23, 2012
I will contend Nene is playing well
And we will probably get 15 and 8 or 9 from him. Don’t expect anymore from him, but that is a good role for him and it fits this team well.
However, Moz will step his game up and we will have a solid C/PF combo hopefully for years to come. Almost like ZBo and Gasol except Nene plays good D and that doesn’t show up in the stats the way ZBo’s 20/10 show up (but yet the Grizzlies do well when he is not playing).
JR15 - January 23, 2012
I think he's playing well more often than not
I tend to think it would’ve been easier to beat the Wizards if he’d played at least 20 minutes. Javale McGee was kind of running circles around Moz.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
I agree for the most part on Nene. But he has missed some games, and there are still times when I wish he’d be more aggressive on offense. But overall he has played pretty well.
Bob in Boulder - January 23, 2012
riding the hot hand
I do love the way a different guy was the hero every night in those last 4 wins. Brewer, Miller, Big Al, then Gallo.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
another thing to think about
I don’t think we’d be 12-5 with Felton instead of Andre on the roster.
Bob in Boulder - January 23, 2012
yeah
we’re giving up the 3rd most points in the nba.
808inDenver - January 23, 2012
Yeah
Denver started playing some of the best defense while playing some of the best offense.
We all knew that wasn’t going to last. But it would be encouraging to see this defensive intensity return. Until AAA gets healthy, that is a steep hill to climb.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
ppg is a skewed statistic
looking at defensive efficiency (points per 100 possessions) and the nuggets are 12th in the nba. we have more points scored on us because we play at a faster pace and score so often. not saying our defense is amazing, but its better than the ppg numbers make it out to be
swmrkev - January 23, 2012
Agree
More experts are looking at the defensive efficiency as the key stat vs. opponent ppg. If we can get into the top 5 def efficiency, keep our 1st place in pace, and stay around top 5 in off efficiency we will be an elite team for sure.
Unleash manimal GK to help with that def efficiency!!
JR15 - January 23, 2012
and for some reason
every team is shooting like 65% against us in the first half recently. well, probably not, but it really feels that way.
808inDenver - January 23, 2012
still sort of facepalming
over all those 3’s the Nets put in, but luckily there’s lots of positive stuff to wash taht down with.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
Ziller at SB Nation
Also has Denver at no. 3.
OKC is definitely getting some tsk tsk’ing for losing to the Wizards.
In the end, things will even out. OKC will end up on top in the west and Denver will settle somewhere in the top four. But don’t be surprised to see Denver suffer accordingly from the brutal schedule in Feb.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
We do well against good teams
And luckily February is full of good teams. Its the bad teams I am worried about. But it is yet to be seen as you say.
JR15 - January 23, 2012
Hmm
San Antonio, Portland, Utah, and Lakers are all good teams. Sure, the Lakers are struggling right now, but they are good enough to qualify as good in my metric (above .500 and likely playoff team).
I don’t dispute that Denver plays better against good teams. The @Portland and @LALakers losses were close and the result of poor closing more than anything and the Spurs game swa the Nuggets almost catch up after spotting San Antonio a big lead.
I’m just saying, the Nuggets can still play well on the road on the second night of a back-to-back, but if they are playing @Portland, @Dallas after playing the night before like they do in February, it isn’t going to be as easy as say, the New York Knicks.
And I don’t know if you noticed, but a 2OT thriller against a sub .500 team isn’t easy.
Denver has some home games following back-to-backs, and some of those aren’t easy either: the Lakers, the Spurs, the T-Wolves. No joke there. The Wolves can be dangerous.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
The Knicks that played us wasn't a sub 500 team
They all came to play and wanted to play well for Melo to prove that the trade wasn’t bad. That team that played us would have beat the Bobcats, and Bucks. They tried playing D, and were not the Knicks that looked disinterested in the other games of that 5 game losing streak.
To be able to weather that emotion of their talented frontcourt and still win says a lot about the Nuggets.
JR15 - January 23, 2012
Playing only 7 guys in a double OT game. In the 4th game of a 5-night road trip. Pretty amazing win, overall.
Bob in Boulder - January 23, 2012
totally
a reall gutty win, amazing that they pulled it out in double OT on a 4th game in 5 nights — I don’t care what the Knicks’ record is and how bad they’re struggling, that was a great great win.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
They were 6-9 before the game
That’s sub .500.
I know they were motivated and ready to go and played a solid game. Not trying to take anything away from New York. But they are what their record says: a sub .500 team.
And I stand by my point that things won’t be so easy in February when the Spurs, Lakers, Mavericks, Blazers face the Nuggets. Pretty sure all these teams will be motivated, too.
I think the Nuggets will be very lucky to win 10 games in February. But: I didn’t think they’d go 4-0 during this road trip, either.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
And they are doing it in the East
With a ton of crappy teams, they are still 6-10. Not good.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
Probasketballtalk has them at 2
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
Not to denegrate our team or the way they're playing,
but #2 is too high, imo. 4-5 range feels right to me.
Russscot - January 23, 2012
I tend to agree
2 or 3 feel too high for me. Are we seeing a changing of the guard? Are the Spurs/Lakers/Celtics paper tigers at this point? Still feels too early to declare that.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
The Lakers and Celtics will make the playoffs,
but I don’t see either having the depth/stamina to make a deep run this year. The Spurs are intriguing, in that – outside of their big 3 – they are much younger and more athletic than they’ve been in years. And with Pop behind the bench, I could still see them making a bunch of noise in the post season.
Russscot - January 23, 2012
Spurs have one win on the road
something silly like 1-7 or 1-9. Not a recipe for playoff success. But every year people pronounce them dead, then there they are again come playoff time.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
i think
they are a 6-8 seed and nothing more. I believe the top 8 teams in the west in order are: OKC, Denver, LAC, Dallas, Memphis, Utah, San Anton, Portland
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
I'll just file that one away
to pound you with later in the year. Either that, or you will change your SN to Nuggetstradamus.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
I predict
San Anton will not finish higher than 6. Book it. So far on bold predictions at least on SB blogs I am 1-0…. I made a prediction that someone called me out on and booked me on, on the Avs blog and so far I am right on with my prediction ;)
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
If it finishes the way you suggest
It’s Karl vs. Popovich in the first round. Not good.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
No it would be this
1. OKC
2. LAC
3. Dal
4. Den
5. Mem
6. Utah
7. San Anton
8. Portland
with Denver playing Memphis… it’s division winners 1-3 then best record after that
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
In my best SDcat: LHWYA
Division winners only guaranteed a top 4 seed. If Denver finishes with the second best record, they are the two seed regardless of division.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
if the Nugs keep leaving shooters open at the 3-point line
then playing the Spurs in the 1st round could be disastrous. shudder
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
my bad
guess i need to check up on the rules haha but i believe that is how the NHL playoff works. But interesting… regardless, I’d rather play San Anton than Memphis especially with HC advantage… San Antons road record only speaks for itself and Denver tends to be pretty good at Home
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
I think they changed it
after a year in which the Nuggets got the three seed as division winner and a team with a much better record got bumped to four.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
thanks
for the clarification
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
I think the rule is that division winners get no lower than 4th
so Denver would be #2 as it stands now. I think the espn.com conference standings adjust for the seeding rules.
Rainbow skyline - January 23, 2012
Memphis > Dallas
But I mostly agree.
My predictions in the preseason had Denver at No. 4, but that was only because I assume the top division winners get the Nos. 2 and 3 spots, regardless of record.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
right
my ranking is just overall talented teams. But Memphis may be better than Dallas when fully healthy (Seems hard for them to do) but Dallas has the ring and I think they are just about over their championship hangover
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
I was one who wrote the Spurs off because of age
But, as has been mentioned, outside of Parker, Duncan, Jefferson and Manu, they have some spunk and talent. They won’t make a lot of noise in the playoffs, but they could be dangerous depending on the match-up.
There is no way I discount a Poppovich coached team. Best coach in the NBA right now.
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
DS generally agreeing that the national media is giving us too much respect is making me believe in 2012.
Rainbow skyline - January 23, 2012
It is a weird team to watch right now
because you have no idea what to expect from game to game. For the Melo era teams, there was a rhythm and we kind of knew what to expect. Now it’s Miller scoring 30 in one game and 3 the next, and about 5 guys are doing that. And the rotations were almost written in stone before, with J.R. being the exception. Now, Moz gets 15 minutes one night, 30 the next.
I have no idea what the hell is going on, but they keep winning somehow.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
the whole season is weird, isn't it?
I think the playoffs is where things will get sorted out.
ParkHillNative - January 23, 2012
Good way to win regular season games by confusing the crap out of other teams
If the playoffs worked like the NCAA and they were one game series, the Nuggets could go all the way.
I am just scared of GK and his series adjustments (which he doesn’t have). So the way we will make noise in the playoffs is if we get a high seed in the regular season which I think is very possible. I really don’t think #2 in the West is out of the question. With a #2 seed I think we can make the WCF a la 2009, and it depends on how much revenge the Nugz want on OKC. But I would have a waay better feeling on our chances taking on Scott Brooks and the relatively inexperienced Thunder than Phil Jackson and the championship tested Lakers like we did in 2009.
JR15 - January 23, 2012
I think
4th fits Denver best, but I will take 3rd… Like i said before… all it takes is one little injury to OKC and they will fall dramatically. Denver is 2 deep at every position.
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
I think
you are right. OKC is an injury or even some mid-season fatigue away from a slide. Best thing about the Nuggets is their ability to limit minutes across the board for the entire season if they need to.
Big Mickey D - January 23, 2012
25% of the season is done.
Hard to believe. Time flies. In a regular season, nuggets would be on pace for 66 wins.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
by my count,
(12/17)*82=58 wins.
Math Thursty’d!
Rainbow skyline - January 23, 2012
i hate math
NastyNessy71 - January 23, 2012
You are correct, sir
somehow on my calculator 12/17= .80. Must be time for a new calculator.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
Just like it is time to get a new leap second
It sounds like scientists are trying to get rid of the leap second :(.
Did I just have an SDCat moment about not talking about basketball or sports in general?
Yes…yes I did.
JR15 - January 23, 2012
Since she doesn't appear to be around
we could make up for her absence by having a contest for the best SDcat impersonation comment.
I will open by casually mentioning that I enjoy eating unicorn spam.
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
\snort
Rainbow skyline - January 23, 2012
Obvious SDcat impersonation is obvious
Artimus Mangilord - January 23, 2012
You guys!
Fly Agaric - January 23, 2012
Why does everyone hate me?
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
It's like no one reads.....
or lurks….
SDcat09 - January 23, 2012
ISWYDT
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
It's like no one reads.... hey, it's YOU!
Artimus Mangilord - January 23, 2012
I may have to change my screen name
again.
after having spinal fusion surgery, Bill Walton reveals that Chris Paul is his wife’s favorite player.
Oh, and for the next time someone complains that basketball players make too much money:
ThrowItDownBigManThrowItDown - January 23, 2012
Was he moonlighting as Evil Knievel?
Jesus
Artimus Mangilord - January 23, 2012
Right now
who would you like to play in the playoffs (assuming we have home court)? to me, looking at the field, i have absolutely no clue. all the teams in contention could throw together a good playoff run (a la Memphis last season). If i was forced to put a team down, i would probably have to say the Lakers.
swmrkev - January 23, 2012
Mavs old... were young... we have a much better front court
5baker5 - January 23, 2012
Heres to hoping the nuggies wear the dark blue jerseys!
5baker5 - January 23, 2012
Heck no. We've been lucky with the sky blue
better stick with those until the road trip ends :)
SDcat09 - January 23, 2012
True... I love the navy blue jerseys though... sickest jerseys in the NBA
5baker5 - January 23, 2012
agreement
love4nuggets - January 24, 2012
Although, Orlando's pinstripes are right up there.
love4nuggets - January 24, 2012
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