The Nuggets first half of basketball tonight was some of the worst basketball I've ever seen. Yet, after persevering through three quarters, an Italian and a Greek American come to the rescue.
Nuggets defeat the Hornets 96-88

I will give this to these Denver Nuggets. They are relentless.
The first three quarters of basketball was an exercise in frustration. It wasn't the Nuggets offense (which was struggling) that was frustrating, it was the defense. Giving up easy baskets to a team that is missing their best offensive player (Eric Gordon) was inexcusable. And when George Karl elected to play the "ultra small" lineup toward the end of the second quarter - well, I was beginning to yell at the TV screen.
Then came the second half, more specifically the end of the third quarter. The Nuggets were getting opportunities to close the gap, even tie the game in the middle of the quarter (specifically a Ty Lawson clear-path foul opportunity that resulted in two free throws and a bad shot) but couldn't quite get there. Then a MASSIVE run at the end of the third quarter in to the fourth, spearheaded by tonight's hero's Danilo Gallinari and Kosta Koufos, took the wind out of the Hornets sails, and the Nuggets spend the majority of the fourth up by double digits.
Gallo finished with a game high 23 points, 6 assists and 4 rebounds. He was by leaps and bounds the most consistent offensive player of this game (even though he still has issues with his three-point shots ... he did manage to hit three). I grow more and more impressed with Gallo's court vision and passing ability. When he leads the break he seems to know how to feed the appropriate big man in the lane, such as a nifty pass to Nene in the first quarter). The more I see, the more I like ... and I LIKED him already.
K2 is starting to become my second favorite Nuggets player. He always seems to be around the ball, and can exploit his athleticism. Even more impressive is his refined post moves on offense and his tough interior defense. What's not to like? Ever since he was first inserted against Milwaukee till tonight, Kouf has made the most of his minutes and has improved in each game. Koufos finished with 8 points, 5 rebounds and 3 blocks in just 17 minutes on the court. Gotta love it.
Additionally, after getting gashed by Jarrett Jack and Greivis Vasquez in the first half, the Nuggets clamped down defensively and limited the Hornets to 41 second half points. Lead by the aggressive wing defense of Arron Afflalo and the quick hands of Ty Lawson (who had his first "off" game of the year). Nene Hilario was limited due to it being his first game coming back from his bruised heel. So majority of the power forward minutes went to Koufos, Gallinari and our surprising buddy Al Harrington.
Big Al provided a much needed offensive spark off the bench when the Nuggets couldn't hit the broad side of a barn with their shots. He finished with 14 points and 6 rebounds while occasionally playing the center position. Meanwhile Rudy Fernandez, while still struggling offensively did play some good defense and was very good at passing the ball. Nice to see a game with no chucking.
Nuggets of wisdom
This was a game that Nuggets teams of old would have lost, hands down. Once the tide going against them, former Nuggets teams would have let it get in their heads and lost by 19. George Karl had a brain fart mid 2nd quarter by putting the ultra small lineup out there, but credit where credit is due, he corrected that and stuck with Koufos through most of their big run in the second half. Which is good and the luxury of depth.
One issue, however. Timofey Mozgov has either looked just good, or he's been a non-factor all season. This points to the frustratingly slow development for big's in the NBA. I can see capability in Moz, but I'm frustrated with his lack of court awareness and propensity to pick up ticky tack fouls by reaching in. When you are 7'1" you don't need to do that. Like Scott Hastings said, there will come a time when Moz realizes he is big. I'm hoping that realization comes quickly because the Nuggets will need him to be better going forward.
On to San Antonio tomorrow. The Nuggets have won 4 in a row and two out of their four road games. Hope the run continues. It's still very fun to watch.
0 recs | 272 comments
Great Second half by the Nuggets!
SD_Nugget_Fan - January 6, 2012
Great half by the Nuggets
They came out the second half and showed who was the better team. The Hornets played gritty defense all game and we learned to adapt.
ROLL CALL
CloudBurst - January 6, 2012
Not bad
Considering I was offline during the game.
Off to the club. Happy Frinight everyone!
Fly Agaric - January 6, 2012
I missed almost all the second half!
but 72 total users is amazing! Keep it up DS!
Army of Nugs - January 6, 2012
Need to start neffing more
CombatChuk - January 6, 2012
DVR'd the game.
By the time I started the game it was late in the 2nd quarter!
SD_Nugget_Fan - January 6, 2012
Think we will see K2 over mozgov in the starting line-up?
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
if he keeps this up.. yes
i think koufos takes birds minutes soone
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
Negative
Karl likes what he saw from Mozgov in Russia this summer. Just gotta let Moz bide his time, Koufos will do great coming off the bench (at Birdman’s expense)
CombatChuk - January 6, 2012
Depending on the opponent...
Koufos doesn’t strike me as a pure big man in quite the same way that Mozgov does. They are both 7 footers but K2 seems a little more active and crafty and less of a prototypical “big man.”
There are not as many pure big men around the league as there used to be. So against a team without a dominating big man. The idea of a K2, Nene, Galo frontline that brings a little more athleticism than with Mozgov in would be good to see. (It’s amazing because that is still not going small by any means 7-0, 6-11, 6-10)
Jaybark7 - January 7, 2012
Spurs will be tough tomorrow
But I think we have the cajones. Moz will be better tomorrow.
I think we should see K2 over Bird tomorrow. Whoever plays beter between the 7 footers gets more minutes.
Hopefully Rudy can score tomorrow, Gary Neal can knock em down so you have to be wary about that.
JR15 - January 6, 2012
this is the game where I miss JR
I want to see him DESTROY Gary Neal again
Army of Nugs - January 6, 2012
I was sitting court side at the game he dunked on Neal last year
You can see my back on the YouTube video. I’m wearing my authentic JR jersey. It was awesome.
The U.N. Fab Five - January 7, 2012 via iPhone app
*exercise
neumdaddy - January 6, 2012
Gallo and K2 love:
http://yfrog.com/oe4kjlrj
Russscot - January 6, 2012
I think they are best friends
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
Bromance!!!
moondoggie12 - January 6, 2012
Man I just have such a good feeling about the comeraderie on this team.
Did anyone else see AAA pull everyone together during a free throw in the first quarter? Don’t think I’d ever seen that before. Lovin it.
love4nuggets - January 6, 2012
I loved Gallo's post game interveiew
he’s starting to sound more and more comfortable on this team and is growing as a leader.
Jeffrey Morton - January 6, 2012
I missed it. Sadness.
But yeah I’m a fan of his personality and composure.
love4nuggets - January 6, 2012
also
Looks like Kouf and Faried are good pals, Faried was really cheering him on after a couple of big plays. Definitely fun to watch.
ParkHillNative - January 7, 2012
Those Euro guys have the best bromances
SDcat09 - January 6, 2012
Nice
What is yfrog?
SD_Nugget_Fan - January 7, 2012
Nuggets got swag yall
Jeffrey Morton - January 6, 2012
We comming for that #1 seed
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
Suns up 14 against the Blazers
CloudBurst - January 6, 2012
Boom Son
Jeffrey Morton - January 6, 2012
who woulda thunk it
Russscot - January 6, 2012
/raises hand
SDcat09 - January 6, 2012
/raise hands
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
I always thought the former new york players hated denver... gallo changing
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
i think gallo likes winning
something they forget to do in NY
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
Denver girls make you fall in love with them
Jeffrey Morton - January 6, 2012
/snort
SDcat09 - January 6, 2012
Haha
love4nuggets - January 6, 2012
One of them snagged me!
All Day Jay - January 6, 2012
I think much of that was BS
SDcat09 - January 6, 2012
Much of what?
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
All of the talk about how players hate Denver
SDcat09 - January 6, 2012
Oha ya haha but i seriously think chandler doesn't like it here
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
chandler is crazy
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
What about Chandler
In an ESPN article the guy said something to the effect of “if Denver gets Chandler back after China it will only help them.”
1. I was not really impressed with him last year. He didn’t seem to bring much to the table.
2. Where would he fit in on this team that is already at least 9-10 players deep?
3. If he did come back would he fit with this unselfish, play hard defense, and fast, move the ball, don’t settle offense?
4. I just don’t think Denver would resign him.
5. If he doesn’t like Denver he’s an idiot and should not be resigned on mental insanity reasons!
Jaybark7 - January 7, 2012
I think Chandler would much prefer to be in NY
Gallo likes to party, but I think he is much more pragmatic and enjoys winning. Plus I’ve seen him call Denver a beautiful city on many occasions.
Jeffrey Morton - January 6, 2012
Chandler
Chandler would much prefer to start.
jbmmlang - January 7, 2012 via mobile
the NY players not liking Denver, I would imagine
Russscot - January 6, 2012
They never said that
I know Wilson Chandler said he missed New York but he never said he hated Denver.
I mean, lets be honest here…
this?
Or this?
CloudBurst - January 6, 2012
That is Lake Louise
In Alberta, Canada.
Not even the same country.
Fly Agaric - January 6, 2012
Hahahahahaha
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
shh cloudburst is recruiting chandler for us
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
But he doesn't have to resort to deception
A Google image search of “Maroon Bells Colorado” would be full of epic scenic win.
Fly Agaric - January 6, 2012
oops
SDcat09 - January 6, 2012
I meant
This
CloudBurst - January 6, 2012
or this
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
largest pic in the world
InboundingLobPass - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Actually Moraine Lake
Just south of Lake Louise.
Sunrise - January 6, 2012
...
Still. I was pretty effing close from a glance. I checked the file name later and noted my mistake.
Fly Agaric - January 6, 2012
lol
moondoggie12 - January 7, 2012
Nice!
SD_Nugget_Fan - January 6, 2012
or this
wilddre22 - January 7, 2012
Hey lights, noise, pollution and grey east coast weather!
While I love NY, I love the city in a vacation-once-a-year type of way. But it could be my big blue sky addiction. :)
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
to each his own
i’m a city kid at heart, so i love it/am used to it.
wilddre22 - January 7, 2012
Yeah
NYC is a great place and plenty of people would prefer if over Denver and Colorado. Let’s not get into a city bashing phase here Stiffs. To each their own.
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
Where were you last week
when people were bashing SoCal :P
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
I never bashed SoCal
cause I grew up there
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
I didn't say you did :)
And I actually don’t even care really if people bash it…:) . I’m just grateful I don’t have to dig out of snow everyday to go to work!
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
It was 70 two days ago...
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
As it was here too:) And 3 days from now you might have a blizzard....it happens
Just saying. I grew up in Colorado I understand how it works there. And I’m glad I"m not in the deep freeze of Chicago and Minnesota. I’m not saying it’s bad, but for me I’m glad to not deal with it.:)
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Yeah but we have actual seasons here, 4 of them
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
I AM NOT BASHING WINTER OR COLORADO OR THOSE THAT ENJOY IT. I AM SAYING THAT ME AS AN INDIVIDUAL AM GLAD I DON’T HAVE TO DIG OUT OF SNOW. PERSONAL PREFERENCE .
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Whoa!!
Sorry, holy caps lock Batman. I wasn’t yelling.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
I understand :)
but I do like that spring feels very enjoyable in CO after winter.
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
I love this post.
Too late to wreck, but I’m doing it anyway.
And yes, I spell it that way on purpose.
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
haha
should be snowing soon.
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Well nobody cares about SoCal!
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
hey now
dont go there. I love me my Doyers
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
That's unfortunate
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
only because of the owner
just wait, we will be proud once again. Kershaw and Kemp.
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
No, it's just unfortunate in every single way...
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
For some
but I know you love Vin Scully. Best announcer in sports. period.
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Well that's true
but I think even Vin hates the Dodgers by now..
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
hates the owner
Frank McCourt might be the most hated man in the history of LA.
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
I love SoCal.
Moving back at the end of the year, but keeping my place in Boulder. Excited!
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
Where to?
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Probably Venice!
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
yeah i won't
never been to denver, and actually heard it’s a beautiful place, so i can’t/won’t bash it. but i will defend my city, however.
wilddre22 - January 7, 2012
I hope Chandler has his own helicoptor
otherwise I dunno how you get that view
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
if you rent on the upper east side
you get spectacular views.
wilddre22 - January 7, 2012
Didn’t even post the jewel in the Bronx.
Kevin L - January 7, 2012
/raises both hands
United Nugget Nations - January 6, 2012
WAY TO FIGHT!
K2’s hedging and help D was ridiculously awesome.
808inDenver - January 6, 2012
That was very impressive
Loves me some K2
Jeffrey Morton - January 6, 2012
pdx down 15 at half to the suns
1st place, here we come
swmrkev - January 6, 2012
lakers are down 4 to gs
a good night developing
swmrkev - January 6, 2012
hold up...
GS beating the lakers
Utah at 4-3
The Grizz at 3-4
Minnesota still bad at 2-5?
what’s going on here?
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
In other news
Jordan Hamilton is stinkin it up in his first d-league game. sommin like 2-7 for 5 points 1-4 from three.
Julyan Stone not so bad. hes 2-2 for 7 points, 4 dimes.
Phoenix is smashin the Blazers at half 49-34.
United Nugget Nations - January 6, 2012
Ham needs some D league
But I am confident he wil come around. At least he made a 3
JR15 - January 6, 2012
he looks like a ball stopper out there...
Julyan stone looks like a nice player, he could be a good player in the NBA someday
United Nugget Nations - January 6, 2012
Got a new watch today
Russscot - January 6, 2012
Watch Hamilton and Stone play here:
http://futurecast.nba.com/nbadl/console.jsp?id=2021100123
United Nugget Nations - January 6, 2012
just checked out the end of that game
Wow. Toine Walker bricking 3’s. Just like old times… Anyway JHam went for 14 and 10 with no turns. Not bad
adub - January 6, 2012
59-39 Suns rec'ing the blazers
United Nugget Nations - January 6, 2012
Good... nuggets could have the best record in the west
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
we'd be tied with okc
so pretty dayummmm good
United Nugget Nations - January 6, 2012
Still 5th in the west like i expect us to finish
5baker5 - January 6, 2012
Huh?
How do you figure them currently 5th?
Russscot - January 6, 2012
Go to NBA.com standings... it has the seedings as well... had the nuggets 5th
5baker5 - January 7, 2012
I think you should recheck. They can be no worse than 2nd after last nite
Russscot - January 7, 2012
Ya i checked last night when i posted it
5baker5 - January 7, 2012
is that you take5?
Rainbow skyline - January 6, 2012
like
swmrkev - January 6, 2012
and now lakers beating GS
thought we could have a perfect night…
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
Phx owning PDX
Russscot - January 6, 2012
Good stats
Al Harrington tied for 30th in the NBA in steals, Andre Miller tied for 22nd, Gallo tied for 3rd, and Ty Lawson is 2nd in steals.
CloudBurst - January 6, 2012
PORTLAND LOSES! :)
United Nugget Nations - January 6, 2012
oh guys take a look
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
http://espn.go.com/nba/standings/_/group/2
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
Wait
Why are we above OKC with the same record and Division record?
CloudBurst - January 6, 2012
Prescience imo
Russscot - January 6, 2012
What is really exciting look at those standings
Is OKC, despite being 6-2 score 99.9 PPG and 97.5 PPG for their opponents. The Nuggets on the other hand are averaging 102.4 PPG while only allowing 92.9 PPG for their opponents.
CloudBurst - January 6, 2012
Yummy.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
i believe it's because of the higher differential PF-PA
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
Alphabetical
Denver before OKC.
jbmmlang - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Kosta Koufos
That’s Kosta FUCKING Koufos! He proved tonight that he both wants it and has it. I did not know he was quite that sharp. He could be part of what puts this team over the top.
What’s the best way to take advantage of him in the line-up?
LongWindedHank - January 6, 2012
Can you say "+19?"
I know you can.
LongWindedHank - January 6, 2012
And one more thing
Koufos played well in the Sacto game Wednesday night, but his role was little more than glorified garbageman. Tonight he was maybe the biggest piece of the line-up that made the difference in a tough game on the road.
Hell yes!
LongWindedHank - January 6, 2012
TyLawesome - January 6, 2012
Great defense leads to good Offense.
SD_Nugget_Fan - January 7, 2012
Love it!
I know there are GK haters out there, but they’ve got to admit he’s done a great job of getting these guys to gel. Not easy to get these guys to put egos (and stats) aside for the good of the team!
Didn’t see the last two games but sounds like I should give Kosta more respect! Alright then. Let’s go Nuggets. Sleep well tonight and play hard tomorrow!
Alaskan4Fat - January 7, 2012
Great game
I believe it was Dre with the clear path tho Jeff. Anyways nice win, didn’t think they would pull it out but they did. I just hope they keep this up. How sweet would it be for Denver to finish 1st in the West? It will be tough beating out OKC but anything is possible. Time to take care of some geriatrics tomorrow.
NastyNessy71 - January 7, 2012
Very useful lessons about the Blazers tonight.
Definitely not deep. They’re about 4 to 6 strong so if you can get past their top line, they soften ALOT! They’re also very big so they can’t handle a small lineup that can run around them once they’re tired. Nash was doing circles on the inside against them. I don’t see the team holding up over time. They can’t rest any of their stars or their PER and defense deteriorate. These factors can and will be exploited by other teams over time.
newsman35 - January 7, 2012
Yes
On Blazer’s Edge they pointed out that much of their early season success happened before they say too many back-to-backs and the schedule was not-so-crazy.
Now that it is getting to that point, I imagine depth will becomes an issue.
Still though: They lost to the Suns?
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
And how.
Head scratcher, that one.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
Sweet Revenge
Would be the only Nugget to make the All Star Game is George Karl because Denver is first in the West.
jbmmlang - January 7, 2012 via mobile
that would be pretty funny
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
the spurs are going to be a tough test for denver
Say what you will about the old people, they can still play pretty good defense.
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 7, 2012
Tim Duncan will retire after this season
He’s older than Oden looks!
InboundingLobPass - January 7, 2012 via mobile
lmao
Albafica - January 7, 2012
This looks shopped
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Looks legit.
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 7, 2012
The Trailblazers aren't exposed
They just have had an easy schedule without a road back to back.
KevinAwesome - January 7, 2012
Nice to see them grind it out on the road.
This was a game the old Nuggets squad would’ve had no chance in, with how they played the majority of the first 3 quarters.
That was encouraging to watch.
NuggetsFan99 - January 7, 2012
Just interesting to look at:
If the playoffs ended now, Nuggets would play the Suns.
Thunder however…Lakers.
In the East, Cleveland vs. Miami in the first round.
roxintober - January 7, 2012
or if the playoffs started now.
roxintober - January 7, 2012
Sounds good to me!
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
In case you guys haven't seen it yet
http://www.poundingtherock.com/2012/1/7/2689025/fraternizing-with-the-enemy-sfs-chats-with-nate-from-denver-stiffs
Russscot - January 7, 2012
lots and lots of yalls
Jeffrey Morton - January 7, 2012
Off topic
But I am a fan of “y’all”, as in proper in English, “you” is both singular and plural and that sort of ambiguity can be problematic sometimes.
Big ups to the Southern United states for finding a work-around to this problem.
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
Y'all is singular
all y’all is plural :p
Russscot - January 7, 2012
Yes
I am aware that they still manage to screw this up.
But I stand by my praise. It is rare that I do this with southerners.
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
So it's singular, plural, all encompassing. Works for me!
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
y'all is a great word
can’t overuse it, but it’s infinitely better than ‘you guys’
skithebert - January 7, 2012
This
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Y'all is a pretty useful contraction, y'all
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r-bA9FYB8HY see 1:23
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 7, 2012
What is it good for?!
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
y'all
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 7, 2012
Sometimes I wish I had a southern accent.
WaveOcean - January 7, 2012
I absolutely hate y'all
Somebody from the south addresses me as “y’all” and I’m looking around to so who else they’re talking to (“us all!?!?”) .
The guy at the swimming pool where my brothers used to swim in Virginia (I never lived there) proclaimed “I want ALL of y’all to get out of the pool”.
So in fact they haven’t found a workaround for the problem but compunded it. Big downs for the south for that (amoung other things).
Thursty - January 7, 2012
A classic Thursty
thing of beauty, rec
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
wow have we missed you
Please stick around a little bit more. We have some newbies that need to be Thursty’d a few times
The U.N. Fab Five - January 7, 2012 via iPhone app
So how long before Bird is 3rd string center?
I thought Moz had a couple of high quality moments last night. Nothing like Koufos, but certainly better than Bird.
margabelle - January 7, 2012
Moz is an enigma to me
it’s almost like he plays afraid sometimes. He needs to be confident. His missed dunks have been curious as well…like he is rushing to the rim.
Dunno…I always hated developing big guys because it takes so long, and Moz may be a bit of a project.
Jeffrey Morton - January 7, 2012
I think that we forget that Moz
is not only learning the NBA game, but also having to learn a new language and culture at the same time. I’m sure that this combination puts him in a place that he does end up thinking on the floor rather than just playing. I am hopeful that he will continue to get more comfortable as the season progresses.
Russscot - January 7, 2012
Agree Moz game has a way to go
Hastings said one day he’ll realize he’s big. In other words play to his strengths, such as rebounding, changing shots, and knowing when to fill the lane, dunking and intimidating.
Nuggburg - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Agreed Jeff
What ailing MOz is in his head and that could turn around quick. Thats why I give him long leash. That and he’s 7’1, big boned, athletic and yet fluid shooting mechanics.
The shooting mechanics is important because after you practice a zillion hours, the rest is in born. See how DHoward and RRondo and the Warriors Center (forgot his name), cant mechanically develop a fluid motion? Moz has it already.
sgiustra - January 7, 2012
I'd rely on Bird before I would Moz.
/ducks
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Did you just say that?
moondoggie12 - January 7, 2012
I did. And I'd say it again.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
I agree with you.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
Have you watched the games?
Bird just looks lost out there evener mores than Moz. At least Moz crashes the boards, I don’t know what Bird does.
JR15 - January 7, 2012
We say this about Bird at the beginning of every season.
And then he gets on a roll.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
When was he on a roll last year?
He was only good in 2009/2010, and has only been good in 1 out of five home games.
He hasn’t had a good road game yet btw.
I like the optimism, but Bird is the weakest link, I even think Demarre Carrol has shown more than the Bird at this point
JR15 - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Tacos has shown more than the bird?
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
You know I get that you don't like Bird
but to say Carroll is better …..just no…show me the evidence. But my trust is with Bird more than Mozgov. Sorry just IMO
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Bird did have sort of a roll last year
he averaged 75% from the field for a month or two at the end of the season.
CloudBurst - January 7, 2012
Still sticking up for Bird
I admit I didn’t watch the NO game. And I absolutely love what Kouf brings. I saw the Sac game and I thought Bird played well and showed his value. Bigs are well…big…And that means they get injured easy, which is why DEPTH is key. Birdman is….. Illustrated Depth…Illustrated as in ink.
PER is not the end all but it does say something. PER after 8 games:
Bird 18.7 Kouf 17.7 Moz 7.0 Faried 21.3
Nuggburg - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Bird still has a roll on this team.
It’s just not being the first center off the bench to replace K2 or Moz (either one should come off the bench first to play for whoever starts).
Bird can get some minutes at power forward. But really, I see him more of a home-court kinda guy who gets the crowd into it during those lulls at the beginning of the second quarter and end of the third.
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
Like AAA and lots of other NBAers this year
Bird is just starting to get his legs. The lockout is a weak excuse, but half the NBA is not in game shape or shooting Bricks. Bird is starting to find his hops.
Nuggburg - January 7, 2012 via mobile
the best thing about Kouf is that he doesn't bite on headfakes,
and if you get to the rim you will have to earn your points.
Mancar - January 7, 2012
K2 doesn't bite
Because he’s a bit bottom heavy. I don’t think he jumps much at all. But when you are 7 foot and have long arms, do you need to?
What I like best about Kouf is his soft hands around the basket. Some of those tips last night were rather pretty.
Glad we are seeing more of him.
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
rather have a grounded mountain than a fluttering coloring book.
Mancar - January 7, 2012
Winnah!!!
Russscot - January 7, 2012
Unless the fluttering coloring book gets 3 blocks in 10 minutes
Kouf is great but so is Bird. Bird is starting to get his timing on blocks. Yes he bites in fakes, but at some point it will pay off, you saw it in the Sac game.
Nuggburg - January 7, 2012
I also saw him exclusively put onto seven posters
including one last night from Landry.
Mancar - January 7, 2012
I admit I missed the NO game. Like most bigs, bird is on both sides of posterization. But with a PER of 18.7 he is doing something right like getting rebounds.
Nuggburg - January 7, 2012
Here is my problem with Bird
He gets outmuscled by bigger guys and is too slow for smaller guys. He is a help defender, but the whole team has to help to be his help defender. When he bites on head fakes someone else has to step up to take a foul, if not a foul then the person that just passed by the bird can dump it to several other people to make an open shot or an easy lay up. This IS a common occurence. PER is a weird statistic because Wade and Gallo are below Bird and we both know those two are doing something right. PER is a situational statisitic, and doesn’t always correlate to an overall season. With that being said, I will give Bird the benefit of the doubt to a certain degree. Seeing is believing and no statistic can make that better.
Mancar - January 7, 2012
Time will tell
You make good points. I see Bird as a slow starter season-wise. A guy at the end of his prime, early 30s. But still with alot left in the tank and alot to offer. A depth guy who helps you win games.
Nuggburg - January 7, 2012
don't get me wrong
Bird has shown up in the past, and if he turns it around I will eat my words. We usually would need him to be BIRDMAN, but we have the luxury to insert the next man up to take his place, and so far its been K2. unfortunately for Bird he is looking like an amnesty candidate.Thats what depth will do for you.
Mancar - January 7, 2012
Nene's already got a funky foot problem
I don’t think Bird gets amnesty’d because I think he still helps us win. But I’m not in the heads of coaches and FO.
Nuggburg - January 7, 2012
He can’t be amnestied until July, so he’ll likely stay on the team. But if his game doesn’t improve I suspect he will be amestied this summer. Especially, if Harrington continues to play so well.
BryanM - January 7, 2012 via mobile
Bird is terrible
5baker5 - January 7, 2012
Fly agaric you are absolutely right
he should be an at home energizer.
Mancar - January 7, 2012
Has anyone had an easier schedule than the spurs thus far?
Mancar - January 7, 2012
that ends tonite, no?
sgiustra - January 7, 2012
I expect this game to be close
I expect Duncan to get superstar calls
I suspect the three ball will start falling for us
I suspect the most important matchup will be Parker/Lawson
I expect DENVER TO WIN!!!!!
Just cover the Red Rocket, because all he does is hover beyond the three point line looking for his shot. Collapse, Collapse, Collapse. Expose their age and get the cameras to catch Duncan in his befuddled-stable-yet-ironically-suspicous-Popovich-trained-give-me-a-call-look.
Mancar - January 7, 2012
Don't forget Gary Neal
I mean Gary Neal is horrible when Hejaz to put the ball on the floor, but the guy can knock it down. Have to contain TP, Moz and Nene need to hedge hard on P&Rs.
I want to see Faried get PT, how does a guy with a 21 PER ride the pine?
JR15 - January 7, 2012
Can't mention Gary Neal without this
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZdmsNA6yhXY
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Oh nostalgia...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h6f82QIb2KE&feature=endscreen&NR=1
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
no need for nastalgia
the wolves still suck
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
Didn't even notice they were playing the wolves if you catch my drift.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
Meh nostalgia
that team was far less enjoyable to watch than right now.
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
And yet we are still going to love our nostalgia about those moments. You can't stop us.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
But I can sure try
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
Why you being Debbie Downer here man?
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
I am trying to distance myself from that team as much as possible.
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
But why not appreciate it? I mean you didn't distance yourself whilst we had that team.
Why disown them now?
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
I root for the Nuggets no matter how they play
but I sure as hell do not endorse the way they played back then and am so much more a fan of this style of basketball. I am just saying I don’t want to think about how that team played while we have this beautiful form of basketball right now.
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
But we aren't really thinking about the whole team
Just JR’s outstanding freakishly good trippy plays…..
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
BUT I WITNESSED ANTHONY CARTER IN IT
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
I had a chill run up my spine
when you said that. No joke
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Never said I wanted the old team back.
Just appreciating the physical freak that is JR Smith.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
THIS
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
This was better
http://youtu.be/fLqpGJbSbxg
free7694 - January 7, 2012
And yet did not involve Gary Neal....
And IMO was not better.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Agreed again. Nor was either as good as the one i posted above.
Not sure anything will ever match that display.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
Man I find that one and the Neal posterization pretty equal. Tough call for me....
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
I see how they are close, but to turn, catch a pass from half court and turn again to dunk,
all while your head is hovering around the height of the rim, is just absolutely incredible.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
But to hang in there as long as he did
and go over another person to do it…….
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
*the air
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Yep. Close. :)
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
And it just makes me yearn for JR even more now. /sniff
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
me too
he was on a twitter tirade earlier
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
I just noticed
That was a horrible lineup to have out there though. AC, AAA, JR, Forbes, and Harrington
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
I keep on wondering
what did GK see in AC that he kept getting steady playing time…
Japheth:the.other.kind.of.asian. - January 7, 2012
Seriously? He's short! Duh! :P
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
thank you
I love that dunk….especially because I was sitting courtside.
The U.N. Fab Five - January 7, 2012 via iPhone app
portland
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
CAVS
WaveOcean - January 7, 2012
EXORCIZE?
EXORCIZE?
That being said awesome 4Q… no one turns it on quite like the Nuggs do. Love Koufos too, he is killing it.
Failed Twin - January 7, 2012
BEAT THE STEELERS
WaveOcean - January 7, 2012
when do the nuggets play the steelers :P?
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
When will we have an actual game thread?
game is in like 4 1/2 hours. There is normally a thread up by 9am
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Dude it's Saturday after Friday night.
Gotta have some hangover leeway.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
I was in the gym by 8am
and tossed back a few last night. its called MOTIVATION!
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Yeah but you are also used to getting up at 4 am for PT.
The rest of the world is less inclined. Patience my man. I think they promise GT to be up one hour before game time.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
i havent gotten up at 4
since august. getting up before 7 now is nearly impossible
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
So then you aren't quite motivated enough :P
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Motivated yes
retarded-no
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
OT: Weighed myself this morning...I've lost 14 lbs in a month.
All from adjusting what I eat and doing more cardio. Woot.
Jeffrey Morton - January 7, 2012
Want to work out with me?
been going to the gym and running daily
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
on that note anyone live near Arapahoe and Parker that is up for pick up basketball?
Mancar - January 7, 2012
Tower and Hampden
but I am down
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
I will go ANYWHERE
For pick-up basketball.
I’ve tried for years now to get Stiffs away from their laptops and into the gyms for some hopes. People are always interested, but NOTHING ever happens.
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
I am always down
I just have never been in denver until august last year
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Yeah but if you didn't get up and weigh yourself before 8
you are not motivated enough. Ask AoN :
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
haha....8 is about when I wake up every morning anyway
My trip to Vegas helped. Did alot of walking and dancing. That accelerated things quite a bit.
Jeffrey Morton - January 7, 2012
I actually like waking up kinda early
helps me get a jump on the day
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
I wake up around 7 usually but just lounge
typically out of bed by 8
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Speaking of motivation.
Time for a walk!
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
Hooah!
Im going running at 3
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
See you guys later for the game, unless I've gone out to dinner with my friend.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
"Friend"
says Cat.
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Are you asking if it's a date?
LOL. Nope. It’s a female friend I haven’t seen in awhile.
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
And no it's still not a date....
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
ok
we will believe you this time
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Now I have a picture of you dancing in my head
I am horrified
Phil H. - January 7, 2012
hey guys I made the game thread
http://www.denverstiffs.com/2012/1/7/2690088/nuggets-at-spurs-game-thread-at-6-30mt
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
Man you people are impatient
SDcat09 - January 7, 2012
It wasn't me
she caught me on the counter……
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
"you people"?
What do you have against white guys?
TyLawesome - January 7, 2012
No. 1, they can't jump
:P
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
How dare you!!!
We are just too lazy to jump, it doesn’t mean we can’t!
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
After I do your squat jumps, I'm gonna be posterizing all of you.
Just saying.
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
haha
seriously. In my 3rd week and got 4 inches of more vert than when i started. When you finish the 3rd week, you have to take 10 days off before starting again due to the stress it puts on in those 3 weeks
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Just about done writing a love song in spanish
only took me 3 months
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Are you a musician, too?
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
No, i just like writing
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
Oh
So you wrote a poem.
:)
Fly Agaric - January 7, 2012
If you must know
funny too, cause the name of it is Tu Poeta
Army of Nugs - January 7, 2012
The only musicians here I know
are you, me and Jeffery.
CloudBurst - January 7, 2012
Dude. ouch.
love4nuggets - January 7, 2012
What a start to the season!
My first post here, and you can see by my handle who my favorite new Nuggie is.
Let’s go for 50 wins this season!:)
The Fanimal - January 7, 2012 via iPhone app
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