Break out those New Orleans Hornets scouting reports!...

by Andrew Feinstein on Apr 11, 2008 8:39 AM MDT

It only took 79 games into an 82-game season, but we as fans finally got what we've desperately wanted (and begged for and demanded and so on) out of George Karl and the Nuggets: a big road win. Even though I contend it should have never come to this, let's give Coach Karl credit where credit is due and applaud this victory.

One of the many things I loved about watching this game - beyond simply getting a Nuggets victory out of it - was that both teams, recognizing the magnitude of the contest, brought the same high level of intensity and effort. So with effort and intensity being a wash (a rarity in a Nuggets game this season), the Nuggets were able to capitalize on the simple fact that they're a more talented team while exposing the Warriors myriad of flaws.

Not wanting to miss a single minute of this game, I got to my dinner location at halftime and watched the second half from the bar with a bunch of fellow NBA fans (including Masha Kirilenko, Andrei's wife - and by the way, yes, her "rule" for Andrei is true, and no, it doesn't apply to her - or at least, not to her with me most unfortunately). Once it became obvious to everyone there that I was a Nuggets fan (I guess me yelling: "GEEZ KARL, YA THINK WE SHOULD BE GIVING J.R. MORE MINUTES?!!!!" about 50 times tipped them off) I can't tell you how many times one of my new found bar mates said something to me like: "I don't get the Nuggets. Look how talented you are. Look at your bench. Look at Carmelo and AI. How the @#$%& are you guys the 8th seed?" Alright, we get it! But while the Nuggets move on to the playoffs, the Warriors are going the way of the 1993-94 Nuggets - darlings of the NBA for pulling off a monumental playoff upset and yet are never to be heard from again. I'm sorry to bring up those memories, but you know it's probably true.

A couple quick observations on the game...

-I'm convinced that Allen Iverson's three-point percentage goes up when he has to make a big three late in the fourth quarter. I don't know if anyone has access to a real stat on this, but it seems to me like he's been making big three's for the Nuggets all season.

-Even though he didn't get to the free throw line once (which better not become a habit), Carmelo Anthony's defensive effort last night might have been his best as a Nugget. I mean, two blocks and five steals. Carmelo?!

-Eduardo Najera shoots 50% from behind the arc when he's newly coiffed.

-J.R. Smith is unguardable when he commits to slashing to the hole. Just ask the Spurs and now Warriors, too. Maybe that guy should get a few more minutes. He's pretty good.

-George Karl doesn't like getting coaching tips from TNT's Craig Sager. You had to love Sager's interview with Karl after the first quarter (when the Nuggets were down by 15) and Sager questioning Karl about the Nuggets suspect defensive strategy. Sager then took it a step further by suggesting a specific change in strategy, and Karl looked completely incensed that someone would ask him such a question. Karl was so befuddled by the question, he didn't even get a chance to ridicule Sager's outfit, something that's become a staple during these in-game coach interviews.

Coach Karl and the Nuggets aren't out of the woods yet. But maybe Masha Kirilenko warmed to me enough that she'll ask Andrei and his Jazz to go easy on us on Saturday night. One can hope.

On a side note: If you get a chance, be sure to read The Denver Post's Mark Kiszla's editorial about Iverson's performance.

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Don't speak too soon.

After tomorrow night, when GSW wins their gimme at home and Denver loses to Utah away, they are tied.

Assume Denver beats Memphis at home on last day of the year, and that Seattle loses at GSW in their last game (and after Durant's comments a few days ago about wanting to ruin Denver's season in retribution for the thumping the Nuggets gave them earlier, don't think for a minute that Seattle is winning that game.)

That leaves it a one game race - Houston against Denver at Denver, verses the Warriors against Phoenix at Phoenix.

If the Suns lose tomorrow against Houston at Houston, they won't really have much to play for, as they will almost certainly not be able to catch the Spurs for the 3 seed and home court. I think it's reasonable to assume that GSW could beat the Suns, especially if they aren't that motivated - 50/50 shot perhaps.

That all adds up to a high likelyhood that Denver may HAVE to beat Houston to go to the playoffs.

You wanna bet the house on that?

by Anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 9:45 AM MDT reply actions

Great observation about AI and his 3 point shots. According to 82games.com, Iverson hits 50% (that's right, half) of his three pointers when the game is in the last five minutes of the fourth quarter or overtime and neither team is up by more than five points. Yikes, that IS clutch.

But the main observation of the game has to be Karl giving JR more minutes than AC for the first time I can remember and (unsurprisingly) coming away with the first truly big road win of the year (as you stated, only 79 games into the season). I can't hate AC for playing as hard as possible all season, he just isn't that good and would be better situated as a backup.

You had to love TNT's giant graphic displaying all of the ridiculous losses the Nuggets have had this year. Eight of them in all. Ouch -- win half of those and we are a 52 win team right now.

by Matthew on Apr 11, 2008 10:13 AM MDT reply actions

Hey wait... the Nuggets had already bagged that first big win of the year when they beat the Clips earlier this week! LOL. Sad but true, it was a a much needed win, and it happened to be on the road.

by ya mamma on Apr 11, 2008 11:21 AM MDT reply actions

Look at the +/- stats for the game. Everyone is positive except Camby who was -12 and Carter who was -9. It is ridiculous that Atkins has no role to play on this team in Karl's mind. Carter should be permanently on the bench, with Atkins and JR getting the minutes. The most frustrating thing about Camby is not his lack of offense- that is expected. Instead, it is his inability to get an important defensive rebound in physical games. He always leaves his man to roam and try to block shots and is easily pushed around in the paint by more physical players. I hope he is traded this summer.

by Anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 11:21 AM MDT reply actions

Carter should be permanently on the bench, with Atkins and JR getting the minutes.

I agree that JR should be getting AC's minutes but I heard an interview with George Karl on The Herd with Colin Cowherd this morning and he talked about not getting Atkins in games. He said Atkins would need about 7-10 games to get in the flow and be a solid contributor, but he said he just can't find the minutes during this crunch time late in season. I guess if we were in the playoffs say a couple weeks ago (like we should have) now would be a perfect time to get in some playing time.

by Lord Sam on Apr 11, 2008 12:02 PM MDT reply actions

I know that is what Karl says about Atkins but I completely disagree with him. Given AC's complete lack of offensive production, Atkins cannot be any worse on the offensive end, even if it takes him a few games to get in the flow. You do not need to be in any specific flow in order to play some defense and dribble the ball up the court. Then, once Atkins is more comfortable (i.e. by now if he had been playing this past month), he would have been significantly better than AC. By not playing him at all this past month, Karl has in fact removed any possibility of him contributing in the playoffs.

by Anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 12:11 PM MDT reply actions

Okay, I confess I rooted for the Warriors last night. Kind of wanted to bring this season to a merciful end. And last night's game is what is so maddening about the Nuggets.

Why not bring that kind of intensity every night?

It helped that they played a flawed team that didn't have as deep a bench and whose stars weren't having too good a night.

But there is a mirage in this. Because the Warriors were getting to the basket. A lot of lay-ups rimmed out. Plus they jacked too many threes that led to easy Nugget rebounds.

Wait until they play teams that make getting to the rim count. Or who set up an offense that works for the open shot closer in rather than jacking up long threes. Wait until they play a team that gets back on defense who won't play run-n-gun with them.

And then we'll see what they're made of.

I'm hoping they'll keep stepping up to the plate.

by DeAngelo Starnes on Apr 11, 2008 12:20 PM MDT reply actions

Anyone read this ESPN article by Adande on Karl? Read it and then read the following:
I think Karl deserves respect for his battle with cancer and his son's battle with cancer. It is incredible to see what positive humans can overcome. BUT....
I don't think you can relate his cancer and his new outlook on life to his poor coaching. It is fine if he takes a more laid back approach to life and separates basketball from family etc. but the article makes it sound like he could give two shits about winning. If he really is not bothered by horrible losses to teams like NY, Clips, Milwaukee, Sacramento, etc. then why is he coaching. Karl is also quoted saying he found positives in the Seattle game. Really? A team you completely annhilated 3 times by a combined score of a million beats you and you see positives? I guess if he wants to take a laid back approach to life he should do just that, take the millions we've paid him and will pay him and stop coaching. Go be laid back on a beach chair, not the sideline.

by Anonymous on Apr 11, 2008 1:55 PM MDT reply actions

I just thought yall guys should peep this article on George Karl... Very telling and speaks volumes about the team.
http://myespn.go.com/s/conversations/show/story/3341588

by chillz on Apr 11, 2008 2:25 PM MDT reply actions

this was the column I think chillz was trying to post.

it's obvious that's what has changed Karl, but in a cutthroat business, i'm not sure it is in the best interests of the team. He's not trying to turn boys into men like Dean Smith was. I feel for Karl, but if he doesn't have the fire, somebody else does, and will be more effective in the long run.

by blue on Apr 11, 2008 3:50 PM MDT reply actions

andrei's wife is f*ckin HOT

i'd bend her over anyday.

if only that rule applied to her

by Anonymous on Apr 12, 2008 4:05 AM MDT reply actions

I don't know if you have had the chance to read Bernie Lincicomes' article today in the rocky mountain news but it is possibly the most rediculous piece of trash I have ever seen. It is hard to even laugh off because it is so ignorant. He basically blames AI for all of the nuggets problems. REDICULOUS!

by Philly to Nuggs on Apr 12, 2008 9:38 AM MDT reply actions

Comments For This Post Are Closed

STIFF LIST (as of 4/26 by Andrew Feinstein)

1. METTA WORLD PEACE

Metta resorted back to Ron Ron last Sunday by clubbing James Hardenwith an "inadvertent celebratory elbow", landing him a 7-game suspension. Apparently, changing his name didn't prevent NBA commissioner David Stern from overlooking Metta's past behavior problems.

2. CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

The 'Cats are on the verge of securing the worst winning percentage in NBA history. Given that the guy who runs the team - Michael Jordan - had previously drafted Kwame Brown and Adam Morrison, should this really be a shock?

3. OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER
The team that was supposedly built to overcome the lockout-shortened season managed to lose 7 of its last 14 games, ceding the Western Conference's 1-seed to the Spurs in the process. Their reward might be a first round matchup with defending champion Dallas.

4. BILLY HUNTER AND DEREK FISHER

With report after report coming out about NBPA union head Hunter's shady, nepotistic dealings and questions arising about Fisher's own role in dealing with NBA owners behind Hunter's back during the lockout, this off-the-court scandal could prove to be more exciting than the playoffs themselves!

5. STEVE NASH AND THE PHOENIX SUNS
The Suns are on this list for squandering the last few great seasons from Nash. Nash is on this list for his stupidly stubborn loyalty to a franchise as awful as the Suns.