This is a team we can get passionate about...

by Andrew Feinstein on Nov 14, 2008 8:26 PM MST

In their cost-cutting mode, the Kroenke Cronies may have handed George Karl and his Nuggets a tough hand to play. But as noted before the arrival of Chauncey Billups, they still have plenty of talent and therefore, no excuses. These players just need to believe in themselves and play hard, and good things will come.

Tonight's win over the Boston Celtics IN Boston was proof of that.

I can't think of a single big road win against a top-tier team that the Nuggets pulled off all last season. Nine games into this new season, the Nuggets pulled off a monster win tonight.

And what I loved about this win was that even though the Nuggets relinquished their second half lead - as they always do - instead of folding like deck chairs they manned up, regained the lead and dominated the Celtics defensively. That's right, defensively.

Obviously, we need to see an effort like this on a nightly basis from here on out if the Nuggets are to secure a playoff berth. But as long as our Nuggets maintain this level of effort, this is a team we can get passionate about. Really passionate.

It may be a stretch to say this, but this Nuggets team has the opportunity to play spoiler like the 2003-04 Detroit Pistons did. Like this season's Nuggets, that Pistons team was talented but undersized, and brought a few hustle players off the bench who knew their roles and played them well. Oh, and their point guard was none other than Chauncey Billups.

I was always excited to see how this incarnation of the Nuggets would perform this season. But after tonight's win, I'm even more so.

Go Nuggets!

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Comments

What did I say, haha, I thought this would be a blowout by the Celtics but every time you think that, they show up and get a win it seems like. Now all they gotta do is realize they CAN play this way every night where in years past that has never been the case and are consistently inconsistent....we shall see

by LB47 on Nov 14, 2008 9:21 PM MST reply actions

This was an outstanding win for the Nuggets that they can build on for the rest of the season. As the commentator on ESPN said, George Karl can use this win as proof to the team that they have what it takes. They showed heart tonght, pride, and it was impressive. I can honestly say that this would have never happened with Iverson. This team has changed, and they believe in eachother. If they can keep this effort up game after game, the Nuggets will be a force in the West. They played lockdown defense on the team known for lockdown defense. Ending with an 10-0 run against the Boston Celtics is something they can be proud of. Go Nuggets.

by Maxwell on Nov 14, 2008 9:31 PM MST reply actions

A F-ing great game. Boston runs the game 8-0 to start, I think ....ohhhhhhh again, Nuggets-diffident - losers - before the game even begins.

yeah,yeah The Nuggets beat Boston back in Denver but W/O Garnet and it was the first game following the All-Star game earlier this year. It was a pathetic win, Boston was not in the building that night but tonight !!! The only constant thorn was Carter. Bench the dude and add up JR's minutes already regardless of Carter's contract. I was certain that if Denver lost by less than 10 points it would still be a mental win. As anyone ( fans and not fans ) who saw these Nuggets tonight, if they bring this game every night, every game, all 48 minutes, blah blah then shit we will have ourselves a CONTENDER w/ respect from the league. I think it's C. Billups. This is the change we have needed. Here is hoping the Coach will not blow it and if he does get the cart and the rails to run him out of town.

by markp on Nov 14, 2008 10:17 PM MST reply actions

...and on other news...

Pistons with AI is winning against Kobe.

by Anonymous on Nov 14, 2008 10:35 PM MST reply actions

getting too excited with the win.. iverson and the pistons either

ai and the pistons hold kobe to 17 points in 3 qtr. where he can score 47 to denver in 3 quarters..

by cru03thik on Nov 14, 2008 10:59 PM MST reply actions

Huge win for our Nugs tonight!
Melo 18 & 13, K-Mart 16!
6 guys in double figures, fantastic!
Hold Boston to 85???? wow.
Now if we could just get this type of performance consistently!
Connman
Southlands Aurora

by Anonymous on Nov 14, 2008 11:12 PM MST reply actions

Rumours around that the Nuggets are looking at Zach Randolph. Zach is looking good at NY right now. Perhaps a K-Mart for Randolph deal?

by insider on Nov 15, 2008 12:35 AM MST reply actions

NOOOO! not zach randolph! please god no!

by Anonymous on Nov 15, 2008 12:55 AM MST reply actions

Great win. I'm happy to say something positive.

Note to Nuggets -- play in the half-court to take advantage of Chauncey's talents and play defense

Running "free-for-all", no 'D' -- loss to Cavs

Controlled tempo, good 'D' -- win over Celtics

Note to Melo -- keep hitting the boards, you don't have to score 20+ every night

by Dave on Nov 15, 2008 5:53 AM MST reply actions

I have never seen such tremendous energy on the defensive end from this team. The defensive rotation especially was exceptional throughout most of the game.

I've never seen such commitment on defense from this team, ever since I became the team fan in 2003 when Melo was a rookie.

It feels like, the whole organization, not just the team, finally understands the meaning and what great defense means to games. Like they finally understand why other good teams play defense and there's a purpose behind it.

Not only that, offensively, I feel like we are a lot smarter and much more efficient. KMart felt like he's much more trusted with repeated post play isos for him. Nene was given touches, the ball moved. Melo felt he can now really move the ball because it produces result. The confidence on the offensive end was so high, even Balkman was getting the ball and knocking down 20+ footers!

When you have a floor general that has confidence in you, it makes you able to stay focused and positive.

I hope this can continue. I don't think this is a one time fluke, they have this quiet confidence in executing plays and the players are much more about playing the game instead of talking the game just like previous Nuggets teams.

Indeed this is a team we could and in my opinion already should get passionate about.

- Snake -

by Anonymous on Nov 15, 2008 5:58 AM MST reply actions

"Perhaps a K-Mart for Randolph deal?"

Nugs trade Kenyon, I swear I'll burn down the Pepsi Center.

Connman
Southlands Aurora

by Anonymous on Nov 15, 2008 9:32 AM MST reply actions

When we started to relinquish the lead what was ANTHONY CARTERS roll in it. Turning the ball over, giving momentum to the C's. He's as worthless than tits on a bore hog. In the fourth quarter when the Nuggets are winning he's in the game, running around in circles, guarding no one, missing lay ups, air balling three point attemps, and getting posted up. When the Nuggets are loosing JR is in the game. The better of the two, the one who gives the Nuggets the best chance to win. GK and AC a bonified item. Send them to CT to tie the knot.

by samiam on Nov 15, 2008 12:24 PM MST reply actions

"Just when I think I'm out, they pull me back in"! (Michael Corleone)
Ok, they did it to me again. I was more than ready to come here after last night's game, & bitch & moan about this team. Melo, JR, Kleiza, & especially, AC, were pi$$ing me off to no end! Then suddenly, I see heart, and grit, & toughness! The "old" KMart shows up, JR keeps it within distance, CB runs the show, & Melo clinches it with a MONUMENTAL THREE(3)!!! But the best part? Defense! Yes, the D looks like it's back in the Enver Nuggets! So- like any love relationship- I'm back! I can't leave, even if I wanted to! Well, that's just bad luck for me! True love- what can I say? :)

by KaiserSoze on Nov 15, 2008 5:18 PM MST reply actions

What exactly does Chauncey mean by "the defensive philosophies are completely different here than one's I've ever seen"? I believe he said the same thing about the offense after the Cavs loss. Also, that play where the 4 is at the top of the key with the ball and pass to Melo on the wing or Nene in the post, has yet yield any real points. Yet they run it at least 20 times a game. To agree with Andrew on a previous post, Jones has yet to hit a jumper. He did have good D on Pierce late in the 4th. No points for "the truth" in the fourth

by emptytwo629 on Nov 15, 2008 5:21 PM MST reply actions

kaisersoze - well said, wtf do the postings add up only when we bitch about the Nuggets. Only 15 comments after one of the better games the Nuggets have played , let's go give it up either way

by markp on Nov 15, 2008 8:14 PM MST reply actions

I hear you, markp- it seems to some folks, giving credit when its deserved is a waste of time! It's still early, but I'm loving this latest version of the Nuggs! They now resemble a true GKarl-type squad. Remember the old Seattle Sonics with Gary Payton & Sean Kemp? They were a tough defensive team, led by a steady PG & star forward. Lets hope this team has the same kinda success!

by KaiserSoze on Nov 15, 2008 9:04 PM MST reply actions

Can we nickname Balkman "Red Bull" since he is instant energy? Any takers?

by Anonymous on Nov 16, 2008 9:24 AM MST reply actions

I'm stoked ,my neighbor just called me and he has tix to tonight.s game.

by markp on Nov 16, 2008 4:16 PM MST 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.