Gregg Popovich doesn't care about home court in the playoffs...

by Andrew Feinstein on Feb 3, 2009 1:35 PM MST

Nuggets/Spurs Recap...

Is Gregg (don't call me "Greg") Popovich a genius for resting four of his five best players against the third best team in the conference so that his role players will be better prepared for the playoffs? Or is he a moron for resting four of his five best players even though they don't play again until Sunday and in doing so losing a potential season-ending tie-breaker to the third best team in the conference? I suppose only time will tell.

I feel like the Nuggets lost tonight. I know they didn't actually lose (I'm not that stupid), moved within a game of the Spurs in the overall conference standings and now own the tiebreaker for the playoffs should they finish with the same record as San Antonio. But with a long road trip starting tomorrow and the Spurs playing their JV squad, the Nuggets should have been able to rest their starters - even sans Kenyon Martin - and we fans should have been watching Johan Petro and Sonny Weems duke it out with Malik Hairston (whom I'd never heard of until tonight) and Ime Udoka. Instead, the Nuggets needed all 37, 36 and 35 minutes that they got from Carmelo Anthony, Nene and J.R. Smith, respectively, to pull this one out. Oh, and Chauncey Billups tweaked his ankle along the way, too.

I'll take a win anytime of any shape and size, but this wasn't the challenge the Nuggets (and their fans) were hoping to get from San Antonio tonight. By resting most of his key players, Coach Pop was telling George Karl and the Nuggets that he's not concerned about home court advantage should these two teams meet in the second round of the playoffs. In fact, Pop is so confident that the Spurs will beat the Nuggets in a seven-game series (and heck, why shouldn't he be?), that he's willing to concede the season series...in February!

I hope the Nuggets get the chance to prove Pop wrong.

The no excuses game (Nuggets/Spurs Preview)...

As Chris Tomasson pointed out in the Rocky Mountain News the other day, the Nuggets are 19-1 against sub-.500 teams and 12-15 against teams that are .500 or better. One of those 12 wins against a plus-.500 team is a bit misleading, and one of those losses was quite possibly the Nuggets worst of the season thus far.

Both games were against the Spurs.

On November 19th, the Nuggets won in San Antonio 91-81 and I remember everyone being abuzz about this victory. Not me. The Spurs had just played three games in four nights, had been besieged by injuries, and were without Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili when the Nuggets came to San Antonio to knock them out. Hardly a noteworthy victory, but the Nuggets and the Denver media sure made it out to be one.

The Spurs would soon get their revenge, however, when they walloped the Nuggets 108-91 at Pepsi Center on December 4th - a game aired on TNT so the whole country could see the Nuggets quit in a big home game against a big conference rival. For the record, the Nuggets seem to be cursed when they play on TNT, having lost three of the four games broadcasted by Turner Sports this season (two of them total blowouts...at home). With tonight's Nuggets/Spurs game being aired on NBATV which is now run by Turner Sports, lets hope the curse doesn't apply.

Turner Sports jinx or not, the Nuggets have no excuses not to beat the Spurs tonight. Yes, the Spurs are playing much better now than they did back in December (they've won four straight, and eight out of ten). But the Spurs managed to get themselves into an exhausting overtime dogfight in Oakland against the Warriors last night, which saw them overcome a 12-point deficit with nine minutes to play. Meanwhile, the Nuggets haven't played since Friday.

Oh, and lest I forget that that only two games separates Denver and San Antonio for second place in the Western Conference. So tonight's game is quite important for an assortment of reasons.

Go Nuggets!!

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Comments

Is it me or have the Spurs won more games by 5 points or less than any team this season?

If this is the no excuse game, lets hope Carmelo is 100% healthy to put up a big game because we'll need it.

by The Lark on Feb 3, 2009 2:21 PM MST reply actions

The Lark, You must read the Rocky since todays nuggets article basically gave all the stats about how awesome the spurs are in 3 point and 5 point games.

This will prove to be a good game. I'll be there. Go Nuggets!

by Ryan in Aurora on Feb 3, 2009 2:31 PM MST reply actions

Huge game tonight, Melo has to be big on the glass and in the scoring column; CB needs to shoot well and most importantly, Nene and KMart need to do a good job on Timmy. This one sets up as about as winnable as a game against the Spurs can be with the rest, the OT last night for SAS, the home court advantage etc...
Especially now that CP is hurt these two teams are battling for that 2nd spot in the west and (hopefully) home court in round 2 - getting this game tonight would really help.
Also, this is the last night the Nuggs are at home for the next 20 days with the 3 home games to close the month against Boston, Atl and LAL. Huge game, Go Nuggs

by Eric B on Feb 3, 2009 3:48 PM MST reply actions

The Spurs are the measuring stick in the West. Consistant. Well coached. Experienced. Everything the nugs have never been. But this nugget team has improved a lot in these areas(except coaching). We have to truly outplay the Spurs to win, because we wont outcoach them. But at home, with the Spurs a little tired, tonights the night to take it to them. Id like to see Chauncey, JR, Melo, Kmart and Nene play together for more than 5 minutes tonight. Go Nugs.

by go nugs on Feb 3, 2009 4:17 PM MST reply actions

The Nuggets will struggle to make this one look respectable. CB will end up forcing 3s and Melo will shoot around 30% and mostly mid-range jumpers. Spurs by 14.

by E on Feb 3, 2009 5:18 PM MST reply actions

I'm going tonight. I can't stand the Spurs. Even my wife hates 'em. Too bad for her that I resemble the mini-me version of Ginobli. Marriage counseling, here we come...

On another note, is it just me or does it look like Carmelo Anthony is slowly falling apart this season? Between the hand brace and the ice packs on his elbows he looks like a mummy. Hope he gets some rest over the All-Star break.

GO NUGGETS!

by Do We Have Any Plays? on Feb 3, 2009 5:18 PM MST reply actions

First....this game isnt on NBA Tv...or it better not be, or atleast not blacked out.

Second, I got a problem with everyone saying this is a measuring stick. The excuses are already built in for the the Spurs, (back to back, late games, on the road, in denver, while denver is resting) So it is unfair to say going into the game that it is a measuring stick and then right after say "how the spurs were 100%"

Thats what everyone is doing (dpost, stiffs, hoopsworld, espn). They are hyping this game up and yet when the nuggets take care of business tonight they will have an excuse on why the nuggets won.

by danjustin on Feb 3, 2009 5:23 PM MST reply actions

hey danjustin...

ummm...didn't you read the title of this post that said the nuggets have "no excuses"? :)

by maxie miner on Feb 3, 2009 5:50 PM MST reply actions

the game is on NBA TV if you don't live in denver where its blacked out......

by dj high fade on Feb 3, 2009 5:54 PM MST reply actions

This is always a tough matchup for Denver. I'd say keys tonight are:

1) Will Bowen get into Melo's head yet again?
2) Will Nene get into early foul trouble against Duncan? Nene has no hope of shutting Duncan down, but the Nuggets are better off if Duncan has to play defense against Nene.

Here's hoping it is a great game.

by JTR on Feb 3, 2009 6:04 PM MST reply actions

Yeah, I got tickets tonight too; nosebleed section. I think this is a big game for the Nuggets but the Spurs could care less. The Spurs are going to go out there and do business like they have been doing for the last decade, and whether win or not they know this game really doesn't mean much in the grand scheme of things, but they will still probably beat us. I originally started off hating the Spurs mostly because they kept my second favorite team, the Suns, from appearing in the Finals more than once. But now I look at them differently. I respect them more than any team in the league. Who would have ever thought Tony Parker (drafted 28th) and Manu Ginobli (drafted 59th) would become as relevant as they have? Contributing to title after title, making All Star teams, setting records, ect, these guys are just some of the best in the league and honestly I don't think they would be there if it weren't for the Spurs organization and Pop, who by the way is a lot better coach than Phil Jackson. So, no longer am I jealous, or full of envy towards the Spurs but have come to appreciate their greatness. Still, I would love for us to beat them down tonight!

by Goldennugget on Feb 3, 2009 6:08 PM MST reply actions

Maxie thats the whole point. Everyone says this is a no excuse game...so after the game, there better not be any excuses.

I can just see it now where the daily dime on ESPN tomorrow doesnt make a mention of the game because the spurs were tired.

by danjustin on Feb 3, 2009 6:34 PM MST reply actions

So much for that no excuse game....

by danjustin on Feb 3, 2009 7:41 PM MST reply actions

Popovich is a genius.

by Anonymous on Feb 3, 2009 7:52 PM MST reply actions

Spurs punting this one. So much for no excuses.

by Anonymous on Feb 3, 2009 8:07 PM MST reply actions

Poppovich is a coward. No really, he is. I had my suspicions when he adopted the infinitely bush league hack-a-shaq maneuver in the playoffs last year, but this inks it. The man has no spine.

by Son Of Sampson on Feb 3, 2009 8:11 PM MST reply actions

What the F!? No Duncan, Parker, or Manu? This is like a slap in the face. The Spurs swagger must be off the charts, to sit Duncan and Parker "Just to rest them". It's insulting to say the very least. That's some shit you pull in the last three games of the season after you've locked a playoff berth. Anyway, the Nuggs have no excuses to drop this one, and at half time it doesn't look like they will. Let's just hope CB is alright.

by joelsopinion on Feb 3, 2009 8:36 PM MST reply actions

What's up with all the Spur love going on in these comments?

I don't care what the Spurs accomplish I can't stand them. I've never liked them. I can't put my finger on it I just can't stand the organization.

by joelsopinion on Feb 3, 2009 8:41 PM MST reply actions

There's JR! I got worried after he went "missing".

by Anonymous on Feb 3, 2009 9:08 PM MST reply actions

just catching the last 5 min on espn cast, why is AC at 38 min? is CB hurt? say it ain't so

by AN from Dubai on Feb 3, 2009 9:29 PM MST reply actions

Wow, I was sitting there when they were announcing the starting lineups and after they announced both I didn't even think anything of it til I realised what they actually were. For the Spurs no Duncan, Parker or Manu and for the Nuggets JR and Balkman starting? What? First off, is K-Mart hurt? Secondly, why would you not play the Spurs big 3 at all? I think I have an idea. My theory is that Pop knew we were a running/high scoring team and after coming off an exhausting battle with the Warriors he knew his players would have to go through the exact same thing. I read these comments saying it was a slap in the face but I actually took it as a compliment. I looked at it like Pop was more waiving the white flag aknowleging we wouldn't be easy to beat so he just decided to drop a game. Still, it wasn't smart either way. That was a game the Sprus could have won even with Duncan, Parker and Manu seeing very limited time. As for the rest of the game. What happened to Chauncy? I didn't see him get hurt but his backup had a hell of a game, and sunk some great shots (HATERS WHERE ARE U, AWAYS THERE WHEN HE HAS A BAD GAME BUT NEVER THERE TO SUPPORT HIM WHEN HE HAS A GOOD ONE, HATERS!!!). Nice to see Melo score a bit and really nice to see JR playing so well lately. I have a question though, what happened to Melo's infamous jab-step? That thing was mean, I haven't seen him use it in forever. Anyways, good win overall. Oh, and Birdman really set the tone early on, he is becoming one of my favorite players in the league to watch, not just on our team, but in the entire league.

by Goldennugget on Feb 3, 2009 10:32 PM MST reply actions

Popp didn't play his the big three because one - Manu's bitch-ass was hurt and two - he did it as a protest to the league for scheduling a back to back with the first game being on the West Coast and the second being somewhere other than the West Coast. Popp is such a cry baby, just like all the players on his team.

by Anonymous on Feb 3, 2009 10:42 PM MST reply actions

by Anonymous on Feb 3, 2009 10:43 PM MST reply actions

I wouldn't complain about Melo's minutes tonight. If anything it was advantageous to him and the Nugs. Melo has been out for a month. This game along w/ the game against Charlotte were adequate warm up/confidence builder games for Melo w/ the healing finger.

by Anonymous on Feb 3, 2009 10:56 PM MST reply actions

I didn't know that having 7 turnovers was having a good game. AC sucks period.

by Anonymous on Feb 4, 2009 9:50 AM MST reply actions

Terrible win... just Terrible!

by Eric K on Feb 4, 2009 11:23 AM MST reply actions

ophanYeah, kind of a crappy game. Unless star players are actually hurt they should have to play. I didn't pay to watch the San Antonio Scrubs.

Ok, I'm really not that mad, because I can't stand Duncan, Parker and Ginobli. But it's the principle. Pop is "protesting"?! Screw you, bud. I gotta work everyday, too. I don't hold back my best staff because I'm upset about something. That's not fair to the customers (in this case, us).

The Suns did the same thing with Shaq a few weeks back, and it really cheats the fans and our experience going to the game. If I were watching last nights game on TV I could have, and would have, turned it off.

These coaches need to remember that they are in the entertainment industry. We're paying good money to see these people play. Grow up, you idiots.

/rant

Now, about last night's game...

AC played like a bonehead, JR couldn't buy a shot, and I missed the only exciting part of the game (end of the first quarter, I think?) because I was waiting in line for food. Gah!

Oh well. Next game I go to is the Celtics. Hopefully that one will be better.

Good luck on the road, Nugs! I'll be watching, with remote in hand...

by Do We Have Any Plays? on Feb 4, 2009 11:52 AM MST reply actions

You ask and you shall receive,
Goldennugget, the nenown guru of basketball.
As I quote from Tom Petty in reference to your Boy Wonder. "Even the losers get lucky some time." Then theres another saying about even a blind squirrel finds a nut once in awhile. It looks as though some one got on his ass for not shooting the ball. Something a roll player should do anyways.
In your nose bleed seat did you see the back up turn over the ball seven times? To me he negated his assists. Whole different game when the Spurs play their starters.

by samiam on Feb 4, 2009 5:17 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.