George Karl gives us the quote of the year (Nuggets/Knicks Recap)...

by Andrew Feinstein on Mar 31, 2009 11:19 PM MDT

Nuggets/Knicks Recap...

After (sort of, barely) beating the Knicks at Pepsi Center tonight, giving the Nuggets their best record through 75 games in franchise history, Nuggets' head coach George Karl gave us the quote of the year. When asked about the petition www.bringbackbirdman.com, Karl responded: "It's better than firegeorgekarl.com, I know that." Well played, sir. Well played.

Before the season began, I said I'd give Karl 20 games to see if he'd back up his off-season rhetoric to "do things my way" and get tougher on our Nuggets, who had clearly run amok on Karl for several prior seasons. At the 21-game mark, with the Nuggets on pace for a franchise best 55 wins, I praised Karl for a job well done to that point. I took a fair amount of heat for that column, (and I know I sound like a broken record when I say this) but even when this site was run under a different moniker I believed that you can't blame the coach for the team's struggles and yet give him no credit when the team succeeds.

54 games later, the Nuggets are on pace to tie their franchise record with 54 wins. So even with Karl's mind-numbing misuse of timeouts, curious rotation patterns and inability to get Carmelo Anthony to stop settling for jump shots (and a lot of us freaking out when the Nuggets lost eight of 11, including five games against sub-.500 teams), he deserves a hell of a lot of credit for guiding the Nuggets into position to be the second seed in the Western Conference. In addition to beating the Knicks tonight, the big talk among fans at Pepsi Center was the Spurs losing at home to the Thunder, giving the Nuggets a half game advantage over San Antonio. But in actuality, the Nuggets are a game-and-a-half ahead of the Spurs, since we own the season series (as noted when I said the Nuggets should make Gregg Popovich pay for his arrogance last week).

I can't sign off for the night without noting my slight concern that the Nuggets gave away a 27-point lead to an exhausted, undermanned Knicks team tonight (just as they almost gave away a big lead to an undermanned Warriors team on Saturday night). But I have a long memory when it comes to Nuggets basketball, and 49-26 feels pretty damn good right now.

Nuggets/Knicks Preview...

Up until this season and ever since December 16th, 2006, a Nuggets/Knicks game meant something more than just another game on the schedule. For the uninitiated (i.e. no one who reads this blog, but you never know who drops by) that was the night former Knicks' coach Isiah Thomas sent his goons...errr players...head hunting after our Nuggets players, resulting in the second biggest brawl of the modern era after the Malice in the Palace. As the story goes, Isiah felt disrespected by Nuggets' coach George Karl for leaving the Nuggets starters on the floor in Madison Square Garden with a 119-100 lead and just one minute and 15 seconds left in the game (as an alleged get back at Isiah for firing Karl's friend Larry Brown before that season). Oh, how I wish I was blogging back then!

(On a side note, there's a rumored chance that Isiah will resurface with the Clippers. This is just too good to be true.)

But Isiah or no Isiah, the Knicks are still a garbage team on most nights. Except last night in Utah. The Knicks - that's right, these Knicks - almost beat the Jazz in Salt Lake City. After being down 24 points in the fourth quarter, the Knicks came roaring back to take the lead, before imploding down the stretch which included an Al Harrington ejection. Had the Knicks won, this would have been the ultimate win-win-win for the Nuggets: not only would Utah have lost, but the Knicks would be exhausted coming into Pepsi Center tonight and Utah would be exhausted going into Portland, ending their chances of ever catching the Nuggets. Thanks to the Knicks efforts last night, at least we got two out of the three.

Go Nuggets!!

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Comments

Two things-

1) Congrats on being the #2 seed in the conference, at least for now. There's no reason why the Nuggets shouldn't be able to finish strong, and keep this position.

2) Where the hell were JR and Anderson in the fourth, especially JR? I could be wrong, but generally you would want to use the player who basically won the game for you, and was a major energy catalyst, in clutch time. I guess GK has a double super-secret reason for not playing him in the fourth.

by Cessair on Mar 31, 2009 9:29 PM MDT reply actions

Why doesn't Andersen get more minutes?

Surely if we're worried about Nenê & Martin holding up AND we don't want to be exploited by bigger teams, more minutes for Birdman are essential.

by Julian from Australia on Mar 31, 2009 10:05 PM MDT reply actions

ESPN game notes:

There's a petition Nuggets fans are signing on bringbackbirdman.com urging the team to re-sign Chris Andersen. Coach George Karl hadn't heard of it, but said, "It's better than firegeorgekarl.com, I know that."

Classic DenverStiffs fodder.

by MJKeenan on Mar 31, 2009 10:18 PM MDT reply actions

That quote is absolutely hilarious. Congratulations to Andrew (I believe that is your name) on becoming a legitimate, highly respected, NBA blogger in a very short time.

I started reading this blog in the firegeorgekarl.com era last year. While I still agree with the original sentiment (probably more than Andrew currently does) he has masterfully reoriented this site. It is currently one of two, if not the best, Nugget's blogs out there. I have nothing but respect for your hard work, both this season and last.

by Cessair on Mar 31, 2009 10:32 PM MDT reply actions

I wonder if Karl knew it was from the same blogger? Anyways, that is priceless. The game tonight was definitely a scrappy one, I never like when we give up leads like we do but in the big picture it really doesn't matter because we almost always get the win (except Utah). It's funny the stuff I notice when we win as apposed to the stuff I do when we lose. Did anyone see JR's t-shirt when they were interviewing him after the game? Jeez, this kid I swear, it said something like "Life is better with big nuts" then had a picture of some squirrels on it. Nice to see JR is still stuck in the 7th grade mentally, as long as he is getting buckets I could care less though. And I loved Melo's Manny Ramirez impersonation when he jammed home that alley-oop then landed awkwardly and rolled like he was on fire. Man, we definitely have some personality on this team, that's for sure. Anyways, great being in the 2 spot, hopefully we can keep it, Utah is terrible on the road so there is no reason we should lose on Thursday. Go Nuggs!!!

by Goldennugget on Mar 31, 2009 11:03 PM MDT reply actions

Considering our schedule, with only two games against quality opponents (Utah here, Lakers there) we've got a decent shot of actually holding the 2 seed. Even more so when you consider the Lakers might start resting guys by the time we play them. Just have to stay focused, keep up the defensive effort and dig into that rotation to keep guys fresh.

by Denverson on Apr 1, 2009 1:45 AM MDT reply actions

Denverson, you either forgot the Blazers - who beat the Jazz last night - or you just don't like them! Last game of the season is on the road against the Blazers.

Last night, the Spurs (loss to Thunder) and Hornets (1-pt win over Kings) demonstrated that at least two of the other teams left on our schedule remain a threat, though fortunately both games against these future opponents are in the Pepsi Center.

Denver is 9-1 in the last 10 games. Is something is going to pop pretty soon?

by JTR on Apr 1, 2009 8:21 AM MDT reply actions

Andrew,
This is the perfect timing for you to get inside Karl's head. I know you have some contact that can get a message from you to him.

You need to send him an email telling him that you are the one who started both websites and then you need to explain the back story to him about changing from "fire..." to denverstiffs.com.

And while doing so, you're A) going to make a person feel VERY relieved that the Karl-based site is gone (it's clear he doesn't realize it's gone now), and you'll also have an opportunity that you need to seize to explain to him the fundamentals of this blog's current state and the obstacles we see in getting this team into the finals (rotation, pushing Melo harder, using Balk and Bird to preserve Nene and K-Mart, etc)

I think that this mental approach (for lack of a better term) gives you/us an opportunity to get inside Karl's mind with what our concerns are while making the big fella understand we're appreciative of him guiding this team into the #2 seed, regardless of how we got there.

I know personally, if there was a site devoted to bashing me, and then all the sudden, I'd done enough personally to succeed in getting the site changed, I'd feel much better about myself, and it would possibly recharge me. I think there's a shred of Karl inside himself that could open up to a whole new level of comfort and ownership of this team if you informed him of the public opinion, at least as voiced here on this site.

Good idea? I don't think it could hurt!

by Eric K on Apr 1, 2009 9:15 AM MDT reply actions

I forgot to put a "B)" in my last post.

But I still like the idea... anyone else?

It might not do a single thing, but hey it could!

Our blog doesn't really do a single thing either in terms of impact on the actual play... might as well try! And mend a fence along the way (but I'd still let him know that we the people hold our coaches accountable at all times, so don't screw up George! LOL)

by Eric K on Apr 1, 2009 9:22 AM MDT reply actions

Eric K

I agree that it couldn't hurt, but I think you're underestimating Karl's ego. He doesn't give a crap about what's in the blogosphere, and he thinks "the fan" isn't going to understand his position not matter what. He's coached way too many teams for way too long to have any sort of respect for other's views.

In my opinion it's a futile endeavor.

by MJKeenan on Apr 1, 2009 9:50 AM MDT reply actions

If the Nuggets and Karl can retain our #2 position and break a franchise record. I give him my coach of a year vote. This team has overcome adversity going from a roster cut, losing their best defensive player and beating a string of very tough teams in the wild west.

What happened in the run last night? It should be analyzed and studied. But I personally thought that Balkman was the missing link for the rebounds and hustle. It has alot to do with timing of substitution. You have to adapt and adjust accordingly, can't get too stuck on a particular plan or idea when it is not working. The good thing is that they eventually got this idea and put in the appropriate lineup. The goal now should be to have a 1) a healthy team, 2) #2 seed, 3) Keep Melo on the scoring spree, 4) Make serious planning and study and preparations for the playoff... game plan and strategy need to add a new flair, what is done in the regular season is expected.

by Anonymous on Apr 1, 2009 10:20 AM MDT reply actions

Andrew

My congratulations also on the excellent blog. I highly appreciate the solid blogging, quality research and diverse readership. Well done all the way around.

Eric K

I believe most of the readers here have taken a wait and see approach. If the Nuggets get bounced again in the first round, we will explode. If they make it past the second round, and they should, most of us will say well done George and move on to next year. The Lakers will be a very difficult out.

I agree that part of the problem last night was a lack of Rodman, err, Balkman. When we really needed some energy, as well a few extra possessions, he would have been great.

by NugzD on Apr 1, 2009 11:32 AM MDT reply actions

@ The 1st Cessair post...It looked like Bird hurt his wrist on his last block attempt maybe that's why he didn't come back in. As for JR, that was a bone headed move. Knowing Karl it was because he only went 4-9 from beyond the arc single handedly putting the game out of reach.

It's kinda weird seeing the Nuggs @ the number 2 seed. What's even more odd is that they can stay there if they want to. Of all the teams in the west (LA & Dallas aside) that the Nuggs could face in the 1st and 2nd round I'd like to see them get Portland in the 1st and Houston in the 2nd. We match up well against both teams and could beat both in a series.
What do you think?

Eric K, I wouldn't waste any time or breath talking to Karl. He may not read the blog but I'm sure certain members of the team and staff do. (I'm assuming so because I would) I also think he knows the site is no longer FireGK. What's more, he knows that if he can't produce a 2nd round playoff appearance or better, he's ass will be forgotten toast...BURNT!
So I'm sure he's ready to take this team as far as the team will let him.

by joelsopinion on Apr 1, 2009 12:52 PM MDT reply actions

Ok gang... maybe it's futile. I agree that it won't matter if we get bounced early because he should be gone if so. But the "nobody believed in us" card is a very strong one to play, and I hope it hasn't worn thin on the team yet because now it's going to be most important to drive that home heading into the playoffs.

And to the anonymous regarding Karl and COTY candidacy: You just mentioned the befuddling rotation issues many have spoke of last night yet you want to say he's COTY? I would give him strong consideration, but I think you have to look at McMillan in POR pretty hard too, although we own them. Also I don't think (IMO) that you can accomplish points #1 and #2 in your list of what we need to do to close out the season. We can't rest guys and expect to hold onto the #2 seed with so few games separating the 2 and the 8 seeds.

I think if there were an organization of the year category, we should hands down win it. The Chauncey trade was the best deal in the NBA over the last few years I would venture, and the dumping of Camby and signing of Birdman was a godsend. Everything has worked out as well as it possibly could have in the virtual poker game that is the role of the GM, aka the Nuggets Troika.

PS, Andrew noticed, but any of you click on the link in his article? The quote about FGK.com has been removed. Hmmm.. there's a rat amongst us!!!

by Eric K on Apr 1, 2009 2:35 PM MDT reply actions

Eric K - your last post

I think the "goal" or hope is that the Nugs can get the #2 seed and stay healthy in the last 7 games, not that to be healthy they will sit people duirng the home stetch of games.

Go Nugs!

by Anonymous on Apr 1, 2009 5:35 PM MDT reply actions

I so hope we hold on to the #2 spot and advance... Hey Pop, tell me how my @ss Tastes!!!!!!

by my2cents on Apr 1, 2009 8:45 PM MDT reply actions

I admit that the coach of the year award vote would be premature until the Nuggets can retain the #2 seed and depending on how deep they go in the playoffs.

Otherwise I agree that it is the organization of the year.

I think if Carl and rest his starters more by using the bench more the team can be healthier....

by Anonymous on Apr 1, 2009 9:22 PM 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.