Looking for the silver lining inside this split...

by Andrew Feinstein on May 11, 2009 11:18 PM MDT

Nuggets/Mavericks Game 4 Recap...

Before this series began, I caught a quote from George Karl on the radio saying something along the lines of if Dirk Nowitzki can be held to 25 points, the Nuggets will win. But if they allow Nowitzki to go for 35 to 40 or more, they're in trouble. And even with Carmelo Anthony delivering his finest playoff performance ever - on both ends of the floor - it wasn't enough to overcome Nowitzki's 44-point outburst, due in part to Nowitzki's incredible effort combined with Kenyon Martin and Nene being in foul trouble, and the devastating absence of Chris "Birdman" Andersen.

(Before I forget, how could TNT not show the replay of Nowitzki's final shot in which K-Mart appeared to not foul him in real time, but a foul was called nonetheless? Was that not the biggest shot of the game?! Am I missing something here? Until I see a slow motion replay from two different angles on that shot, I'll have to believe it wasn't a foul. Welcome to the Stiff List, TNT.)

As noted in the Game 4 preview below, the Mavericks "squeaky wheel" shtick of working the refs all series long finally worked in their favor tonight and the only way for the Nuggets to overcome it would have been a thorough knockout punch. But Denver Stiffs won't blame the refs for this loss. The Nuggets shot 44 free throws (and missed 12 of them) compared to 43 (seven missed) for the Mavericks, and the Mavericks were handed four technical fouls compared to three for our Nuggets. The refs didn't decide the outcome. The bottom line is that whenever you give up 119 points in a playoff game and miss 12 free throws, chances are you'll be on the losing end.

That being said, I see several positives in tonight's loss...

...Melo is evolving into a cold-blooded, clutch shooter and is finally getting respect from the refs (as noted when Antoine Wright tried in vain to win the Academy Award for Worst Supporting Flopper late in the fourth quarter).

...Losses like these will make the Nuggets even better the next time they're faced with a close game.

...The Nuggets effort and energy remains at the same high level nine games into the playoffs. That's pretty impressive.

...Had the Nuggets won tonight, they would have faced a minimum of five and a maximum of seven days layoff depending on what happens with the Rockets/Lakers series. Now they won't be as rusty going into the Western Conference Finals IF they win on Wednesday.

...Shorthanded with Andersen's absence and the foul trouble affecting Nene and K-Mart, the Nuggets still only lost by two points.

...Between the two hard fought games in Dallas, the alleged classlessness by the Dallas fans in the stands (see more on that below) and the whole Mark Cuban vs. K-Mart fiasco, I expect the Nuggets to be even angrier and hungrier to close out this series on Wednesday.

...For once, Denver Stiffs' prediction of a 4-1 Nuggets series victory will be dead on.

As my friend Keith said in a text message to me tonight: "Pretend the Mavs won Game 1 and we just won three."

Will do. See you all on Wednesday night!

On a side note, I was watching the TNT broadcast and they didn't do a good job of articulating what exactly was happening in the stands between Mavericks "fans" and K-Mart's mom, Melo's girlfriend and other members of the Nuggets family and friends. Melo was asked about it repeatedly in his post-game press conference, as was Karl who said he'd use an even uglier word than "hostile" to describe how the Mavericks "fans" treated the members of the Nuggets contingency. If anyone has any insight into what was going on there, please send in your comments.

Nuggets/Mavericks Game 4 Preview...

At some point in NBA history a team will overcome a 3-0 playoff series deficit and win the series. But these Mavericks aren't the team to do it. In fact, these Mavericks don't even have a chance to tie the series up at three games apiece, something that's only been done three times prior in NBA history.

Interestingly, the two franchises duking it out tonight were involved in two of those 3-3-tie-after-the-3-0 deficit scenarios. Most recently, the 2002-03 Dallas Mavericks were up 3-0 against the Portland Trailblazers in that season's playoffs, were smoked in two of the next three games at Portland and then clobbered the Blazers in Game 7 at Dallas.

More famously, the 1993-94 Denver Nuggets - after pulling off the greatest upset in NBA Playoff history by defeating the 1st-seeded Seattle Supersonics in Round 1 - almost topped themselves by climbing back from the 3-0 abyss to tie the Utah Jazz in Round 2. Those three Denver wins were much closer than the Blazers victories over the Mavericks, however. In that 1994 Round 2, the Nuggets won Game 4 by a point, Game 5 by eight in the second overtime and Game 6 by three. What should have been the greatest Cinderella run in NBA history ended in Game 7 at Utah when the Jazz handily beat the Nuggets by 10.

But these Mavericks aren't Cinderellas nor is anyone outside of Dallas rooting for them. That's what happens when your owner (and yes, I've admitted to being a Mark Cuban fan in the past but he's been way out of line in this series) is totally out of control, your coach blames the refs rather than give credit to his opposition and you give away winnable home games. Cuban and Rick Carlisle can complain all they want, but they did get 49 free throw attempts on Saturday night. And it wasn't referee Mark Wunderlich's fault that Carlisle's defense parted like the Red Sea for Carmelo Anthony's dunk with only 30 seconds remaining.

My concern going into tonight is that Game 3's controversial ending will cast a shadow over Game 4. Meaning, I see the refs being even tougher on the Nuggets than they were in Game 3 and being quite lenient with the Mavericks. When it comes to working the refs (an unfortunate part of basketball), the Mavericks have definitely been the "squeakier wheel" throughout this series.

What that means for George Karl and the Nuggets is that they need to treat playing the Mavericks like playing the Lakers - i.e. the refs will do them no favors, so it's best to accept that fact, not allow it to affect their play and deliver an overwhelming knockout punch. Anything short of a K.O. and I see this series coming back to Denver for a closeout Game 5.

GO NUGGETS!!

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Comments

Nuggets fans, we need to start preparing ourselves for getting stiffed. If the Lakers take care of the Rockets then Stern and the NBA will want nothing less than a Kobe-LeBron Final that will guarantee huge ratings. The League already tried to stiff the Nuggets in Game 3, then they made that hideous statement that took some of the shine of the Nugs win. The League still has the perception of the Nuggets as "thugs," and they will make sure Kobe gets his star treatment and Melo gets no calls.

by ballwarriorz on May 11, 2009 10:56 AM MDT reply actions

I do not think the refs will give the Mavs even more leniency tonight. In fact, I think the refs and the league will be glad to rid itself of Cuban and Carlisle and the associated headaches. The refs will be like "Dallas, you had your chance and instead of winning, you crapped all over us on a mistake that had as much to do with your lack of execution as it did our swallowing the whistle. C-ya."

by magster on May 11, 2009 11:20 AM MDT reply actions

Two repeat comments, but worth mentioning again:

1) If you haven't see this ESPN article about Chauncey's career check it:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups

2) I want to see more of Nene and Andersen on the court together. I know our starting lineup is set, but the Nuggets best minutes this postseason have been with those two together. Having two bigs keeps either from getting too much low-post foul trouble AND we'll definitely need them together against the Lakers.

Here's to messing with Texas!

by Brosephus Maxiumus on May 11, 2009 11:29 AM MDT reply actions

Although I would absolutely love for the Nuggets to sweep the Mavs, I have three reasons why I wouldn't mind seeing the Nuggets wrap up the series in Game 5 back in Denver:

1) I want Kroenke to make more $$$. I am of the opinion that he makes a million or two (could be more) every time the Nuggets host a home playoff game. With each million he makes, I think he becomes more likely to resign the player we want him to (Bird) and maybe even sign an additional player to help our cause. Personal theory here...

2) With the Lakers/Houston series going to a minimum of six games (to be played Thursday with a potential game 7 played on Sunday), I could see the Nuggets WCF series starting as late as Sunday or even next Tuesday. Not that this is like the Rockies rest before the WS, but a week long rest could cause some rust.

3) I have tickets to the game. Not mordecai type tickets, nor Andrew type tickets. They are top row tickets, but tickets nonetheless.

All of that said, I would still love it if the Nuggets just stomp the Mavs and blow them out by 90.

by Bee on May 11, 2009 11:44 AM MDT reply actions

I agree ... the Nene-Birdman combination is deadly (Well ... assuming Nene doesn't shoot 20% and Bird doesn't foul out in 11 mins - which is not happening AGAIN this year, anyway).

I'm all for the starting 5 to remain the same. But, first sub should be Bird for K-Mart ... followed by JR for Dahntay.

We'll definitely need both these 2, to have a huge series against the lakers.

Come on Nuggets!!!

by zaf on May 11, 2009 11:48 AM MDT reply actions

to bee:
LOL- Mordecai type tickets, I literally laughed out loud at work. K-Mart's mom is usually hanging with the guys in front of us, so if she is there Wednesday I hope to see some fireworks. Although I doubt there will be a game on Wednesday. Keep in mind I had to sit through the under 20 win seasons as well.

Mordecai

by Anonymous on May 11, 2009 12:01 PM MDT reply actions

Mordecai - Enjoy your tickets! They are awesome. And I have no doubt that you suffered through some nasty losses and bad years...

Just take a picture if Kmart's mom drops Cuban.

by Bee on May 11, 2009 12:07 PM MDT reply actions

Turns out, they have made the Melo shot into a commercial.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hy4Svsx-Bzg

Check it out.

by KarlSucks on May 11, 2009 12:22 PM MDT reply actions

Going to ESPN Zone tonight to watch the game. Shld be fun! Frankly I too was a Cuban Fan. Might still be, but I doubt he cares either way.

My guess is a sweep. The Mavs know they are done and know that since there was no foul in the first place that their outburst simply made them look even worse.

I love the fact that the Refs are sticking to their call... er' no call and that the NBA's announcement of a missed call is simply their opinion. Good for them. On a good night only half the arena hates the Refs guts.

Going to buy a broom...

by Vicki's Husband on May 11, 2009 12:26 PM MDT reply actions

Bee - no no no no no no no no no no no! I mean, I had exactly the same thoughts you had about $$$ for the Nuggets (particularly in this economy) and the fact that we don't want to get too much rust, PLUS the idea that it would be amazing to wrap up a series in front of the great fans, but when you have a team down you have to STEP ON THEIR THROAT! Make them think that it would be much nicer to enjoy their millions on a beach somewhere than to have to play one more minute of basketball against you.

Let's close 'em out TONIGHT!

by jakester on May 11, 2009 12:26 PM MDT reply actions

I love the nugs as much as anyone, but let's face it. We got a great draw with the Hornets and then the Mavs. The only way it could've been easier is if we were in the east. But we have virtually no shot agains the Lakers, the Yao-less Rockets, and even moreso against the likely east winners, the Cavs. Let's not kid ourselves guys. It was a fun year though.

by Melo911 on May 11, 2009 12:39 PM MDT reply actions

This is from the ESPN "Outside the Lines" story today on ESPN.COM.

Talking about Chauncey's first game back in Denver this year after the trade:

"With 2:54 left in the fourth quarter, the Nuggets are clinging to a 99-98 lead, when the ball goes out of bounds to the Nuggets underneath their own basket. Chauncey's fear is realized. The team has no out-of-bounds play. Karl just wants them to improvise, to use their basketball instincts, but Chauncey can't live that way. So he calls time.

In the huddle, they're all stumped. Smith tells Anthony: "He just got here, and he's calling timeouts?" But Chauncey waves them close and starts in: "Look, George, I need you to draw me up an out-of-bounds play, man, to get the ball in. Because if we don't and we turn the ball over and lose this game because we didn't have something, that just won't sit well with me."

LOLOLOLOLOL

This proves that Karl has been bailed out by Chauncey. They had no out of bounds plays? Chauncey instructed Karl what to do? Ohhhhhhhh, this is great.

Go Nuggets!!! SWEEP!

by Kaley on May 11, 2009 12:51 PM MDT reply actions

Mike Brown,

Please mail your Coach of the Year trophy to:

Chauncey Billups
1000 Chopper Circle
Denver, CO 80204

by Kaley on May 11, 2009 12:53 PM MDT reply actions

thanks Brosephus Maxiumus for that great article link, being from denver cherry creek high and cu boulder all at the same times of cb. i always followed his career, all being i hated him in highschool (rival schools). that article had some great insights into how he became the leader he is today.

go nuggs

by an from dubai on May 11, 2009 1:14 PM MDT reply actions

LOL. That video is hysterical. The only thing funnier is that Chauncey quote.

Well, maybe scary would be the correct word here.

I think Chauncey will have a good post-player career with the Nuggets organization.

by Do We Have Any Plays? on May 11, 2009 1:17 PM MDT reply actions

jakester - let's just crush them then, eh? I'll feel better about it too.

Melo911 - I'm not going to disagree with you about the Lakers necessarily - my measure of success (at this point) would be to push that series to 6 games. If they come out uninspired against the Rockets one more time, I give us a chance at winning that series too though.

But to say that we have no shot against the Yao-less Rockets?! You can't be serious? Lets review our season series against them..

11/30/2008 @ Denver
Nuggets 104 Rockets 94
We won by 10 even when the lead to the recap story was:

"Carmelo Anthony's right elbow was so sore, he couldn't shoot, pass or dribble. Heck, he couldn't even lift his toddler son, Kiyan, after the game."

12/16/2008 @ Houston
Houston 108 Denver 96

We had a 7 point lead in the 3rd quarter before letting this one get away. And TMac had a triple double. That won't be happening again.

1/19/2009 @ Houston
Houston 115 Denver 113

Denver should have won this game. Remember that bogus charge call against LK? And Kmart still had a chance to tie it up but missed two FTs with 2.6 seconds left.

3/9/2009 @ Denver
Houston 97 Denver 95

We played TERRIBLE this game, and still almost won it.

So, yeah, Houston won the season series 3 - 1. We were 4 points from taking it 3 - 1 ourselves though. And what would those outcomes have been without Yao??

So, I don't feel for a second like "I'm kidding myself" by thinking we'd beat the Rockets, especially with home court advantage. Heck, we might even school them in 5 games.

[But, we're going to be playing the Lakers anyway.]

by Bee on May 11, 2009 1:28 PM MDT reply actions

I don't care who you are, you do not want your last home game of the saeason to be a series ending loss. Better to lose on the road. I fully exepct the Mavericks to come out with a chip on their shoulder and an aggressive posture.

1. We need to weather the first 8 minutes as we did on Saturday.

2. Continue to go to the rack.

3. Make our free throws.

The rest is just playing like we have been playing.

In regards to Nene and Birdman on the floor together; the problem with that is you cannot tire out both of your big men at the same time. I say give Petro a few minutes on Dampier. What's Dampier going to do, go off for 6 points?

BTW, I think JR unleashes a monster scoring binge tonight.

GO NUGGETS!!!!

by My3Cents on May 11, 2009 1:49 PM MDT reply actions

Reading that OTL story just confirms what I've thought all along. Karl is still doing nothing. He even admits in the article that he would have been fired if Billups wasn't here. I say we start another petition along with the Birdman Petition. For next season, the Nuggets should fire Karl and make Chauncey the first player/coach in a long time. Plus, getting rid of Karl could save some money to be spent on players, and Billups could retire to head coach when he is ready.

How much better will this team be next year with a full offseason of coaching and actuall plays from Billups?

Oh, and they definitely have a good chance to beat the Lakers. Anybody who thinks the Nuggets aren't better than the Rockets right now is crazy. It helps that Bynum is playing like Petro.

by KarlSucks on May 11, 2009 1:49 PM MDT reply actions

Great story on Chauncey Billups -

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups.

by grantarchy on May 11, 2009 1:54 PM MDT reply actions

Sorry, no period on that:

http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/eticket/story?page=090511/billups

by grantarchy on May 11, 2009 2:00 PM MDT reply actions

get ur broom out.
nugs gon sweep.

by Keith Hartigan on May 11, 2009 2:46 PM MDT reply actions

Forget the brooms. Bring the Dyson. The Nuggets will make short work of the Mavs. I think this thing will be over by mid 3rd. I think every ref in the league looked at that foul no call and is thinking "F*** that we did the right thing!" They will not be on the Mavs side tonight. I think they'll call it down the middle.

Great article Brosephus Maximus. Greater screen name though.

Go Nuggets!

by Joelsopinion on May 11, 2009 3:37 PM MDT reply actions

I like the Nene/Birdman combo. I still think that if we can get a big man in the off season we'll be in good shape. They have to be able to play with their back to the basket. Move Nene to the 4 spot; he's not tall enough to be a true center, and we have no system in place to really take advantage of his athleticism.

Why didn't Balkman play in the last game, when everyone was in foul trouble. Heck, at the very least he's 6 fouls you can give. But he would bring so much more than that. He must really be in the doghouse with Karl.

Looking forward to the game tonight. It's gonna be nasty!

GO NUGGETS!

by Do We Have Any Plays? on May 11, 2009 4:52 PM MDT reply actions

Thanks Kaley for the conformation that I've been trying to get through to Nuggets nation. It isn't GK who's coaching this team. He should pay for the seats he and AC have.
Kaley you are a Doll. I wish you many, many more birthdays.

by SamIam on May 11, 2009 7:21 PM MDT reply actions

Steve Javie is still a world class asshole. No surprise there. So Dirk shoots. One Mississippi, 2 mississippi, looks like a miss, better call a foul. What a bunch of crap. I am not too upset, because now we can win at home. But is just sad that he still hates Denver, or continues to do the Leagues bidding. Honestly, no big deal, as I knew Steve Javie would do something to screw up the game as soon as I saw his name on the screen. He is to Denver like Joey Crawford is to Tim Duncan and the Spurs. The worst part is, TNT would not even replay that crap call, because they knew it was beyond crappy, and there has already been too much criticism of the NBA in this series.

Mordecai

by Anonymous on May 11, 2009 10:57 PM MDT reply actions

I'm glad this is the first time I can really complain about Karl so far this playoffs, but he was atrocious. No new criticisms, just terrible timeout use, and some bizarre lineups. I can kind of understand some reasoning behind a couple small lineups we played. However, there had to have been a way to use Balkman or Petro, that would have been more effective than a 3 guard lineup + Kleiza/Kenyon.

Oh, and I'm glad that every call went against the Nuggets in the late stage of the game. Should highlight how helpful the refs have really been to the Mavs in the last two games, and how the "noncall" was actually fairly inconsequential.

by Cessair on May 11, 2009 11:17 PM MDT reply actions

I have been saying this for a long, long time. You ALWAYS know a true phantom call when the replay gets ignored. I am not a big conspiracy theory guy, I think it's just plain stupid to tell you the truth, but the NBA has been caught cheating so there is no way to say they are clean, therefor calls like tonight issue criticism. I just watched it on SC too, same thing, yet they skip the entire play all together and just go straight to Melo's shot.

Not much I really took away from the game though, as always, there are a few things I want to mention. First, lineups are terrible. There is no way you can expect to win a tightly fought game with Kleiza and Carter getting as much time as they did when you have a guy like Balkman on the bench. Obviously free throws were terrible, but not much to look into there. The other thing I wanted to mention was K-Marts game. I think K-Mart is a great guy, but when someone says something about your Mom, shit, personally I would have not only got in Cubans face before the game, but I would have made it my mission to play the best game of my life the following night. With K-Mart talking before the game about how he was going to say something to Cuban I expected a huge game from him. Yet all he did was curse as Cuban would have done as he was walking into the tunnel after we lost.

Oh well, sucks is wasn't' a sweep, but hopefully I can score some tickets for game 5. Go Nugs!

by Goldennugget on May 12, 2009 12:27 AM MDT reply actions

All I have to say is that AC was not unfairly derided. He is the weakest link. Just because he had ONE good game in ten years we unfaily derided him. He shouldn't even be a back up. And to use him in any rotation is STUPID.
GK to be Coach of the year is as STUPID.
With Chris Anderson being out, and the depth of our bench it is unacceptable that GK says his only disappointment is that we lost on the defensive end. USE YOUR BENCH DUMB ASS. DJ's outplays AC all day and night. What's with this idiot playing the low life piece of dump?
Winnable game, lost because of stupidity.
Fire George Karl tomorrow.

DJ has played exceptional.
There are so many WHY's as to the

by SamIam on May 12, 2009 1:27 AM MDT reply actions

I assume I am preaching to the choir, since I highly doubt anyone reading this blog would be especially uncouth, but Denver fans definitely need to be on their best behavior the next game. There will be ample opportunity to retaliate against Mavs fans and their loved ones. However, it is imperative that we show some class.

However unfairly, the Nuggets and their fans have been derided as classless Thugs (which is laughable, compared to the "dirty" play of almost every team left in the playoffs). Remembering the incident in Denver with the Hornets (which I'm still not sure exactly what happened; something to do with an object thrown at the Hornet's bench or possibly a Nuggets' player) it is vital that the Denver fans comport themselves well. You wouldn't want to make a team of "Thugs" look worse, do you.

by Cessair on May 12, 2009 3:52 AM MDT reply actions

It's great to see the Mavs show some serious heart. Carmelo is raising his game to another level this playoffs. He and Lebron are doing more for their reputations than any other stars during the postseason.

Ryan

by Attract Prosperity on May 12, 2009 7:49 AM MDT reply actions

My thoughts:

1) I thought Kleiza sucked. In a few minute span he gave Nowitzki a 3 point play, got a T, then fouled a jump shooter a play or two later. Kleiza gave up 6 points on these two plays. However, his +/- was the best on the team. I still haven't figured that out.

2) AC was burned by JJ several times which changed the momentum of the game. Nene could not block JJ's shots; however, BIRDMAN would have if he would have been in there.

3) Karl never calls timeouts and yet when we needed 1 at the end, we didn't have it. I am not sure what happened there.

4) No replay on the Dirk shot? I know it shouldn't have come down that one call, but it sucks. Oh well, we are a better team and will win in the long run.

5) Mav fan, did you see my comment in section 3 of this post? One play does not affect the outcome of the game. I know we are better than you and it sucks you have to come back to the Mile High City. I am happy to see Kroenke is going to make some $ on Wednesday. I am calling Wednesday's game, the "Use my $270 to Help Pay Birdman Game." Also, you can use my Nacho and Beer money.

6) Cuban, your apology is a joke. Use more than your money for a change. Instead of buying all this stuff for the families, why don't you go up to K Mom yourself and apologize to her face. I think that might mean more than being a coward and apologizing on a blog. Coward. Also, I won't boo you on the Jumbo tron on Wednesday because your ass isn't worth my time.

7) Andrew, I will be listening to you today, good luck.

8) I feel so much better now that I have had a chance to vent.

Go Nuggets - End this **** in 5!

by Kaley on May 12, 2009 7:55 AM MDT reply actions

I guess Cuban won't be at game 5. Good.

by Kaley on May 12, 2009 8:07 AM MDT reply actions

TNT bullshit. NBA bullshit.

Well what can you expect from a money grubbing whore of a company, and a city full of back-water cousin marrying, dog humping, shit kicking hicks?

That's not saying the Nuggets played partcularly well either, just everything on top of a game played poorly throughout 48 minutes. Melo was brilliant and played like a champ. DJ had some good moments, and JR and Smooth were kinda clutch at times. But all around bad defense and bad support from the supporting cast. Nene didn't have a dunk until midway through the 4th and K-Mart what a ghost most of the game.

And here comes the beating of the dead horse. Why the hell were AC and LK logging some many minutes at the same time? You don't put the 2 weakest members of a team on the floor unsupervised for extended minutes, unless you're winning by a large margin. Not when you're clinging to a 3 point lead throughout the 4th quarter.

Oh well at least we have a game to watch on Wednesday now. Which is good otherwise I'd have to get a life.

by Joelsopinion on May 12, 2009 8:17 AM MDT reply actions

1) Am I the only one who thinks that Carmelo's losing his cool in the first half was a game killer, maybe even the game killer? We were cruising along, then all of a sudden the play is stopped for 5-10 minutes, Dallas is energized and pissed off, and they cut the gap. That seemed to put wind in Dallas' sails on what looked to be a blowout. I think if not for that, we probably would have scored 70-75 points in the first half the way we were going.

2) I was less concerned about George Karl's rotation and more irritated that he didn't call timeouts at some key moments just to tell the players to keep their cool during periods when they were obviously losing it. I understand his philosophy of letting players play through rough spots, but it seems that there were some times when they needed some calming down. I would love to know what Billups really thinks about Karl.

3) Kleiza has seriously regressed. I mean, I knew he was having a bad year, but he's seriously worthless out there, especially on Defense. If you watch him on D, it's a lackluster effort, he barely puts up a fight. He also looks out of shape and slow, and seems to lose his man frequently. I think he is the weakest link and that's why he's been riding the pine.

4) I think people are wrong about Anthony Carter. He is a team player, he hustles, and even though he might not shoot 50% from the floor he brings some intangibles. I think he is a good fit with this team, in that he has good character and a desire to win and play team ball. In short, the little dude has heart.

by grantarchy on May 12, 2009 8:39 AM MDT reply actions

Good post Andrew. I'll be listening this morning.

I DVR all of the games and replay a lot of footage when I watch (one reason why my wife just cannot watch a game with me at home).

I replayed the phanton call 5 or 6times. There was no body contact at all. It is not possible to tell, with the one angle I have, if KMart grazed Dirks hand with a middle finger tip. If he did, it was well after the ball was in flight.

That said; What's good for the goose...

We lost this game at the line and on the defensive end of the floor. There is no way the Mavericks should out rebound us and no way they should have more points in the paint unless... Birdman is not in the game.

TNT's coverage was terrible. Bad announcers. Bad interviews. Cut aways where we missed plays. Just terrible.

Let's just put this thing to bed tomorrow night.

by My3Cents on May 12, 2009 9:28 AM MDT reply actions

The Mavs fans are classless? If you're going to claim that, then own up to K-Mart's own classlessness. From Luden's column on Yahoo sports.
"Girlfriend at his side, fury on his tongue, Kenyon Martin(notes) made the slow walk from the Denver Nuggets’ locker room early Tuesday morning. He had already unloaded nearly a half-dozen f-bombs on Mark Cuban, as well as a couple more on the media, and now he needed one more target to complete his hat trick of profanity.

How about some fans?

As K-Mart strolled down the hallway to the American Airlines Center’s loading dock, he passed a handful of Dallas Mavericks supporters still reveling in an arena bar.

"[Expletive] you [expletives]!" Martin shouted, flashing his middle finger for emphasis. "We ain’t coming back here!"

All that was missing was some tender music, a cute third-grader and an "NBA Cares" backdrop. NBA Playoffs 2009: Where profane happens."

That's from someone who was actually informed, as opposed to conjecture as to who started what in the stands. Pssh. Classless? Sheesh. Your esteemed coach YOU WANTED FIRED NOT EVEN 365 DAYS AGO should be the only one doing the talking, and his only words should be "We won't be back in Dallas. We're taking care of business."

by Chaz on May 12, 2009 9:45 AM MDT reply actions

Ummm, Chaz- get your fishing gear out of hock. You'll need it after tomorrow.
With that said, the NBA continues to be " where amazing happens ". As much of a fan of the sport as I am, I can't meekly except the shenanigans being perpetuated on us. Not showing a replay of THE most crucial play of the game? Really?? And even from Dallas' perspective in the last game, no-call after 60+ fouls? Whats a flagrant, & what isn't? I keep going back to that LA/Sacramento series a few years back, which was the most blatant "hose-job" I've EVER seen in the league. To this day, that travesty has never been addressed. Yet, every game now seems to spawn a new controversy. WHY, WHY, WHY would you try & act as though that crucial play NEVER happened? Why would you treat the fans like morons? If this persists, I can see myself joining the many fans who're walking away from this "WWE-like" association. This is SHAMEFUL.

by KaiserSoze on May 12, 2009 10:18 AM MDT reply actions

Kaiser,
I'll totally be getting the fishing gear out. The Nuggets athleticism is fantastic. They stand a good chance of making it to the Finals. I agree 100% with you about the officiating. Just wait until you play the Lakers and see the calls they'll get.
I do find it funny, though, that Mavs fans were told to buck up after the noncall in Game 3, yet some Nuggets fans are going to get riled up over a phantom foul instead of taking Martin to task for, you know, getting only TWO rebounds. Sure, his head wasn't in the game, but it's up to his coach (one that used to be rightfully taken to task on this site) to get him under control. Karl can't let your guy who is matching up against Dallas' best player act like this:

Martin unleashed a profanity-filled tirade at Dallas fans sitting around his mother.

"You [expletive] better cut the [expletive]," he shouted, as team personnel tried to pull him back to the huddle. "You’re going to get [expletive] up."

Martin then said to his mother: "Somebody do something to you, you better tell me. I’m going to [expletive] somebody up."

Cuban's comment to his mom was over in less than 5 seconds. But the media ran with it and Martin let it get to him. Karl has to reign him in. That was more costly than any phantom foul.

But then I guess that's just the opinion of a back-water cousin marrying, dog humping, shit kicking hick. Thanks, Joel. Way to act like the type of fan Cessair was saying Nuggets fans should be better than.

by chaz on May 12, 2009 10:32 AM MDT reply actions

I'm holding my breath about a league review of Anthony's foul on Wright. The ref's only called it a technical because they said he didn't make contact to the head. TNT clearly had a shot where Anthony's right hand grazed the cheek of Wright. The NBA could review and hand out a suspension for a blow to the head. To me, it didn't look intentional - Anthony was pushing him away using the ball, his hand slipped off the ball and towards Wrights face. It wasn't a punch, but his hand did graze the cheek. Got to keep his cool, and hopefully not get suspended for Wednesday....

I agree the technical was the turning point, but they could have overcome it. If Birdman had played, this is a W. Again, can't believe the Mavericks at the end of a game being such poor clock managers. 30 seconds left up by four, sound familiar? The foul Anthony so no time runs off the clock, then Denver gets the ball and Anthony hits a three to cut it to one? If they simply play a little defense without fouling Anthony on the inbounds, Denver never even gets that second opportunity...poor management.

by KarlSucks on May 12, 2009 10:55 AM MDT reply actions

Chaz-
First of all, no one is claiming anything other than incompetence, ON BOTH SIDES, by the refs! Just as Mavs fans had to "suck it up" after last game, so do we have to accept the "non-replay" of that last foul. Make no mistake, we're not saying we woulda won this game if that call hadn't been made. Contrast that with all the Mavs fans who acted as though last game was a cinch if not for the blown "non-call". The biggest gripe is, WHY NOT SHOW THE PLAY?? Its argurably the biggest play of the game, & TNT, ESPN, even the announcers failed to mention it....at all! Finally, if you think Karl's been getting a pass for the shitty coaching job he did last night, & at times this season, then you're not paying attention. The substitution patterns, time-outs, line-ups, etc.- thats all anyone's been talking about. If KMart was as outta control as you claim, then obviously he should be repremanded. But how does KMart's individual, outta control behaviour reflect on the rest of the team? Immature? OK. Irrational? Perhaps. But totally "beside the point" when it comes to the game on the court.

by KaiserSoze on May 12, 2009 11:28 AM MDT reply actions

#1 on my personal Stiff List: My DVR.

Not only did it miss the final 7 seconds of Game 3 (even with me extending the recording time), but instead of recording Game 4 (which the guide said was airing) it recorded some baseball game... with no sound.

WTF.

So I missed the entire first half of the game.

>:-(

My only comments about the second half would be:

- Melo is a monster, and it's good to see his stock rise this post season.

- Kleiza is a monster, too, but more of a Frankenstein's monster. He's playing so poorly, and I don't even think we'll be able to shop him this off season. We should have dumped him last season when it at least looked like he had potential. Karl must have gotten into his head this year.

- My favorite part of the game was the slow-mo cut to commercial where Wright was flopping. Chauncey's face was priceless, and to see it in slow-mo made it that much funnier.

Overall it was a good game. It was really exciting, and I only wish we could have won it. I'm looking forward to Wednesday.

On another note, Karl seemed kind of out of it in the post game interview. He usually makes some crazy noises as he answers, whether it's his breathing or his sucking sounds, but this was pretty bad. He didn't even know what day it was. At first I thought he meant he didn't know what day Game 5 was, but it really seemed like he didn't know it was Monday.

And my conspiracy theory: Birdman was poisoned. Yup. Bad room service or something.

Get well soon, Birdman, and GO NUGGETS!

by Do We Have Any Plays? on May 12, 2009 11:47 AM MDT reply actions

Chaz,

Someone poured a damn beer on KMarts mothers head. Sorry, if someone did that to my mother, they would have to personally answer to me. Thats total bs. What does she have to do with the game? Marc Cuban apologizes via his blog? What kind of pussy does that shit? Get on the phone and call Kenyon and take care of it like a man. So he offers them some suite if we go back to Dallas, big F'n deal. A multi billionaire offing something like that is like me spitting in your face and then saying here, I am sorry, here is a stick of gum.So Kenyon cussed out some fans, like the Dallas players don't do the same shit.

According to The Denver Post, Monday night's Game 4 in Dallas proved no less incendiary. Someone poured beer on Martin's mother, and Martin's girlfriend was subjected to repeated obscenities. La La Vasquez, Carmelo Anthony's wife, ended up shouting back at the Mavericks fans, and left the game in the fourth quarter.

That's showing your class Dallas fans. Rex Chapman, the Nuggets' vice president of player personnel, was in the crowd. "Short of a game I saw in Belgrade a couple of years ago where they were throwing chairs and setting off flares, it was about as dangerous a venue I've been in," Chapman told The Denver Post.

Dallas, where classes fans happen.

by Anonymous on May 12, 2009 12:06 PM MDT reply actions

Did I read this stat right. Dirk shoots 11 FTs in the final period!! Don't get me wrong, Dirk played great, but this stat tells me that the Nugs would have had to play perfect to win this game. Refs were going to give Dirk and the Mavs the benefit of the doubt in the final 2 minutes if the game was close, including the phantom no-replay call on K-Mart...and it was close.

Let's hope the refs let them actually play in Denver.

P-Man

by Anonymous on May 12, 2009 12:08 PM MDT reply actions

K-Mart vs Cuban in a cage match. Lets get it on!!!!

by Anonymous on May 12, 2009 12:15 PM MDT reply actions

Chaz I make no apologies for my comments. Texans are by and large jerks. The kind of which New Jersey only wishes it could produce. Venting on a blog is completely different than jeering at people watching members of their families play the sport they love. K-Mart acted unprofessionaly, but not one of us would have responded any differently to what was happening. Humane instinct is to first protect one's self, then protecting family. Dallas fans are lucky that obscene gesting and foul speech is all that K-Mart returned. Speaking only for myself, I would have pulled a Ron Ron and charged the stands. The Dallas fans who participated should feel ashamed for their actions. Not every fan in Dallas is a world class ass-hat, but it didn't seem like any of them were willing to say 'We've gone over the line.' Furthermore I've never condoned fan interaction during a sporting event. So your "Thanks, Joel. Way to act like the type of fan Cessair was saying Nuggets fans should be better than." comment is without foundation.

by Joelsopinion on May 12, 2009 1:14 PM MDT reply actions

Joelsopinion has 2 good points. First one being, you should never play your 2 weakest links on the team at the same time for extended amounts of time. That is just asking for a loss, especially when Kleiza is one of them. Next point is about rushing the stands. If someone poured beer on my mother I am with Joel, I don't know how I wouldn't pull a Ron Ron circa 2004. What Dallas fans and players have exhibited this postseason is some of the lowest class I have ever seen. Yet some troll named Chaz is trying to defend his teams actions and say K-Mart is just as classless. For what? For cursing? Give me a break, in the situation K-Mart was in if all he did was curse than, yeah, he still is very classy because most people would have done something a lot worse when their mother is getting tormented in the crowd by loser fans who I am pretty sure K-Mart would pound into submission with one hand tied behind his back.

by Goldennugget on May 12, 2009 2:24 PM MDT reply actions

By the way, can we start a petition to have Nene cut his hair? He really looks ridiculous.

by grantarchy on May 12, 2009 2:30 PM MDT reply actions

FUCK TEXAS!

by Anonymous on May 12, 2009 3:23 PM MDT reply actions

Grantarchy: So you think AC is unfairly derided also. That's crap. All atheletes who play sports have heart and the desire to win. AC has no defense or offense. He's a joke. Camby had good character and was defensive player of the year but was a liability just like ANTHONY CARTER. You say AC doesn't shoot 50% the epizoon is pathetic.
LK doesn't give a damn anylonger, he feels as though he got robbed of a contract. He's going to the Euro leauge.
You have your opinon and I have mine. The way you feel about LK is how I feel about ANTHONY CARTER mulitplied by a million.

by SamIam on May 12, 2009 11:40 PM MDT reply actions

Samlam - I actually wasn't directing my opinion to you directly, so don't take it personally.

As for "all athletes" at this level having heart and a desire to win, I disagree. Some are perfectly happy to collect a paycheck for a lackluster effort. AC is not a superstar, but that's not his role. He's a bench guy there to spell the point guard, play defense and make some plays here and there, and I believe he's filled that role pretty well.

Kleiza is a perfect example of having no heart - it's obvious that he's given up or just doesn't care, something that I don't think you can say about Carter. I think he will be jettisoned after this season.

by grantarchy on May 13, 2009 7:45 AM MDT reply actions

KENYON IS NOT INNOCENT - LET'S NOT FORGET THAT.

by Anonymous on May 13, 2009 8:35 AM MDT reply actions

Grantarchy, I've preached this sermon so many times this year about AC. As far as him not being with the team next year I hope not. He and GK should have been gone yesterday.
I feel about LK like you do about AC. LK has never demonstrated the ability to play defense, he's like the old Melo and playing Melo's position.
I wish LK the best where ever he lands, but get rid of Carter and GK today.

by SamIam on May 13, 2009 8:54 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.