Better late than never...

by Andrew Feinstein on May 6, 2009 12:12 AM MDT

Nuggets/Mavericks Game 2 Recap...

(Photo courtesy of Denver Stiffs reader Mordecai Senior)

Seven games into this winning playoff games thing that us Nuggets fans still haven't quite gotten used to, I find myself asking the same question over and over again as these games progress...

"Is this it? Is this where it starts?"

The "it" I'm referring to, of course, is the Nuggets nightly run that usually comes midway through the third quarter of these home playoff games. But tonight, it came a bit later than usual.

Better late than never.

Entering the fourth quarter tonight, the Nuggets were only up three and the Mavericks were admirably holding their own considering Josh Howard had been lost for the night. A few minutes later, the Nuggets were up 17 thanks to an unrelenting 16-2 run. Neither the Mavericks nor the Pepsi Center crowd knew what hit them.

"Ah," I thought about five minutes into the game's final stanza and was finally able to relax a bit. "This is it."

These Nuggets can be that good that fast. In fact, they currently possess the biggest margin of victory in NBA history through seven playoff games (padded, of course, by beating the Hornets by a record-tying 58 points). And after tonight's victory, the Nuggets are an astounding 51-3 this season - including playoffs - when leading entering the fourth quarter.

The only downside (besides Carmelo Anthony chucking eight three-pointers and only making one...ok, I had to say it) is that the Nuggets have to wait until Saturday to rev up this smooth-running machine again. This ridiculous three full days break can only favor the Mavericks, who were clearly winded in the fourth quarter and desperately need Howard to get his ankles back in shape. Game 3 - which should be played on Thursday, or Friday at the very latest, can't get here soon enough.

But don't worry, fellow Stiffs, I'll do my best to keep the blog active as we count down the days to Saturday.

Congratulations to George Karl and the Nuggets players on another fine, well earned victory.

Nuggets/Mavericks Game 2 Preview...

(Photo courtesy of Denver Stiffs reader Mordecai)

Entering tonight's critical Game 2 at Pepsi Center, the Dallas Mavericks star center has already conceded that his Mavericks can't compete with the Nuggets physically.

"I don't think we can play as physical as them. We don't have the personality for it," so said Dirk Nowitzki after Monday's dismantling of his Mavericks by our Nuggets.

Um...even if that's true (which it is), do you really want your star player saying it publicly? Have the Nuggets already won the mental edge of this series? To be determined after tonight, I suppose.

Since the Nuggets don't usually last this long into the postseason, I'm not used to watching every playoff game while thinking "how would the Nuggets matchup against these guys?" But after watching both the Magic and the Rockets kick around the Celtics and the Lakers, respectively, last night, it's become clearer and clearer that this mean/physical version of the Nuggets can contend with anyone. Remember when we started redefining what "Nuggets Basketball" meant after Game 1 of the Hornets series? Another beat down tonight, and the redefinition might be complete.

But we're still only one game into this new venture (read: winning meaningful playoff games in the second round) for the Nuggets and their fans, and there's no reason to count the Mavericks out yet. As pointed out in the Game 1 recap for the Nuggets, this Mavericks team is still loaded with NBA Finals and postseason experience, and they've been through worse things than losing a Game 1 on the road that they were supposed to lose anyway.

That being said, Denver Stiffs is looking for the Nuggets to keep their home court dominance alive tonight in front of another loud, sellout crowd.

GO NUGGETS!!

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Comments

Hey Andrew, remember way back when..when you said you that, given the nuggets and George Karl finally get out of the 1st round, that you were going to crack an egg on your head, and post the picture online? I'd like to see that :D.

by Anonymous on May 5, 2009 1:11 PM MDT reply actions

@ Anonymous -

Of course I remember but that was for last season. This season I actually predicted that Karl would give us a better effort (which he did) and that the Nuggets would make the playoffs, even before the Billups trade. So I hope I get a morsel of credit for that!

Thanks for following the blog.

All best,

Andrew

by Andrew on May 5, 2009 1:14 PM MDT reply actions

Poor Dirk - I saw an episode of Punk'd where he was eating at a restaurant with two teammates and some kid asked him for an autograph and he obliged ... then the kid came back with more stuff to sign ... and he obliged ... then the kid was bringing boxes of stuff, including other players jersey's to sign (a Lebron one I think and a couple of Lakers hats) ... and Dirk couldn't say no. He is a nice guy and I think it's just like he says, it's not in his nature to be "mean". Now imagine K-Mart in the same situation ...

by grantarchy on May 5, 2009 2:08 PM MDT reply actions

Ok so they can't play physical so what's the next option? Run? Ok, I'd like them try to run on (or rather, WITH) us. What other styles are there? Finesse? That's what they already are IMO.

Bring it Dallas! Yer toast! And rather Andy likes you or not, Rick Carlisle you're a donk! You're outmatched here just like you were in Detroit and Indy.

PS, yes Dirk is a nice guy but sorry about his luck in this series.

PPS, Andy you should still bust that egg on yer head! Just do it man! That'd be hilarious and some serious own-uppage despite the deadline for it having passed. Do it to show your Nuggets love! ...but granted, I'm not sure what the significance of that wager was in the first place... an egg? Crack that on Cubans head instead.

by Eric K on May 5, 2009 2:35 PM MDT reply actions

Hi Andrew,

As usual, good posts from you - however would love to get your opinion on a few things.

1) I am surprised that you have had no comment on MVP voting so far - Is James that far ahead in the play this season as the voting suggested and Billups was # 6 in the voting - the voters probably are biased towards big market or big names - Denver has none.

2) Fine on K-Mart; probably ok but league should have fined Rondo too.

3) Lastly the ghastly article from Mark Kiszla; with one foul from K-Mart he dubbed (and wants) Nuggets to be the bad boys of Detroit; forgetting that Lakers and Spurs won many many titles without being thugs. Finally he had the nerve to suggest that Denver fans should collect donations for K-Mart; a guy with a 92 mil contract and had been useless for all his time in Denver (except this year) and because of who, we cannot sign another free agent for next two years. It is writers like Kiszla who bring dis-respect to the profession; who blow with the wind and have no balls to stand against the tide.

by Anonymous on May 5, 2009 2:39 PM MDT reply actions

I can supply the egg if that is an issue. But if not you, don't do it to Cuban. I'm impressed that he responds to your emails and talks at games. If it's not you, hurl one at G.K. the next time the nuggets need a timeout and he is sitting on his hands with a sour look on his face.

The crowd should be really fired up for this one! Teams that are up 2-0 win 80% of the time, tonights game will tell if Dallas is really going to give Denver a challenge or just go into a shell and give up. I'm looking for the Nuggets to double them up tonight! Win by 60!

by KarlSucks on May 5, 2009 2:45 PM MDT reply actions

Yeah, I love the physicality of these Nuggets although we have seen some of this in the past. What I am not used to is the determination and self-control (so far) that has come with it. It really is kinda hard to believe that this far into the playoffs and we haven't seen a single meltdown.

This got me thinking about how this seems to be the Nuggets year. Seriously, everything has simply lined up for them. Are they lucky or are they making their own luck?

1. Integral players on both teams they have faced in the playoffs so far have professed some sort of injury.
2.Chauncey is available the exact year the Nuggets are ready to change things.
3. Carmelo after dream team is obviously ready to be taught, by both Karl and Chauncey.
4. NO and Dallas are not the most dangerous opponents in the West.
5. Dahntay is a starter and Bird could start for just about anyone and they are getting the league minimum? What are the odds?

Maybe we are destined to be lucky. JR will be able to hit anything inside half court. Kobe will revert to "me against the world" and start screaming at his teamates in a dead quiet Staples center with his team down by ten. The Nuggets beat the Lakers in seven contested games and go on to the Finals. They dare LeBron to beat them with his jump shot and he tries, but the shots just aren't falling. The Cavs vaunted defense falls apart because with Melo, JR and Billups all hot they simply can't cover the distance necessary. Nugs in 6, series over. Denver erupts in screaming jubilation, more riots in the streets and there really is a new # 7 in town.

Well, what are the odds? Am I getting ahead of myself here? At this point it seems like the basketball gods themselves are on our side.

by NugzD on May 5, 2009 3:02 PM MDT reply actions

I'm with collecting from the fans to pay the fine. It isn't a money issue, it is a statement issue. Kiszla was right. Take your Kenyon hate to the Dallas fan boards.

by Anonymous on May 5, 2009 3:04 PM MDT reply actions

I still think countering the Lakers length will be a challenge for us. But first things first.

The Mavericks, like the Hornets, are a jump shooting and transition team. Hell, that was us for how many years prior to now? It's just what you do when you don't have an inside game. And while it's fine for building a nice season record, it doesn't lead to success in the playoffs. We know this first hand. It's a slower paced, more physical game and if you do not have the horses down low, you cannot create spacing to get the ball to your spot up shooters. No big mystery here.

I expect to see them go to Dampier early and try to get Nene into foul trouble. Then they'll try to run the ball and hit their shooters in transition.

Nene should let Dampier shoot it 50 times if he wants to. He'll tire himself out like a dog in USPS parking lot.

We just need to close out quarters strong and make our free throws. If we can do that and continue to contain Howard and Terry, we'll be fine. I don't think Dampier, Kidd and Dirk alone can outscore us over 48 minutes.

Let's party!!!!

by My3Cents on May 5, 2009 3:09 PM MDT reply actions

Does anyone know what Bill Walton is doing these days? I was hoping he would do some of the nuggets games. I know he's captain hyperbole, but he's fun. A couple of years ago he went on Mike and Mike doing the NCAA tournament and did a little story about UCLA and talked without taking a breath for about 5 minutes. It was hillarious, and Mike and Mike just sat there with no idea what to do.

by KarlSucks on May 5, 2009 3:47 PM MDT reply actions

Charles Barkley was just on PTI and picked the nuggets to win it all!!! GO NUGGETS!!!!!

by JASON 1NUGS1 on May 5, 2009 4:56 PM MDT reply actions

Barkley has picked three or four teams now this year to win it all, I don't take anything is says seriously anymore. Not to say the guy isn't hilarious, its just that he talks without really thinking about it.

by Denverson on May 5, 2009 5:05 PM MDT reply actions

Charles Barkley is THE ROUND MOUND OF SOUND!

by GeeBo on May 5, 2009 5:12 PM MDT reply actions

Great game as usual tonight (I feel really weird saying that in the playoffs). Everybody did their thing. Nice to see JR playing just as good as anybody on the Nuggets these days, and making great decisions too. I couldn't believe how highly Kenny and Chuck talked about the Nuggets after the game. Again, it feels really weird. I love having a good team because it's nice to hear what other people think about you, other that what you already know.

Kind of a weird thing happened to me tonight. The thought of the Nuggets winning the championship actually not only crossed my mind but I didn't just dismiss it as a dream, I actually sat there and thought about it being reality, and didn't feel crazy doing so. It's something that has to be brought up from here on out. Are we good enough to win a championship?

by GN on May 6, 2009 1:44 AM MDT reply actions

Yeah, I'm sorry to be a spoil sport, but this sort of Chauncey quote can't be ignored.

"You don't understand how good he is running the team," Karl said.
"He's the head coach a lot."

This has been a general consensus for a number of fans, and I still tend to agree. Chauncey is currently running the Nuggets (and I couldn't be happier, since I think he will be an excellent coach in the future). I just don't see what Karl has brought to this team, except from a lot of questionable lineups, and very few off TO plays (which have been fairly effective, but very infrequent).

While I will give credit this year to Karl for being much more active, I just don't see how he has improved the Nuggets during his time here.

I'm not one of those people that place all of the Nugget's improvement on Billups, but I also don't give a lot of the credit to Karl for the improvement of Nene, Melo, or JR this year (that's mainly other coaches, and the players themselves).

I could be wrong, and Karl has been instrumental in the Nugget's progression, but I just don't see it.

by Cessair on May 6, 2009 3:43 AM MDT reply actions

I'm still in awe right now. This team is playing like it has been at this level before and as a fan I can't ask for much more.

As for Melo chucking 8 3's, he had some very good looks, but of course he didn't hit one until the 4th quarter to help break things open.

Nene was the key to this game, though. Dallas can't stop him so they have to foul, and foul they did. They have absolutely no right to cry about a FT disparity in this game because they were just fouling instead of defending. And the referees made it very clear that they would not give Carlisle or Cuban any amo to accuse them of not taking care of Dirk. Dirk's a star, so I really don't care about the 3 or so star calls in his favor. I just hope this victory sends a message that the Nuggets aren't leaning on the refs to prop themselves up.

Oh, and that double technical involving K-Mart was absolute non-sense, and I hope that it's rescinded. Even if the refs were required to do their jobs and keep things calm, it does not mean that techs should be automatic. Neither player should have been T'd up.

And my last point is a suggestion that I know some will find crazy, but I liked seeing Dahntay Jones on Dirk. At first, I was thinking it was a clear mismatch in Dallas' favor. But after seeing Dirk having to lower himself to back Dahntay down and then lose his balance when Dahntay "pulled the chair," I couldn't help but think that it would wear Dirk down for later in the game. As it turns out, Dirk was GASSED in the fourth. He made 1 3-pointer after the after the game was already getting out of hand. But that's partly because he couldn't rest due to Dallas' foul trouble.

So I say feed Nene to start the game (obvious) and make it a point to put Dahntay Jones on Dirk out on the wing for 5 possessions or so in the early part of the game (not-so-obvious). If he makes Dirk fall twice then his job is done.

If Dallas decides to play Howard after these 3 days, then it will only show how desperate they have become and the Nuggets need to expose it from the start. Who ever Howard is guarding needs to make fast cuts and when they get the ball do some side-to-side dribbling (w/ crossovers) and pump fake before shooting. He'll be out in no time. I've rolled my ankle like he did and trust me, he won't be ready in a few days, especially when you consider that his other ankle is also very suspect. It would be a "mean" tactic, but it's the nature of the beast. Nuggets should take advantage.

by E on May 6, 2009 6:45 AM MDT reply actions

I think at this point we can all agree that Dirk is a great player. I can hardly believe the flak he is getting for his defense comments. Yeah maybe it wasn't the smartest thing to say but he still went out and played extemely well with 35pts on 20 shots. Melo had 25 pts on 21 shots. Dirk is a superstar, the problem is that the rest of his team sucks at various levels.

At this point the series is starting to look like Dirk is going to have to score 40+ for his team to win.

(I can't believe that in the playoffs the Nugs look so good I'm writing about what the other team has to do to win)

by NugzD on May 6, 2009 8:07 AM MDT reply actions

I think there is a certain sense of complacency that could set in because of the way the Nuggets have won the last 6 games. Game one of the first round. Nuggets come out on defensive fire. Since then they have begun to settle for winning the game at the end of the 3rd to the beginning of the 4th.

This is dangerous.

I don't believe for one minute that the Nuggets will get away with that playing LA to the 4th quarter. I believe that the best thing for the Nuggets would be some toughening from their competitors. I doesn't look like they are going to get it.

These guys (NO, Dallas) aren't tough. They don't represent the quality of Los Angeles.

These wins look a lot better than they are. The Nuggets wouldn't get away with this against LA. No way. No how.

by SpokenWar on May 6, 2009 8:26 AM MDT reply actions

Cessair, you have to give Karl credit for basically having utilized a pretty flawless rotation. Chauncey might draw up a couple plays and lead with inspiration and good play, but Karl deserves credit for running the ship about as flawlessly as possible right now. Everything is clicking and he's running the show so he needs to get credit now just like he got heat when things weren't this buttery smooth.

I'm no Karl lover but props are due here. The right guys are logging the right minutes and in the right matchups, at the right tempo and setting the perfect tone for a series (not just a game) win.

Dallas now has to win 4 before we win another two. I don't even think they believe that can happen at this point. It's been a clinic and even if we lose the next one (first one in Dallas) we're still in a very good situation.

Hell, I wouldn't even be sad if we do lose one game... means A) we get to watch one more Nuggets game this year, and B) they won't be sitting around getting all antsy over the WCF's because a sweep means we win our series before LA/HOU finishes and I don't like the idea of momentum being lost and psyching ourselves out for LA if they win. If we sit and wait on HOU, it won't be as bad as if we sit and wait on LA.

by Eric K on May 6, 2009 8:35 AM MDT reply actions

Kenny Smith apologized on national TV to GK and the Nuggets! That's all I wanted was for one of those "Pro's" to finally swallow the fact that the Nuggets are in fact serious about winning. Both Smith and Barkley went as far as to say that the Lakers are not playing the best basketball in the West.

I'm sure that will be short lived. When LA wins a game their bandwagon will fill up again, and Kenny will be ridin' shotgun on the "Black Mamba Express" (whatever the fuck that's all about.)

Back to the real story...I got goose bumps watching the Nuggets dismantle a team again in the 4th. The real scary part is that the Nuggets looked a bit off at times. I saw some of that old mentality of shoot 1st pass last, and some very ill advised long jump shots (when the Mavs were creeping back in). But they shook that off and closed the fourth quarter and kindly asked the Mavericks to pack their shit and leave town.

I gotta give props to GK for sticking up for K-Mart against the NBA's stiff penalty. That was total BS to fine him 25K. Even Dirk said it was just a hard foul. And the Double T they gave Martin and Hollands was garbage too. One guy was falling and the other guy was just holding him up. They'll probably increase that to a level 9flagrant and ban K-Mart from the league.

by Joelsopinion on May 6, 2009 9:16 AM MDT reply actions

NugzD,

The problem with Dirk lies with his overall lack of toughness when approaching the game. It's his nature, but when it comes to the playoffs and, as Dirk should have learned, the Finals, there is another level of intensity that he needs to take it to. He is the leader of him team (at least on the floor). When the 7Ft tall leader of a team concedes layups and dunks to JR Smith and Dahntay Jones, there is a problem. He's been backing the Nuggets down and hitting incredible shots, but he's also played matador in the paint on the defensive end. He has to have more grit to him. He also needs to finish games the way he starts them. He doesn't have a mean streak to him at all. It should have been him that said they would put Tony Parker on his ass if he came into the paint again, but those words had to come from Dampier. Again, I realize that it's not in Dirk's nature and in some ways it's refreshing. But he's got to understand that, particularly in the post-season, he has to turn up the intensity, if no for himself, then definitely for his teammates.

If Mark Cuban doesn't get his hands on some gritty, defensive minded players in the near future, then he obviously doesn't "get it" when it comes to building a championship team.

_____________________

Cessair,

You have to give George Karl credit for recognizing when someone is better at something than him and knowing when to stay out of they way. I don't mean that facetiously. The problem with a lot of leaders is that they think that because they have been put in charge, the best idea must come from their brain. If someone in the "administration" has a better idea, a true leader will recognize the best solution, regardless of who it came from, and implement it. I'm still not the biggest fan of Karl, but at least he's not messing with what works when he could easily have shown his pride in an attempt to make his team "respect" him.

by E on May 6, 2009 9:23 AM MDT reply actions

Another great TEAM WIN!

1. It will be much more difficult to go on sustained runs in Dallas where they are comfortable and have their own crowd. Hopefully GK will take a page from Rick Carlisle and call Time Outs when needed.

2. I remain concerned about our free throw percentages and more importantly knocking down the important ones. This WILL hurt us if we do not fix the prroblem. Maybe we can take the extra rest days and practice our free throws.

3. I am also not thrilled with missing so many layups in the first quarter. Again, easier to come back from at home, on the road... not so much.

Love the defensive effort. Too bad we have to wait until Saturday for our next fix.

by My3Cents on May 6, 2009 9:24 AM MDT reply actions

Houston will win the series against LA. Denver will beat Houston, then be in NBA finals. Put your money on it in Vegas.

by Anonymous on May 6, 2009 9:33 AM MDT reply actions

I *love* the picture for the Game 2 Preview. Dirk hiding his face in his jersey (or at least, that's what it looks like).

Go Nuggs! :)

- Cesia.

by Cesia on May 6, 2009 10:43 AM MDT reply actions

i think some prosperity has made some of the blog's readers kinda lose their faculties.

Let's get back to reality.

The Nuggets can not beat the winner of the next tier playing the way, and at the level, they have been playing against inferior teams.

You all have been talking to your fairy godmothers. The Lakers have lost 2 games and suddenly everyone forgets what kind of team they are?

i haven't

by SpokenWar on May 6, 2009 10:49 AM MDT reply actions

80% of teams that win game one, win the series.

by Anonymous on May 6, 2009 11:08 AM MDT reply actions

Great team effort! I had some great seats in the upper level and had alot of fun. But man, these 8:30 starts are killing me!

Some poor calls by the refs all night long, for sure. Dirk is a monster. Man, great player. Nene was utilized perfectly, and we had some great passing all night long.

We'll need to make our free throws and layups in Dallas, or else we're toast.

Did anybody catch Karl's comments in the post-game where he admitted that Chauncey is overriding his direction? I couldn't believe he said it.

As far as reality goes, the current reality is that the Nuggets are up 2-0 (even though the NBA website headline takes the "Mavs down 0-2" approach) in the second round of the playoffs. Sure, this could end soon, but let's enjoy the ride while we can!

All I can say right now is Go Rockets!

by Do We Have Any Plays? on May 6, 2009 11:25 AM MDT reply actions

I actually started watching the game clock about 3 or 4 minutes into the 3rd quarter waiting for "it". Better late than never...great post, great blog, keep it up, Andrew.

by Mike on May 6, 2009 5:02 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.