Game 6 Preview & Thread: Nuggets at Heat (5:30pm MDT)
by Nate Timmons on Nov 6, 2009 12:17 PM MST
in Denver Nuggets: Game Previews & Game Threads
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The Nuggets have started the season off in blazing fashion, tonight they are in Miami to face the Heat. The Nuggets are riding an eight game winning streak against Dwayne Wade's team, their longest against any Eastern Conference team, and have a chance to even up their overall series record against Miami tonight (22-23 all-time).
Records:
Denver: 5-0 (Key wins: vs. Blazers and Jazz)
Miami: 4-1 (Key wins: vs. Wizards and Bulls ... loss vs. Phoenix)
Time and TV: Game starts at 5:30 p.m. Mountain and can be seen on Altitude 2
Injuries: Denver - Joey Graham: Day-to-Day with a sprained toe (was inactive against the Nets)
Miami - Daequan Cook is questionable for tonight's game (shoulder)
First things first ... The J.R. Smith countdown ... 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7. Smith will be returning to action after just two more games.
Let's break this preview down old school style ... some head-to-head matchup breakdowns!
Point Guard: Chauncey Billups vs. Mario Chalmers
I liked Chalmers coming out of Kansas and while he is developing nicely in Miami, he's not Billups ... not yet. The Alaskan born Chalmers is scoring 8 points per game on the season and is not asked to do too much for Miami on the offensive end. Chalmers is big enough at 6'1'' and 190 pounds to have a nice size matchup with Billups, but the savvy veteran should get the best of this matchup. Advantage: Nuggets.
Shooting Guard: Anthony Carter vs. Dwayne Wade
Um ... uh ... Carter used to play for the Heat!
Advantage: Heat.
Small Forward: Carmelo Anthony vs. Quentin Richardson
Q-Rich is playing out of position here ... at 6'6'' and 228 pounds Q could be in for a long night on the defensive end if he's matched up on Melo for extended time. Richardson used to be an athletic freak, but injuries have slowed him a bit and Melo's quick first step could set up for some nice blow-by plays and wide open jumpers. Look for Miami to double-team Melo tonight. On offense, Q is mainly a catch-and-shoot guy ... unless he feels like he can dominate his defender, then we'll see Q get out and run a little bit and even start taking his man to the rack. Quentin is starting to gel in Miami. In his last two games he's put up 18 and 19 points and he's connecting on and putting up a lot of three-point attempts (4-9 vs. Phoenix and 5-7 vs. the Wizards). It'll be important for Denver to not leave Q open, but Melo should dominate this guy who was traded roughly 46 times this offseason. Advantage Nuggets.
Power Forward: Kenyon Martin vs. Michael Beasley
This is a perfect matchup for K-Mart. Beasley isn't a beast on defense and he's not ultra-aggressive on the offensive end. Martin should dominate Beasley on the defensive end ... Kenyon should used his superior strength to bully the youngster and could make him a non-factor if he can get him out of the game from a mental standpoint. It will be fun to see how the recently troubled Beasley reacts to K-Mart's style and how much fight he has tonight. Advantage: Nuggets.
Center: Nene vs. Jermaine O'Neal
O'Neal, like K-Mart, has been talking about how much better he feels physically this season. It has showed early as O'Neal or HEAD as I call him (guy's dome is massive) has played with more quickness and hops than he has the past few years. But O'Neal suffered a broken nose against the Suns on November 3rd and has complained about stamina issues with the injury. Nene has had success when he gets involved in the game early and Denver tries to work the ball into him knowing this. I think Nene is playing at his best after a quick fast break dunk or two and really starts feeling like part of the offense. This is a nice matchup for Nene as O'Neal, with good size, is not a physically dominating guy. For some reason whenever I see O'Neal play he looks like a left-handed player ... it's strange to me that he's right-handed - I'm not sure what this means, but figured I'd throw it out there. Advantage: Even.
Bench:
Here are the names Miami is going to throw at Denver off the bench: Joel Anthony, Udonis Haslem, Carlos Arroyo and Dorell Wright. Haslem is leading the bench by averaging 12 points per game. Basically, Miami doesn't have a bench. Joel Anthony can block some shots, Haslem can score and rebound a little bit, Arroyo isn't going to kill you and Wright isn't either. Not having last season's NBA All-Star's Three-Point shooting champ Daequan Cook hurts the Heat ... James Jones, making $4.3 million this season, can't seem to stay healthy or get into the game. The Nuggets feature Ty Lawson, Double-A and Birdman off the pine and they have been playing very well thus far for the Nuggets. Lawson is coming off his new career high of 23 points and Afflalo has found a rhythm as well. It'll be interesting to see if Graham plays and who Karl will turn to ... BALKMAN ... if Graham doesn't play. Advantage: Denver.
The Nuggets have had success in Miami (winners of their last four) and now that I've officially jinxed the team I expect the Nuggets to win again tonight. Keeping Wade under control will be key and this game will be Denver's first true test of this six-game roadie.
Opposition's take: Peninsula is Mightier
ntimmons73@yahoo.com
Photo courtesy of Getty Images: Scott Cunningham
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I really like having a link for the opposition supplied, but in this case they haven’t put up a pre-game post yet.
I like the old style break down. I agree with it too. I was sort of expecting you to give the advantage at center to the Nuggets, but from what I’m hearing about O’Neal this season you’re probably correct in rating that even.
"Woohoo Denver, Yeah... All right Denver justify my love!" ...Homer Simpson
We'll try to supply the link to the opposition and get specific if they have a preview up.
There is an interesting piece up on Beasley’s minutes though …
Yes, O’Neal should be fun to watch tonight. Hope Nene stays aggressive.
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
And all the links we supply are typically for the SB Nation blogs ...
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
like the breakdown
keep it up
go nuggs!
by InboundingLobPass on Nov 6, 2009 1:34 PM MST reply actions
LOVE THE BREAKDOWN
nice job Nate. It would be awesome if this was a regular thing!
haha yeah I agree. Bit of a mismatch there, huh?
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I'd say start Double A
D-Wade will score 50 points on 15-24 FG if Carter is starting….
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
I'll toss this type of preview down if you guys like it ... ? Thoughts??
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
I like both versions
Maybe you should do a rotation
I know Andrew will keep doing his thing for sure and I'll mix and match ...
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
I hate the nights I have to work when the Nuggets are on.
Recording the game and prepared to kill anyone at work that spoils the score.
J.R. is my homeboy
by Greyson on Nov 6, 2009 2:27 PM MST via mobile reply actions
What’s even worse is when you set the DVR and then get a text message from someone saying “Can’t believe they lost…” or something similar. Always reminds me of that Seinfeld episode where Jerry keeps trying to watch the Yankees game he recorded.
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I believe Jerrry was watching the METS Frank! haha ...
I once made it through a dinner and walked outside after ignoring texts from two huge Nuggets buddies and a few calls from guys I knew that were watching the game … then I got a random text from a girl-friend and figured there was no way it was in relation to the Nuggets game … I was wrong – and I cried a little on the inside.
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
Heh I was never the biggest Seinfeld fan, but hey, at least I remember the gist of the scene.
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I'm a huge Seinfeld fan ... but yes, nice job on the gist!
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
The Puddy Devils face paint scene is a fan favorite among hockey fans. Cracks me up every time.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
I'm also sure it was the Mets
They’re like the laughingstock of the MLB: They also have a huge payroll, but can’t seem to get what some people call “wins.”
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
If Joey Graham is healthy
he should start against D Wade. Otherwise AC is going to get posted up
and brutalized. Put Lawson in to guard Arroyo and let Afflalo go off on Cook.
Second unit can make the difference tonight.
by My3Cents on Nov 6, 2009 3:33 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Haslem
Haslem is a good player, started on their championship team I’m pretty sure. Their bench does suck other than him though, but he deserves some credit.
Go Nugs.
Um… Just switched cable providers and I can’t find Altitude 2 on Comcast. Anyone have any ideas? Thanks.
i watch em online. makes participation in the thread kinda hard but makes national broadcasts so much nicer.
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Looks like about 1000 people showed up for the game
I guess it is a friday night on south beach.
The Slipper Still Fits - SB Nation's home for the Gonzaga Bulldogs!
Formerly BuffZag
Bol Kong for President!
Nothing compared to the abysmal Sixers/Nets game. Looks like there’s about 12 people in the crowd. So quiet I heard the coach clapping.
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Yea jeez
Looks like a high school bball crowd
by herewereyouwish on Nov 6, 2009 5:47 PM MST up reply actions
Some of the HS crowds I've been to (like the playoff ones) have over 1,001 people
If I was to choose between watching Dwyane Wade + The Drain or spending my time in a nightclub, I’d choose the latter. D-Wade is good, but the rest of his crew is rediculously boring to watch.
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
Go Nuggets!
Dear Rockies - Thank you for a wonderful rollercoaster of a season! NL Wild Card Champs. Best turnaround in MLB history for a team to win the Wild Card. Can't wait to do it again next year!
Troy Tulowitzki - MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba - Re-sign!! he's en Fuego!!
Brad Hawpe- I hope I get to see you in a Rockies uniform again!
Dexter Fowler - prowling CF, WC in his talons, leaping Utleys in a single bound!
0-3 Melo carrying the biotch
Here’s Ty and A A lets see them do their magic
yeah I thought it was just my IP. Guess it’s not…
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
I’ll probably wind up doing it too. Although I do think that 8-team package on NBA.com is pretty enticing. 8 teams, all their games for something like $80. I really don’t care about the 7 other teams but I guess I’d try and pick some interesting teams to watch.
Follow the Penguins on SBN @ Pensburgh.com and twitter.
AC is starting now because...
My theory and hope is that it is just a swap when JR comes back, that way the rotation is getting set now. IE AC wont play but verylimited minutes. What you guys say to that?
by The U.N. Fab Five on Nov 6, 2009 6:16 PM MST reply actions
As much as I love JR
I don’t think there’s any way GK puts AC on the bench for someone coming off a 7 game suspension and 24 days in jail. Will he start Afflalo? I highly doubt it, unfortunately.
J.R. is my homeboy
by Greyson on Nov 6, 2009 6:23 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
If he keeps it up at this rate I’ll be able to respond by saying, “Yeah? What else is new?”
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There are a lot of us looking for a link.
You might have to break down and buy a satallite or cable channel
And even then he doesn't give many points
AC’s D isn’t better than Lawson’s. I think the problem stemmed with putting AC on Wade at the beginning. We would have started like 15-6 if not for GK’s antics. God, I’m hating GK more and more…
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
GK is so in hate with Balkman
I wonder if we can somehow turn Balkman into a 25-year-old Eddie Najera. The dude was my favorite on the Nuggets the past few seasons and, at times, he seemed to be the only person on the floor who cared. Maybe we can just make Balkman the head coach and put ol’ GK on the court for 5 minutes.
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
WTF is going on
Ugh AC fails at not bricking long jumpers.
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
Wake the fuck up GK
Chauncey isn’t used to starting alongside someone as bad as AC. We never have any rhythm or intensity starting games, and it’s your fault
Maybe playing in SD is hurting the nugs . . .
I know it hard for me to see what is going on.
Did the Nugs get to south beach last night . .
‘cause it looks like some partying might’ve happened.
Nuggets in Trouble
And AC is still on the court. Everyone knew that this was going to be a test. Why the fuck is AC in the game. At least give AA who has some offense in his game a chance,
AC is to Karl what Cody is to Dan
Can he truly not see how it’s 4 on 5 with him in the lineup? When the ball’s out of his hands, you don’t see a defender within 10 feet, because they know: an AC shot/pass/drive is the next best thing to a turnover.
Bullshit foul
wow. What the fuck
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:11 PM MST reply actions
Game might be over
Damn
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:12 PM MST reply actions
The game is fixed
You can’t win with the refs against you and playing 4 on 5
Refs aren't giving Melo
anything. Ridiculous
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:13 PM MST reply actions
FUCK ANTHONY CARTER 0-6
Yep you knew that there would be a game that GK and biotch would lose a game this is the one
Urrrrrrrgh
I just threw up in my mouth watching this
by philipba on Nov 6, 2009 7:18 PM MST via mobile reply actions
GK should know better
he know’s he’s in the hot seat
if he coaches any more games like this…
he’s gonna get his ass burned.
Fuck these stupid calls
Wow
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:19 PM MST reply actions
Nuggets can't shoot
Not a single player right now
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:21 PM MST reply actions
AC took the wind out of the sails by missing those wide open shots.
If he had made a couple maybe the Nugs would have gotten motivated
Wade wants goal tending
He gets it. No shit
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:22 PM MST reply actions
http://twitter.com/nuggetsnews/statuses/5495873958
Kenyon Left lower leg contusion … Won’t return tonight … Xrays were inconclusive. re-evaluated tomorrow in Atlanta.
WHY IS MELO SO COLD
Nothing is going in!!!
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:26 PM MST reply actions
Just an off night.
these are the nights we really need JR.
no spacing and movement on O, and melo was getting no calls in the lane either.
I think if AA had played more we could have given it a go.
By leaving the biotch in we got no scoring
If he wants to put himself in the MVP conversation
even theoretically he can’t play like this. but more than anything he can’t miss 4 straight free throws
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:30 PM MST up reply actions
This is a nightmare
We have like 5 third quarter points, rgiht?
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
If GK puts AC back in for even one more minute...
I swear.
Its like he knows putting in Karl will piss off fans.
Its working.
IF GK puts AC in for 0.1 of a second
I’ll restart the “Fire GK” petition from two years ago.
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
Picked the wrong day to quit sniffing glue
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
I should add an Antoine Walker/Z-Bo inspirational quote to my quote thingy
Like
“I’m proof that you don’t have to have any skill or smartnessess to be in the NBA.”
"I always believe there's a reason why you go through everything." -John Elway
Hold out hope
Lawson and Afflalo could help win the quarter and make it a more respectable loss, maybe only by 10 or so.
The team will eventually turn on GK and AC, especially once JR gets back.
Yes
Chauncey is clearly out of his element in such a weird starting backcourt, he’s at his best alongside players like Rip, JR, even Ty. He won’t accept mediocrity
STOP MISSING FTS MELO
We are doing little things that are building to take us out of this game. Free throws missed, turn overs, etc..
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:33 PM MST reply actions
Its been done
Just demonstrating the willpower to truly try and believe they can will say a lot about this team.
Especially knowing there is another game tomorrow night…
I just hope there are no more injuries and no-one gets too burned out.
and a few untimely jacks from 25 feet could take us right out of it
I’m hoping he’s past that this year;
I’m penciling him in to shed the “Knucklehead” label this year!
He was mostly past that last year
I honestly don’t remember a single one he shot us out of. And when you’re down big in the 4th and the rest of the team can’t hit for shit, I’m willing to let JR go buckwild.
Fuck you Dwayne Wade
You pronounce your first name like a fucking joke
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:38 PM MST reply actions
Just read through the thread, can't see
..the game at work. Why no mention AT ALL about CB?? Is he pulling a disappearrng act tonite? Thats starting to be a trend if true, no?
Melo has done the same thing since Portland
It’s getting insane how they’re not picking up points at all until halfway through the 3rd quarter
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:40 PM MST up reply actions
No use in collecting defensive rebounds
Right Nene?
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:39 PM MST reply actions
HOW WAS THAT GOALTENDING?
HOLY SHIT REFS ARENT EVEN BEING SUBTLE
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:42 PM MST reply actions
PHANTOM FOUL ON LAWSON
Apparently tripping over your feet is even the Nuggets fault. Fuck this game
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:42 PM MST up reply actions
They must have some money riding on the game
"Me fail english, that unpossible" - Ralph Wiggum
"Duffman is thrusting in the direction of the problem" - Duffman
"Good, bad, I'm the guy with the gun" - Ash from Army of Darkness
"H.I., you're young and you got your health, what you want with a job?" - Evelle from Raising Arizona
"It happens sometimes. People just explode. Natural causes." - Agent Rogersz from Repoman
Usually one tech for the Nugs
turns into another one. I’d rather the game just end. Were not stealing this one tonight.
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:44 PM MST up reply actions
Afflalo gets jobbed
because Wade can flop. Insane
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:45 PM MST up reply actions
Our bigs can't
1. Block
2. Dunk
3. Rebound
Birdman what the fuck why did you get that extension
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:46 PM MST reply actions
You can’t put this on GK, the players looked lost out there all night.
by CCH on Nov 6, 2009 7:50 PM MST up reply actions
You absolutely can put this on GK
He never put out a cohesive line-up, he’d always cripple the offensive rhythm by putting in AC (who shot way more in this game alone than he should in the entire season) or by putting a lineup out that hasn’t played minutes together.
great...im lookin forward to tomorrow
Atlanta…if we play like this we will lose by 40…surely we can’t play this bad twice in a row. hopefully K-mart is ok to start in that game.
Haha
Damn, idk what’s going on, but I think seems like one of those situations where having Swish could really save us.
entire team played like shit.
couldn’t shhot, defend and turned the ball over way to much…oh and have you heard of a guy called AC!! lol
Wade has played the entire game
Apparently Heat fans don’t believe they can win without him out for 4 quarters
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:50 PM MST reply actions
GK was asking for a loss
The entire bench is in and winning the 4th quarter 23-15. Time to quit playing mind games with AA and Ty
Damn only down by 11 now
they could come back lol
by gnarlybroncodude on Nov 6, 2009 7:52 PM MST reply actions
The Audacity of Hope
If we even pushed this to over time I’d be amazed
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:52 PM MST reply actions
I believe don't get me wrong
i’m just a worryer
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:54 PM MST up reply actions
I will laugh if we come back to win this
by gnarlybroncodude on Nov 6, 2009 7:53 PM MST reply actions
i am watching on gamecast though so i have
no idea what is really going on with refs and shit
by gnarlybroncodude on Nov 6, 2009 7:54 PM MST reply actions
dual personality
lol
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:56 PM MST up reply actions
Rebound
rebound rebound rebound
we are just not a team who rebounds. it’s unbelievable how bad we are at getting the ball back
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:57 PM MST reply actions
Please don't try to excuse it
Houston has no one over 6’6" and they have eaten up every rebound that comes their way
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:59 PM MST up reply actions
don't you think eventually it's going to haunt them
have they played the Lakers yet?
Melo and Chauncey played like crap.
And Melo went into “I’m the only Nugget on the court” mode and totally fucked us over in the 3rd.
so much for the MVP talk
he still has not learned
by gnarlybroncodude on Nov 6, 2009 7:58 PM MST up reply actions
Well to be fair
the rest of the nuggets played that same game dumping it off to him every time
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 7:58 PM MST up reply actions
When Mr. Big Shot
can’t buy a 3, we get fucked.
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 8:00 PM MST up reply actions
We will be big tomorrow.
TIME TO BENCH AC
Hopefully Kenyon is okay
START AFFLALO
12-22 for Melo
6-20 for every other starters. Fuck you Kenyon, fuck you Carter, Fuck you Karl.
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 8:01 PM MST reply actions
Bad game no doubt, but some of you guys need to chill
It’s one game. We’re 5-1. These things happen.
"Well Scott
it was not the Nuggets night."
Ugh
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 8:02 PM MST reply actions
You beat me to it RD
Fuck him and his sorry bald head BITCH
Well, I didn't think we'd go undefeated this year.
And there’s lots to learn from this one. Especially that Lawson and Afflalo deserve time over AC. But if Karl can’t learn from his losed we’re fucked all year long.
Hell, even if we lose tomorrow's...
5-2 sans JR? I’ll take that.
by CraftyB on Nov 6, 2009 8:05 PM MST reply actions 2 recs
I don't think we could win all the games. However it's the way we loose.
GKs ignorance as a coach not knowing when to insert certain players and to bench his bitch gets me going
Chauncey played worse than AC, should we start benching him too?
The players were off tonight not so much the coach.
by CCH on Nov 6, 2009 8:10 PM MST up reply actions
AC plays fucked up consistenly
Everyone is going to have a bad game once in a while. And maybe CB1 had a bad game because of the non playing bitch that was in there with him.
I dislike AC just as much as the next guy, please hurry back JR.
by CCH on Nov 6, 2009 8:13 PM MST up reply actions
I feel sick
I’m glad someone of you can look at the bright side, but this loss upsets me.
Bleed Blue and Gold
by MileHighMonsters on Nov 6, 2009 8:06 PM MST reply actions
What are you saying. Larry Brown could have reached the end of his rope also.
How many rings does he have. There comes a time when old school is exactly that old school.
jesus wtf
We really sucked hard one this one….
when does Billups have more turnovers than AC? like our whole starting lineup was like 26 in the +/ ???
by InboundingLobPass on Nov 6, 2009 8:06 PM MST reply actions
Well
I’m excited about afflalo. I like how he was giving it to wade defensively and his offensive game seems money too. Him starting and JR comin off the bench would be great. Liked how our bench brought us back in the game though. K-mart going down was a fear of mine. We have a serious lack of depth there. Birdman has come back down to earth so we are in some trouble.
My personal thoughts on the game.
Obviously the AC starting experiment has run its limit. He’s left open on the court, limiting the offensive potential of the other 4 starters. He takes shots he shouldn’t, and misses them. When AC and CB are both wide open behind the 3 with 17 seconds on the shot-clock, AC should be taking the shot — proving that GKs confidence in him is causing severe brain damage.
CB played terribly. His shot was off, he didn’t see the court well, and his passes missed their mark. I’ll blame part of that on AC. It’s tough to play well when it’s 4-on-5.
Melo played terribly. Sure, he got his 30 — but the team lost. In the 3rd quarter he tried to force the issue, but with the refs calling a loose game (on one end) it just ended up in empty possessions. It’s not the first time we’ve seen this side of Melo, but hopefully it will be the last. I’ll blame part of this on AC. As long as you’re playing 4-5 you might as well get yours and play 1-on-5.
Nene played okay. He had his moments where he was forceful and got it done on the offensive end. But then he’d disappear for long periods of time. He needs to be more aggressive both with and without the ball. Demand it. Can’t blame this on AC. Oh, what the hell. I blame part of that on AC just because he’s a douche.
K-mart played okay while he played. Get better (both the leg and your play).
Melo wasn't great
But frankly, I’d have been pissed if he DIDN’T try to take over in the 3rd. That’s what your superstar is supposed to do in these situations. Doesn’t always pan out, but would you really have preferred he just hung back and let the other four continue chipping paint off the front of the rim?
You're missing the point.
In the Portland game, Melo took over and won the game for us. He took smart shots, drove to the rim, and PASSED THE BALL TO OPEN TEAMMATES. He kept his head up and looked for the best play.
Tonight he decided the moment he touched the ball that he was going to take it to the hoop no matter how many guys came over to cover him. He had no desire to make the BEST play, he only wanted to make HIS play.
And if his head was up he would have seen his wide open teammates
Perhaps they wouldn’t have made the basket, but Melo can’t beat teams by himself. He has to trust the guys around him. Especially when you aren’t getting the calls that you deserve.
I get what you're saying
But I think he felt if he got his own shot dropping, he’d start sucking in the D and get some better looks for the rest to get their confidence going.
I’m not saying it was one of his better games, just that the options tonight were crap all the way around. I didn’t see the other guys moving to get open much, and even when they were, they couldn’t hit the shot.
True.
The offensive was stagnant. Everyone was standing around and waiting for someone else to make a play. And I agree with you. Melo didn’t lose this game himself. The Nuggets as a team lost this game.
Obviously it was AC’s fault that Kmart bumped his leg. I saw it.
Lawson and Afflalo started slow but definitely picked it up. Once Lawson realized that CB wasn’t going to replace him, he turned on the jets and gave us all hope.
Afflalo played good offense and good defense. He got two terrible calls against him because Wade gets the superstar calls.
NB you're stealing my posts. I've been preaching this aspect since last year.
However you do it eloquently
all things considered
the bench did well to cut it back to the margin that it was. even the best teams have games that just nothing goes right, tonight was one of ours. really no one expected we would go 6-0 on the road trip. we are 5-1, still first in the west. we are way ahead in the division.
The best players are being embarrased
By our weak-willed piece of shit of a coach. They are being set up for failure and overcoming it. Afflalo, Ty, and Renaldo don;t get to play till it’s a 30 point blowout. They won the 4th quarter 33-18 against Miami starters and ran out of time.
Fuck GK
Hmmm, good question.
Better San Antonio, since we want the division. Plus, Portland’s young & dumb- we can’t have that roster start gelling just yet!
Anyone else hates when Stuart Scott says, "Timmmyyy"
when talking about Duncan? ?hat may be the dumbest nickname I’ve ever heard!
So many chicken littles
Yeah I’m disappointed too, but this is the 6th game for the Nuggets in 10 days. 4 of those games are on the road. Some of you all need to hit a bowl and chill. They have another game tomorrow. They’ll probably lose that game too.
Chauncey is still nursing that hurt ankle. His last two games are proof that he is not 100%.
Rotations are still being worked out by AC. It’s obvious to all that JR is going to be a centerpiece of the lineup after the Hawks game.
It’s Friday night. Be happy about that.
Swats.
It's the way you loose. Don't you get it?
When you see the Coach utilizing a screwed up rotation it’s unacceptable. The fact that he has shot himself in the foot before because of his dumbness is old. When do you learn from your mistakes? Are you to good to realize that you need to rethink your efforts and come up with something or someone better when your present efforts are failing. Comon.
And what do you mean" Rotations are still being worked out by AC"? Is AC in charge of this team behind the scene? Like Nancy was with Ronald?