Game 18 Preview & Thread: Nuggets vs. Warriors (7pm MDT)
by Nate Timmons on Dec 1, 2009 11:57 AM MST
in Game Previews & Threads
131 comments
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets, Dec 1, 2009 7:00 PM MST
I was able to do something a little different last night, I decided to take advantage of having NBA TV and watch the Pacers vs. Warriors game in preparation of tonight's contest against Golden State. Stephen Curry and Co. have the difficult task of coming into the thin air of Denver after playing last night in Oakland.
The particulars ...
Records:
Denver: 12-5
Golden State: 6-10 (key wins: vs. Portland, at Dallas (using just 6 players))
Injuries:
Denver: Chris Andersen (sinus infection) and Nene (right knee contusion) are listed as probable, but didn't practice yesterday (11-30).
Golden State: Corey Maggette (left hamstring) day-to-day. Kelenna Azubuike (left patellar tendon), Raja Bell (left wrist), Andris Biedrins (osteitis pubis aka ab muscles), Anthony Randolph (sprained ankle last night) and Brandan Wright (shoulder surgery) are all out.
Opposition's Take: Golden State of Mind
The task ahead of the Nuggets tonight is about the same as someone who is rebounding after breaking up with (or being broken up with) their significant other. After a relationship is over people tend to branch off in two directions ... the first, you start hitting the gym hard and improving the little things so that you come back as a better version of yourself. The second, you spiral downward by hitting the bars, making poor decisions and being a worse version of yourself.
If I had to put my money on one of the options ... I'd go with the first one. I think the Nuggets come out tonight as a better version of themselves, but it will not be an easy task against a very dangerous Warriors team.
Back in the 2007 playoffs one of the most exciting teams ever assembled took out a highly touted Dallas Mavericks squad. That Warriors team consisted of Baron Davis, Monta Ellis, Jason Richardson, Stephen Jackson, Mickael Pietrus, Matt Barnes, Al Harrington and Andris Biedrins. This high scoring squad was fun to watch because they played such a loose style of basketball and they played at their best when they could turn things into a chaotic mess on the court.
Well, only Ellis and Biedrins (and Kelenna Azubuike, but he wasn't in the rotation then) remain from that 2007 playoff squad, but the Warriors have maintained the same style and inserted new players into the mix. After watching their 126-107 win over the Indiana Pacers last night I feel like I have a good understanding of what this team likes to do and how they go about doing it.
The Warriors still play at their best when they turn the pressure up on their opponent and they were able to turn the tide last night against the Pacers. Down 14 (yikes ... sounds like the Minnesota game!) in the third quarter, the Warriors went on a 25-12 run to end the quarter up 85-83. There wasn't a very sound offensive gameplan from what it looked like other than, "play at a breakneck pace and take the best available shot." And in the final period, the Warriors ran the Pacers out of the building.
Where the Warriors were finding success started with Ellis. After scoring 18 points in the first quarter by attacking the hoop with crazed purpose, Ellis finished the game exactly how he started it ... by being ultra aggressive and making an array of layups, jumpers, and a three-pointer (including 14-16 from the foul line). The Pacers could not cover him and they could not stay in front of him, no matter who tried ... Brandon Rush? Not even close. Dahntay Jones? No chance. Ellis finished with a career high 45 points after fouling out with just over six minutes to play in the game ... he actually fouled out on what should have been a blocking foul and a chance for a three-point play as he made the layup, but Danny Crawford blew the obvious call. So, Ellis' quest for 50 points was stopped short.
The positive for Denver is that Arron Afflalo (who is a little bigger, but certainly not quicker) should get the task of defending Ellis and Billups will be able to guard the quick, but undersized Stephen Curry. The rookie didn't do anything to impress me last night and he had a pretty easy matchup being guarded my the miniature T.J. Ford. Not sure why, but Curry never got into the offensive flow ... hopefully Billups can keep things that way tonight as shooters like to shoot and Curry finished just 2-5 last night. Another guard who can come in and create havoc is C.J. Watson ... he played well last night and was on the floor and a big part of the Warriors comeback victory. Watson is quick, a lefty and can pretty much do it all. He may be a problem for the Nuggets tonight if they didn't scout him (like say ... Chris Douglas-Roberts in the first Nets game.)
Anthony Morrow fills the offensive role left by Stephen Jackson ... long distance shooter, but not as good of an all-around scorer. Morrow doesn't like to drive to the hoop and will settle for jumpers. He's also undersized at 6'5'' and Melo should have a good cover if he remembers to stay with Morrow and not float down into the lane, thus giving him wide open looks. What Morrow does like to do is take big shots, like Jackson, and he will make them as he did last night (4-6 from three-point land and 18 points).
Corey Maggette didn't seem to be suffering any lingering effects from his hamstring injury, but he also doesn't look as athletic as he used to with the Clippers. Maggette is transitioning his game (whether he realizes it or not) to fit more of a traditional role rather than the athletic swingman role he enjoyed during his earlier days. Maggs is still a physical player, can score when needed and is the best option the Warriors have to guard Melo. If Morrow defends Melo for extended time ... look out, Melo's size and arsenal are too much for him.
Vladimir Radmanovic holds down the starting power forward spot for Golden State, at least until Ronny Turiaf can get back to 100%, and that is not a good thing. Rad-Man only saw 24 minutes last night and was invisible on the floor. The better option for Golden State would be to bench Radmanovic and just start Anthony Randolph already, but I'm not sure they want to live with some of his basketball decisions. Unfortunately, I was looking forward to seeing Randolph tonight, but he suffered a sprained ankle last night after slipping on the floor and is listed as "out" for tonight's contest. Turiaf looks rusty and Rad-Man looks washed up ... Kenyon Martin should take advantage and see if he can get to the rim and become a force on the boards.
The Warriors seemingly weakest spot is at the center position with Biedrins sidelined. In his place G.S. has been starting 34 year-old Mikki Moore and he's basically a real live Ichabod Crane. Andrew Feinstein favorite, Jeff Foster created havoc on the offensive glass early last night by just getting position on Moore. If the Nuggets make a team effort on the offensive glass they will dominate, at least when Moore is in the game. The undersized Warriors do not do a good job protecting the rim on rebounds or when players drive the lane.
Whenever the Pacers went to the hole ... they had success. There was just little defensive effort to stop penetration by the Warriors. Mike Dunleavy, whose knee wont allow him to play above the rim right now, got layup after layup when he drove to the hoop early. Even Earl Watson grabbed an offensive rebound between two G.S. "bigs." The man that should see more time tonight is Chris Hunter, former Michigan player and NBA D-Leaguer. Hell, if I was Keith Smart (coaching for Don Nelson, while Nellie is sick) I'd start Hunter. The guy showed some fire and really ... what's the point of starting 34 year-old Moore when you have such a young team?
The Warriors are not a team that quits. They have too much scoring pop to give in and too much youth to know any better. The Pacers had them on the ropes, but couldn't close the game out in the second half and the Warriors just flipped a switch and started gaining confidence with each possession. There was a helpless feeling coming from the Pacers and you could just tell that they were going to lose last night as the Warriors made their move and never let up.
Golden State, much like Denver, plays at their absolute best when they are mixing attacking the lane with unselfish passing. Defense is not a premium for Don Nelson's crew, but they like to jump the passing lanes and pressure the ball. If Denver can work the ball inside, they will find easy buckets.
Defensively for Denver ... this is a huge test. By now we've all heard Billups' and K-Mart's postgame comments about the slap in the face loss to the T-Wolves. Usually you'd expect a high-caliber team like Denver to come out tonight and play a suffocating style of defense and really take it to their opponent in a physical manner. Denver can do this, but the styles of both teams don't lend to that type of game.
Will we see a better version of the Nuggets tonight? I'd like to think so, but this game has "high-scoring affair" written all over it.
Views you can use:
- Denver is just 3-2 when Billups fails to score in double-figures.
- The Warriors through 16 games have given up 114+ points 7 times this season.
- NBA TV announcers said after the game last night that the Nuggets are 17-1 when teams come to town on the second night of a back-to-back from the Pacific Time Zone.
ntimmons73@yahoo.com
Follow me on Twitter: Nate_Timmons
Photo courtesy of AP Photos: Paul Sakuma
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This was the game I said I feared...
when I saw that we had the Wolves twice, Nets, Knicks, and Warriors. Then Sunday happened.
I also realized that this is the 2nd game of a back to back for the Warriors coming to Denver.
Lets fuck em up!
Man, this will be the first time our frontcourt won't look undersized
Nene is going to eat Moore alive.
I hope to see a Nuggets team that passes the ball, moves without the ball, and attacks.
The past few games the Nuggets movement off the ball has been atrocious and stagnant at best. If the Nuggets work as a team and get players like Nene, Kmart, and AA involved, they score 120+ easy.
I watched that game last night too
Monta Ellis is somehow despite his size just flat out filthy. It should be referred to as “Monta Ellis and Company” not Steph Curry. He hasn’t earned that yet. But yeah this is a young vibrant energetic team that will be a pain in the ass. That said, you really didn’t need that long of an analysis there Andy… :p …we’re going to own them considering the T-Wolves debacle and this is a b2b for G-State.
I went with Curry and Co. b/c it fit the picture of the story, but you are right ... it's Ellis' team.
I’m also going to assume you meant Nate instead of Andy! ha ha! Check the by-line!
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
Saw them beat Dallas
As my user name suggests, I grew up in Denver, but now live in the Bay Area. I watched the Warriors beat Dallas, was it last week? Monta Ellis has got some serious game. I hope the back-to-back aspect and the high altitude slow the W’s down. These guys are not pushovers.
I saw Monta Ellis
hanging out with the AND ONE players on Street Ball. For some reason I to see he and JR go at it.
Great preview
The nugs generally play the W’s pretty well and they are banged up plus it’s a back to back. A good effort equals a win. There’s n telling with this team though, a blowout win is just as likely as a blowout loss or a close game. Think about it, it’s true
by runningdonut on Dec 1, 2009 3:05 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Last night Jeff Foster collected 9 rebounds (6 offensive) for the Pacers in just 24 minutes.
Hit the glass and good things happen.
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
After the embarrassing loss, I hope Karl shakes up the line-up
I don’t know why the Nuggets are playing so poorly compared to last season, but Karl needs to send a message by changing the starting line-up or changing the rotation.
That T-Wolves game was an embarrassment to the franchise, from the teenagers who mop up sweat under the basket to the owners.
I was as critical of Anthony Carter as the next stiff, but I think there is a salient case to get him back in the line-up for his defensive intensity. (Just don’t let him inbound the ball, yo).
Anyway. I’m kinda pissed. And if I were to single anyone out, it would be Chris Andersen. His soft play in the paint is making me go crazy. I know he is never going to be a solid, on-the-ball defender like K-Mart, but the man needs to play bigger and smarter. I’m sick of him watching the opposing team pull down rebounds. He’s not the only one not boxing out, mind. But he’s just not the same. I don’t know if it is the sore knees or the big contract.
Lawson, too, is irking me. I love the guy, but since winning my affection early in the season he’s been sloppy with the ball, but I can’t help but point out his 6 assist and zero turnover game against the Knicks where he scored 2 points.
Anyway. Go Nuggets. I hope George can send a message. Otherwise this theatrics during the postgame are just that and he lost even more credibility with his players.
I was wondering when the Brilliant
fans where going to call for the insertion of ANTHONY CARTER.
What flippin defensive intensity does ANTHONY CARTER have?
The sad thing is the Brilliant coach of the Nuggets probably has the same idea.
What a joke.
The best thing AC can do is RETIRE this way he can’t be a distraction.
You can't argue with the stats
And the stats say the Nuggets D is better when he is in the rotation.
You guys can hate all you want. I just want my team to win.
But keep in mind, I will be the only one saying this. I don’t expect to win any converts, and I’m really not that big a fan of AC the player. I’m just pissed with the current bunch of Stiffs that embarrassed the franchise two nights ago.
Peace,
FA
Peace
Every one knows that AC stats get padded during garbage time.
GK inserts him when the Nuggets are winning is so people like you can make this brilliant argument.
Look at what happened the last time he was inserted in a game. He turned the ball over in the first minute.
If what you say is true about wanting your team to win then you have to know that AC does not give the Nuggets the best chance at doing this
I don’t understand it. AC has not been playing. And the Nuggets have not been playing well. It took 50 points from Melo and 32 from Chauncey to get past the pathetic Knicks only to be embarrassed by the 1-15 T-Wolves. I can’t understand the hate for AC when the Nuggets clearly are not playing like they were when he was getting more minutes.
The last thing I wanted to do was get into some sort of situation where I am defending AC. I don’t know how many times I have to say it, but I’m not really too keen on him. I’m even less keen on losing.
I’m just pissed that the Nuggets have been playing poorly. The loss against the T-Wolves the other night was one of the bigger regular season upsets in recent NBA history. All I am saying is that coach Karl needs to shake up his line up and his rotation.
And yeah, this probably means more AC.
Plain and Simple
Karl and AC need to be ousted
I’m done
Because Karl and AC were the ones playing in the Third quarter when the T-Wolves blasted past the Nuggets flat-footed starters?
While I find your logic perplexing, know that I appreciate your passion for the Nuggets.
Peace
I appreciate that
Why are you perplexed? GK is as much to blame for the loss as well as the players.
His eight man rotation is flawed in that it should be expanded. He addressed the problem that the Nuggets had yet he failed to do his due diligence and correct the problem.
AC is totally useless.
Oh I forgot
That the Coach still doesn’t understand that you take a time out to stop the momentum of the opposing team
AC routinely lags off his man
and gets burned.
by Artimus Mangilord on Dec 1, 2009 5:29 PM MST up reply actions
The Nuggets were winners last season with AC playing key minutes off the bench with JR and Andersen.
Really, the only stats that matter to me are W’s. And the bench has been outplayed the last two weeks.
That said, you have to remember, it was the Nuggets starting 5 who started that disastrous 3rd quarter that saw the T-Wolves steal the game.
Who is Ty Lawson
He has been doing a better job than ac….and actually Arron Afflalo has been a better defender than AC. AC gets burned all the time. He is aging, getting slower, and isnt making good decisions. We want our team to win ass well, but this year, I think we are better off without AC. We cant just give all playing time to AC because he was good last year, we have to give others a chance, to try and take his spoit, which is what Ty and afflalo have done
by rickyestrada15 on Dec 1, 2009 5:48 PM MST up reply actions
Starting Lineup Change DESPERATLY NEEDED
In other words: FOR CRYING OUT LOUD LET JR START AND JUST SEE WHAT HAPPENS!!! If it doesn’t work then change it. But he deserves a chance at least. Especially against this team, we could use his 3 pt shot.
This game is a matchup nightmare defensively for GS
Curry on Billups, Monta on Earl (though Monta is an underrated defender, height will be an issue) Morrow on Melo, Vlad on Kmart and Moore on Nene each one of those matchups heavliy favors the Nuggets. If we adopt the Kobe rules for this one (let Monta get his but make him work for it and suffocate everyone else) the Nuggets should be fine. I wouldn’t sleep on Vlad on offense though, yes he’s not the same guy he was in Seattle but the guy has killed the Nuggets in the past. I can already see him drifting off into the corner and waiting for the pass, then burying a three. I think Nate is correct in saying our best bet is to go inside and take it to the rim, who’s going to stop us, Mikki Moore? I see huge nights for Nene and Melo and a no doubts about it win for the Nuggies
Big Rivalry Game
This is a big game for me. I live in California, near San Francisco. Don’t worry, I am not a warriors fan, though my family is. I have always liked the nuggets, and m,y friends and family hate me for it. I am actally a Denver fanatic. I like the Broncos and the Rokies had me going this year. Let me say that I hope our Denver Nuggets come to play. I always rub it in peoples faces when the nuggs win, and what better than to do it tomorrow. Lets play, nuggs! I am new to the SB nation and denver stiffs, I am glad to be a nugget.
Sounds like AC could be back in the rotation:
“In the NBA, play hard is a talent,” Karl said Monday. “Gary Payton, that was one of his biggest talents. I’ve had other guys who never understood that talent. Sometimes my team doesn’t understand play hard. And our personality of play hard has changed. Last year, it came from Dahntay Jones, Anthony Carter and Chris (Andersen) being some of the top energy guys in the NBA. Now, we’re searching. Maybe we have to get it more from our talented kids — maybe Carmelo (Anthony) more. But a lot of time, play hard comes from your role players. My biggest focus is play hard. I don’t like coaching when my team is being outworked.”
Julian from Australia
nuggets are struggling shooting.
6-20 so far from the floor. hopefully that can change soon. Also the defence needs to be picked up. Nene off to a good start..he should dominate the golden state big men tonight..he will have a huge game for the nuggs.
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!
Looking good
That 10-2 run makes me nervous.
But for all my bitching about the bench, I have to say it is playing well tonight. Especially Lawson. He was just what the Nuggets needed against this fast-paced Warriors team..
Let’s win this by 20 so I can stop being a grumpy gus.
If this coach is so smart
why is he so stupid not to call a time out to stop the momentum of the opposing team?
we still step into sloppy play
all of the sudden we are throwing bricks all over and the Warriors get a 10 -0 run. We are looking like the fast break – take any jump shot you can team of 2007 especially. Discipline is not with the Nuggets. I swear the team puts it in Karls face just doing what they damn well want to.
44 point second quarter.
overall it was a good half.. Slow start to the match but we have picked it up. that run GSW made at the end of the second was a little dissapointing but other then that i’m happy how the Nuggets are playing. Nene is playing some great basketball. He is dominating the GSW frontline. Melo is looking good tonight as is Lawson and Chauncey. i’ll look to see how the nuggets come out of the break, it will be interesting to see after they blew it in the T-Wolves game…they should come out firing.
GO NUGGETS!!
too bad I can't see the 2nd half..
getting on a flight back to San Diego…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!
Coronado is beautiful!
great beach there except for the nasty undertow.
Come on Nugs…keep the 20 point lead!
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!
so far..
+20 Rebounding Edge, +7 Offensive Boards, +11 Assist margin (Chauncey with a Double Double tonight?), 23 of 26 from the line..
Here comes AC
There goes the neighborhood… j/k
by Artimus Mangilord on Dec 1, 2009 9:12 PM MST reply actions
AC !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
he’s back and he rules the court !
balkman's favorite play
is the really long outlet pass that accidently lands in the opposing teams arms
Naldo still > Petro
like GK says, Naldo is a good/bad player. When he’s hustling, getting steals and rebounds, he is good. But when he’s throwing away passes (AC’s favorite play), or not covering his man and gambling on D (Bird’s favorite play), he’s bad.
Twolve's loss still sucks. . .
but I guess it happens to everyone once in awhile:
1 2 3 4 T
PHO (14-4) 28 30 18 23 99
NYK (4-14) 39 32 29 26 126
granted. . .
but we didn’t lose to T’wolves by 27 either
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