Game 28 Preview & Thread: Nuggets at Grizzlies (2pm MDT)
by Andrew Feinstein on Dec 20, 2009 11:00 AM MST
in Denver Nuggets: Game Previews & Game Threads
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PrintDenver Nuggets at Memphis Grizzlies, Dec 20, 2009 2:00 PM MST
If Chauncey Billups isn't available to play, it might as well be against a team you've beaten eight consecutive times.
If there's one consistent thing the Nuggets have done well over the past three seasons it's beat up on the Western Conference cellar dwellers. Going back to 2007-08, the Nuggets are 34-5 combined against the Clippers, Timberwolves, Sonics/Thunder, Kings and the Grizzlies, today's matinée opponent. As noted above, the Nuggets have clocked the Grizzlies eight straight times, most recently when Carmelo Anthony went off for 42 points in the Nuggets 133-123 victory over the Grizz at Pepsi Center of November 1st.
The Grizzlies have actually played some spirited basketball since then. In their last 17 games, the Grizzlies have won 10 with surprising and impressive road wins at Portland and Miami, and solid home victories against Cleveland and Dallas.
But they're still the Grizzlies. I attended the Grizzlies/Clippers game at Staples Center on November 29th and witnessed first hand that this team still doesn't "get it" yet. In that game, the Grizzlies had a 16-point lead entering the fourth quarter and the Clippers had clearly called it a night (actually, it was a day game, but you get the idea). And yet somehow, some way the Grizzlies managed to get outscored 33-7 (that's not a typo) in the game's final stanza and the Clippers won by 10. When the Clippers hold you to seven points in a quarter, you're probably not ready for the postseason yet.
On a side note, at Staples Center that day at least 1/3 of the 15,000 fans were wearing green shirts in honor of Iran's recent "Green Revolution." Why were there so many Persians at Staples that day? Because the Grizzlies have the only Iranian player in NBA history on their roster: Hamed Haddadi. Had the Grizzlies held onto that big lead, Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins certainly would have inserted him during fourth quarter garbage time. But by allowing the Clippers to steal that game, Hollins screwed his team and 5,000-plus NBA fans.
Thanks to an assortment of talented players, the Grizzlies have proved to be dangerous on any given night. But they're still weighed down by some Stiffs, too. Let's take a look...
Grizzlies Stiffs
-Hasheem Thabeet: With fellow rookies James Harden, Tyreke Evans, Jonny Flynn, Stephen Curry and Brandon Jennings all playing well, drafting Thabeet second overall might look like a shaky decision (Thabeet is averaging just 10.4 mpg). But you can't coach height (Thabeet is 7'3") and it's too early to tell if Thabeet will be a longtime Stiff or not.
-Steven Hunter: When I advocated for former Nugget Steven Hunter to be shipped out for something, anything in return many readers here suggested that Hunter still had game left. Really? This future Denver Stiffs Hall of Famer is averaging 2.4 ppg and "shooting" 41.7% from the field. Hunter's career is done.
-Jamaal Tinsley: Back when Nuggets vice president of basketball operations Mark Warkentien was stocking the Nuggets roster with as many talented cancers as possible, he was rumored to have traded Chucky Atkins and Hunter to the Pacers for Tinsley, but the deal never officially consummated (thank god). Tinsley was such a cancer in Indiana, that president of basketball operations Larry Bird made Tinsley stay away from the team for the entire 2008-09 season.
Grizzlies Non-Stiffs
-Marc Gasol: Readers of this blog know I've been on the younger Gasol brother's bandwagon for a while now and still dream of him wearing a Nuggets jersey some day. And this season, Gasol is proving why with impressive averages of 14.5 ppg, 9.9 rpg and 61.3% shooting in just his second NBA season.
-Rudy Gay: Unable to reach an extension over the summer, Gay - the Grizzlies' star player - will be a restricted free agent next summer, meaning the Grizzlies might have to overpay to keep him. Want a prediction? Gay, a former UConn standout, will be offered a deal by the Celtics in the wake of Ray Allen's departing contract
-O.J. Mayo: Mayo and Gay went at it on the bench during that loss at Pepsi Center, but both parties claim that all is good between them. Mayo's production is down a bit from his stellar rookie season, but his field goal percentage has improved to 46.8% which isn't too shabby for a second-year jump shooter.
Opposition's Take: Straight Outta Vancouver
Photo courtesy of AP Photos: Joe Murphy
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damn if gay signs with boston i might just cry....
seriously if this guy went to a legit franchise (i.e anything but memphis, clippers etc) he would be an all star
keys to the game
melo-look for every team in the nba to use the hornets double team tactic. melo needs to become a passer, rebounder and step it up defensively. he will need to find different ways to score by working the offensive glass and scoring in transition. nene- needs to move without the ball, work for position on both ends of the court and fight for the ball. he stands around like a statue makes him easier to guard. smith- needs to maintain his focus and not loose his mind when he gets it going offensively.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
Ty Lawson is starting!
Andrew Feinstein | DenverStiffs.com | denverstiffs@gmail.com
by Andrew Feinstein on Dec 20, 2009 2:10 PM MST reply actions
big difference between
conley and chris paul. the afflalo lawson tandem averaged 21+ points off the bench when smith missed the first 7 games of the season.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
three blown layups
and a thrity point qtr. Doesn’t look good
Just sensational basketball
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 2:28 PM MST reply actions
I just hope we lose as many as we can so we fire GK
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 2:30 PM MST up reply actions
right
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 2:34 PM MST up reply actions
Funny dialogue between me and my mom, who by the way knows nothing about basketball
Mom: Why are we so bad on the road?
Me: Because Boy George thinks it’s ok to go .500 on the road. He thinks it’s good enough.
Mom: Not when you’re going for championships it’s not.
Need I say more?
I never thought like that before, but I'm kind of starting to
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 2:37 PM MST up reply actions
I really believe that we can't get a big because GK is the coach
I think Stan is in a wait and see mode.
Idon't think we're seeing the best in the nuggets yet
by Lethalturnip on Dec 20, 2009 2:38 PM MST up reply actions
Well how damn long do we have to wait?
I actually think the opposite though. I think we already saw the best of the Nuggets last postseason. As long as Karls at the helm we will continue to decline.
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 2:41 PM MST up reply actions
untill we see some consistency i guess
they’re on and off right now
by Lethalturnip on Dec 20, 2009 2:52 PM MST up reply actions
I do
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 2:39 PM MST up reply actions
This is one of those games
Where you have to hope the Nuggets are only down by ten near the end of the game
AC always run around with his arms whaling
decieving people into thinking thats hes good
Lets go back to FIREGEORGE CALL.COM
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 2:47 PM MST reply actions
Because it wouldn't do anything
I want Karl gone more than anybody, but that’s not what’s gonna get him fired. Don’t worry though Sam, it’s only a matter of time.
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 2:50 PM MST up reply actions
Ugh, Raiders just scored too
On a Sunday when Colorado teams are playing the Raiders and Grizzlies you would think it would be a great day. How times have changed.
He has two points
Most games he has goose eggs
You should.
Im not saying AC isnt a DUD, im a huge TY fan. But today Ty is playing scared and timid, and none of the other players know what a pass is today. AC is solving that.
Anybody read this article
http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_14035045
if you scroll down a little it mentions something about the early start meaning it will take longer for the energy to get into the game. Hope they don’t see it as an excuse
just horrible deffensive game, ridiculous...
let’s see if we can come back.
I don’t think we are at the same level than last year though
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:00 PM MST reply actions
Good to see Melo's shots are starting to drop
if he refuses to pass the ball.
by Artimus Mangilord on Dec 20, 2009 3:02 PM MST reply actions
Its funny
The Nuggets lose games that have built-in excuses for them to lose.
The Pistons beat the Nuggets without Ben Gordon, Rip Hamilton, or Tayshaun Prince.
The Rockets have a good record without Yao and with a broken T-mac.
You’d think the Nuggets wouldve won at least one game where they were missing K-Mart, Birdman, or Chauncey, particularly cause the Nuggets are better than those teams. But it seems like their mindset is, “hey, we don’t need to work as hard because it’s not our fault if we lose”
I've been thinking more and more about this
My guess is that the reason the Nugs drop so many games to sub-.500 teams is due to an attitude problem. Watch their body language when they start a game against an elite team, versus a basement dweller that the fans (and apparently the Nugs themselves) ‘expect’ the Nugs to beat. They play without hustle and, rather than run plays, move the ball, work the glass, etc., it seems like they think they can just iso on offense to produce or walk back on defense b/c the other team is ‘inferior’. But what do I know. It’s early Sunday afternoon and the Donkeys and Nuggs have already forced me to drink heavily.
by Artimus Mangilord on Dec 20, 2009 3:12 PM MST up reply actions
When is somebody gonna hold Karl accountable for these types of performances
It makes me sick to think that we accept this bs.
He deserves the same ammount of blame as the players if you ask me.
Nobody came prepared today it seems, coaches and players.
Intelligent fans
Some just don’t get it GN. They aren’t aware that the coach is responsible for the due diligence needed in order to obtain the win.
well i guess im not an intelligent fan.
They should just hire you on as GM since your such a know it all.
Hope so, but doubt it
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:23 PM MST up reply actions
you know, i was bitchin about Karl’s coaching abilities yesterday night, and i got attacked. But again I will stand by my first statements. Karl=Stiff
Who was attacking you?
Whoever it was doesn’t know what the hell they are talking about.
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 3:25 PM MST up reply actions
what a catch AC...
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:25 PM MST reply actions
LETS GO!!!
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:28 PM MST reply actions
Two words for them
the first one begins with an F
Who's scoring for the Nuggets except Melo
and a lucky break from Kmart
ok seriously,
why does GK continue to allow Kmart to take 20 ft jump shots. this is preposterous
by Rainbow skyline on Dec 20, 2009 3:33 PM MST reply actions
amen
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:34 PM MST up reply actions
this line up has Kmart looking to score
because AA and AC aren’t getting the scoring done
it helped a lot that AC was finally riding the pine and we had a reasonable rotation
but we clearly are in trouble when ANY of those 8 get hurt
by Rainbow skyline on Dec 20, 2009 3:41 PM MST up reply actions
Nuggets need offense from the pg position
they won’t get it as long as AC is in
nice D I'd say
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:40 PM MST up reply actions
AC caused Nene to get that foul
His man went right around him
Lucky shit
I guess if you got paid eight hundred K as an professional basketball player a shot is gonna go in the hoop every now and then.
COULD YOU STAY DOWN SOMETIMES BIRDMAN?
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:46 PM MST reply actions
Lets just hope Randolph tires to take the game over at the end
I’d love to see some airball 3 pointers with the shot clock winding down.
At least AC is smart enough to recognize that he sucks, and doesn't shoot us OUT of games
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 3:51 PM MST up reply actions
Well, great... I guess
But he’s 1-9 right now. So at the same time, if he starts dropping 3’s or soemthing, it will look good then, but keep in mind it took him 8 misses to get there first.
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 3:58 PM MST up reply actions
It's not one night
Jr has been playing pretty badly on a consistant basis. When was the last time he had a great 3 point shooting game?
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 4:10 PM MST up reply actions
ok, it seemed like we got there
not
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 3:52 PM MST reply actions
Still a quarter to go
They might just pull this one out
by Uh on Dec 20, 2009 3:54 PM MST up reply actions
and we might get the W if we keep deffending like this last minutes
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:01 PM MST up reply actions
DUNK THAT SHIT AND ITS AN EASY AND1 MELO!
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:05 PM MST reply actions
we suck...
too much hype around us
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:07 PM MST reply actions
I really love him (no homo) we should get more looks for him
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:12 PM MST up reply actions
A TON more
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:15 PM MST up reply actions
FUCK RANDOLPH
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:19 PM MST reply actions
we are soft as shit
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:22 PM MST up reply actions
game over
just wasted legs
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:21 PM MST reply actions
Pathetic
Fire George Karl, get this team on the right track again. We shouldn’t waste any more time with this guy living in this mediocre fantasy world. We want to compete!
I wish they'd fire him
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:23 PM MST up reply actions
but they wont
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:23 PM MST up reply actions
If these types of performances keep coming they will
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 4:24 PM MST up reply actions
i bet you they wont
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:24 PM MST up reply actions
ARE YOU SERIOUS, I WOULD VE MADE THAT J LIKE GAY TOO
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:24 PM MST reply actions
we are a contender, didn't you know?
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:28 PM MST up reply actions
Coaches I would love to have
Lawrence Frank, Reggie Theus, Byron Scott.
by GoldenNugget on Dec 20, 2009 4:30 PM MST reply actions 1 recs
Avery Johnson
I said since he got fired he could do the job
by runningdonut on Dec 20, 2009 4:31 PM MST up reply actions
avery johnson
"Do not rest in defense. You can spend 24 seconds in offense on resting. If you do good enough on defense, you will be able to rest on offense."
by Lucas Navarrete on Dec 20, 2009 4:32 PM MST up reply actions
Glass half full
We are now under .500 on the road. Kalr might start caring about winning and coaching these games.
We have a really tough stretch coming up
Atlanta, at Portland, and Dallas. Great expectations would be 2 out of 3 and thats with a good coach.
by runningdonut on Dec 20, 2009 4:33 PM MST up reply actions
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