No presents for Denver... (Nuggets/Mavs recap)
by Nate Timmons on Dec 27, 2009 8:45 PM MST
in Game Recaps
38 comments
Tonight's game reminded me of my holiday dinner. As I sat at the table staring at all the beautiful looking food in front of me and filled my plate, I happily began enjoying my meal. I ate until I was full and then something happened ... I realized I overate and from that horrific realization forward the rest of my night would be ruined as my stomach was ready to burst at the seams.
The Nuggets started this game much like my holiday meal began ... lots of promise and hope of a 17-7 lead at around the seven minute mark. Then it happened ... I realized I overate and the Nuggets hit a brick wall as well by surrendering a 23-6 run to the Mavericks to end the first quarter.
A key to eating any big meal ... pace yourself because if you don't you will spoil the rest of your night. The Nuggets also ruined their night by not capitalizing on their early momentum, but not all was lost. Denver did play a pretty nice second quarter and they finished the first half on a tear by Kenyon Martin on the offensive boards and Arron Afflalo's dunk on a run-out that flushed home with just 1.7 seconds remaining cutting the Mavs halftime lead to 55-52.
The Nuggets built their very early lead with good-tight defense, pressuring the ball handlers, going to the rim on drives and hitting jumpers. It was picture perfect basketball. The Nuggets surrendered the momentum and the lead by succumbing to a slower pace and turning the ball over with some very sloppy passing.
I was a bit miffed as to why Ty Lawson was taken out of the game at the 3:39 mark of the first quarter when it was Lawesome who was hustling and looking like he was the lifeblood of the night. When he didn't check back into the game until the 7:15 mark of the second quarter I was beside myself ... then I realized his left hand was heavily taped around the wrist and thumb. Hopefully this was the only reason Anthony Carter saw extended minutes in that stretch because he was awful. A.C. had a couple horrific turnovers and a slew of missed shots ... a three, a running airball near the paint and a bricked bunny in the lane. It's pretty apparent that A.C. is at best a third guard for a team that isn't contending. With Billups out there needs to be more Lawson, Afflalo and Smith rotating at the one and two, having A.C. in the game is a detriment to the team's success.
The second half didn't fare much better for the Nuggets and Dallas would eventually win the game 104-96. The Nuggets let the Mavs jump out to a good start in the third quarter and couldn't recover. What Denver must learn is that each half, each quarter and each possession carries certain importance. Giving up big runs and leads will ultimately hurt the team.
The Nuggets also were not sharing the ball in the second half and that was limiting their success as one pass and a shot or drive was the result. Meanwhile, the Mavs were getting easy looks and even making some pretty difficult looks. The Nuggets needed some breaks and they didn't get too many as Carmelo Anthony fouled out and the Mavs made key shots when it counted.
I will admit that at times the officiating was questionable in the third and fourth quarters, but Denver's lack of passing and attacking the rim for much of the second half lent the team to needed some crucial breaks and when they don't get them the officiating woes look larger than they are. Had the Nuggets played the right way and played defense with more intensity they would have won this game against a team that was coming in on the second of a back-to-back.
I do applaud Denver's effort towards the end of the fourth quarter to make a comeback ... the team never game up and you always want to see that out of your team. Lawson looked almost unstoppable getting to the rim and continues to impress me. Denver just didn't turn on the intensity in time and it cost them the game. Once again ... too little too late.
The Nuggets are now 13-2 at home and lost to a team that they should have beat at least on paper as Denver had the rest and the Mavs had the will. What a luxury for the Mavs to be able to bring Terry, Gooden, Howard and Tim Thomas (when healthy) off the bench. The Mavs are a very deep team and a good team. The Nuggets meanwhile now sit at 20-11 and need to get a win tomorrow night in Sacramento.
Views you can use:
- Denver was once again out rebounded by their opponent: 51-45 (although Denver grabbed more offensive boards than the Mavs: 12-8).
- The Nuggets collected 20 assists on the night and whenever they shared the ball it typically resulted in a wide open dunk or shot. One-on-one basketball is the key to losing.
- The Nuggets colleted 11 steals to the Mavs 5, but the Mavs turned the ball over just one more time than the Nuggets: 14-13.
- Melo fouled out, but collected a double-double with 16 points and 12 rebounds.
- Dirk Nowitski's elbow pad looks disgusting. I would not want to guard him and have that thing touch me ... no wonder he wears it.
ntimmons73@yahoo.com
Twitter: Nate_Timmons
Photo Courtesy of AP Photos: David Zalubowski
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Ty's hand
I was wondering about why he wa spulled earlier, he was wearing some kind of medical contraption on his wrist and hand. His jump shot had no rotation and he was looking for the rim on most plays. He could have a minor ding or something. AT least he played in the 4th quarter. That’s progress. We needed a timeout in the 4th when we came within 4. When you have timeouts might as well use them. That was really our only chance to steal a win
the double team
the big difference was when melo was out dallas kept the double team on smith. the key is to pass out of the double team right after catching the ball. the longer the ball is held gives the defense a chance to rotate. the sooner the ball is passed the sooner melo and earl get the ball back. holding the ball allows seconds to go off the shot clock and results in a poor shot. this is a major disruption to half court execution..
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
You could tell Snith wasnt used to these double teams, he just started dribbling harder of jacked up a shot. With Melo out and Smith being doubleteamed no one else could create a decent shot.
I wish that JR and Melo would both realize
that their shooting percentage and ease of shot goes WAAAAAY up if they create their shot without having the ball in their hands. Smith needs to place himself in good 3-ball position when Lawson is driving and he’ll break his 11 3-pointer record on 15 shots. Seriously, how many times does he miss a spot-up 3?
Carmelo needs to move without the ball, cut, follow the pointguard, etc. I know that he’s a killer from the elbow but he’ll see fewer double-teams if he doesn’t just sit there.
This is as good as we are going to get
Let’s face it there’s no trades for a big coming and gk will get his contract. We are not getting it done even after a lose we still play like shit you would think by now these guys would start to get going even with injuries aside (everyone else has just look at Portland) I’m affraid that this year is really a bust ya we might get our 50 wins but I’m really not seeing anything special from this team. I hope I’m wrong but this is getting to be a joke and I’m not in the mood to laugh and shake off any more stupid losses.
I have accepted it
Nuggets aren’t getting a 2 seed this year. They may not win the division. They have to play catch up to get to .500 on the road. It’s not guaranteed that GK will be extended so don’t lose hope. I don;t care about the record anymore, this team is not near good enough to play for that Gold Ball at the end of the season. The hype needs to wash off of this team before we can get some of that last year swagger back. Time for GK and the rest of the Nugs to forget about money and extensions and prove it.
by runningdonut on Dec 27, 2009 9:22 PM MST up reply actions
I accepted it a while ago
We could go back to the WCFs, it’s possible in the playoffs. But right now the regular season is looking nothing like it did last year at this time. It’s looking like the 50 win plateau is a good goal. Sad. I just don’t get how we have declined. Weren’t our aspirations before the season a little bit more…progressive?
by GoldenNugget on Dec 27, 2009 10:34 PM MST up reply actions
Great game
Nuggets are really the epitome of team basketball these days. Good thing George lets the team run wild or I don’t know where we’d be.
WTF Moment
Nugs were up 17-7 when I went to take a dump. Came back and the score was 23-30. I almost had to take a dump again. That was a precursor to my stomach conditions throughout the game. It was a disaster.
Stop getting worked up over the outcome of something you can't control.
~Anonymous
bleed, nuggets, bleed...
perhaps a little blood is the only thing that will cause the management to wake up and see how weak Karl and the team really are.
Sigh
Watching these Nuggets reminds me of the dude from Good Will Hunting. All the potential in the world hiding behind a tough guy persona struggling to come to terms with his faults and apply himself. What we lack is discipline. When any bit of adverisity pops up these guys don’t respond the right way. Part of it is Chauncey missing. Part of it is…. we are not that good. It’s all fun and games when the Nuggets are shooting lights out and blowing people away in transition. Beneath all of that the Nuggets are being outworked on all the little things and not making the plays below the rim. The unselfish shit that doesn’t get shown on TV and no one will pat you on the back for.
This team is not elite anymore, so to remain in denial about that does no one any good. The Lakers are playing in a league of their own right now, and the priority now is to get hungrier and add some positive effort after each game. If Afflalo can play a whole game like that first half then we’ve got something. Nene – take a long look at yourself in the mirror and realize you just got owned by Drew Gooden.
lakers in a league of their own?
you mean the team that got smoked by cleveland and then needed a miracle to beat sac?
by Rainbow skyline on Dec 27, 2009 11:08 PM MST up reply actions
Yeah
I hate the Lakers. A lot. But I’m accepting reality and that is that we have probably ruined any chance to be remotely competitive with them for western conference supremacy. Lakers 8-2 on the road. Mavs 11-4 on the road. Nuggets 7-9. It speaks for itself dude.
by runningdonut on Dec 28, 2009 1:07 AM MST up reply actions
I think
We just saw this year’s 2 seed. Not only are they in 2nd place now; I think they’ll be there at the end of the season. So it’s the Mavs’ turn to lose to the Lakers this year.
by ParkHillNative on Dec 28, 2009 12:38 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
I hate to be the officiating Scrooge here but...
A legitimate Superstar does not foul out of a game with that much time left ON ANY OTHER TEAM!
Yes, we played like shit for too much of this game, but come on! Those last three fouls on melo were REALLY ticky-tack, ametuerish calls.
My big thing is that these refs got tired real quick with us complaining about no-calls and took it out on melo.
Nene HAS to stop staring down the refs and get back on D!
And the one-on-one offense is not gonna get it done…
I disagree that this is the best we’re gonna get with this team. I DO think that this team is built for high-stakes games ei: the playoffs, but we gotta get there…
by SternfluffsKobe on Dec 27, 2009 9:18 PM MST via mobile reply actions
Oh we're winning tomorrow
This is the kind of game that the short handed nuggets win…that’s how they keep us scratching our collective head.
by SternfluffsKobe on Dec 27, 2009 9:49 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Sorry, but
The Nugs usually play terribly in Sacto, and it’ll be the 2nd night of a b2b. I predict 40 points for Tyreke Evans and a 20 point loss for the Nuggets.
by ParkHillNative on Dec 28, 2009 12:35 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
it will be spencer hawes turn
to school nene. the kings front line will go zach randolph on denver.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
It comes down to pride
The factors in the Sacto game will be rebounding and point guard play. The Kings have an active front line and they rebound well at every position. Fundamental defense and rebounding must be a focus, and Ty Lawson will have to get the ball moving offensively. Afflalo should be able to guard Evans. AC will have to play hard nosed defense and give up trying to become a 3 point shooter.
Utah and Sacto are both excellent home teams with hostile crowds. The Nugs will be tested in both games but I do think they can split. That’s .500 on the road, a great success.
by runningdonut on Dec 28, 2009 12:57 AM MST up reply actions
Will be tough to win in Sac-Town
If they follow the Mavs game plan by double-teaming Carmelo and JR, I think the Nuggets are in trouble.
Hopefully somebody will step up…AA, K-Mart, Nene…someone, anyone!
by CSprings_Tommy on Dec 28, 2009 8:16 AM MST up reply actions
Fuckin Cuban
Maybe the Nugs should’ve tried to get pumped for this one by revisiting all the bullshit he said during the playoffs last season. Talking shit to K-Mart’s mother. Fuck that sack of shit.
by ParkHillNative on Dec 28, 2009 12:41 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
talking shit to kmart's mom is one thing
cuban pissed off ray billups too. when you manage to upset chaucey’s father you are way over the line.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
You all need to Chillax!
We had multiple bad runs and losing streaks last year, remember the 7 game east road trip? The team always bounced back though and started playing the right way. Things will look up I’m sure.
Refs
After they had called their 4th team foul on the Nuggets in the 4th Quarter the tally was 24-12 in favor of Dallas on personal fouls. There is no reason that your superstar should be on the verge of fouling out and your team has twice as many fouls as the other team. Refs were making it pretty hard on our Nuggets tonight.
Well
I’m not sticking up for him or anything, but he does get left wide open a lot.
by ParkHillNative on Dec 28, 2009 8:10 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
That's because the other teams knows he's a bonified dud that can't make the shot
And stupid ass continues to leave his ass on the floor where as Melo and JR gets double team.
Has the idiot learned yet that JR should start with Melo and let AA come off the bench. His ideology of JR coming off the bench isn’t working well.
Doesn't this happen every year around the holidays?
Last year, losses to Chicago and the Bucks!
Disorganization + No Chauncey = Back To Street Ballin'
What a weird game last night.
I’m tired of saying that we have no system. I think I’m going to make it my signature here soon. We’re back to our 07-08 ways, and we all know what happened that season. Why is it that when the Nugs get backed into a corner they try to beat the opposition 1 on 5? There’s no passing, no plays, no nuthin’.
Why is there no system to get Nene open down low? To get Melo cutting into the lane? To get JR shooting threes off of a pick rather than a dribble?
And that’s just our offense. Our defensive “system” had Ty Lawson guarding Dirk at one point last night.
It’s maddening!
I’ve taken to watching the first half of the game and fast forwarding through the second half to see if things get close. I know it’s the NBA, but this is poor basketball being played. No fundamentals, and even Hastings is getting tired of saying it. Heck, Marlowe had to ask Hastings what Nene was doing “wrong” as he missed yet another wussy-roll. You’re 6"10 and HUGE. DUNK THE FREAKING BALL.
I honestly don’t know how we got off to the start that we did this season. We’re obviously not amongst the genuine elite teams, and we can’t compete with them.
Sorry for the rant. I didn’t mean to go off like this. I just want to stop wasting my nights. You k now that the organization is going to milk last year’s WCF appearance for at least another season, and I sure won’t be paying to go to any games.
And I guess that what saddens me off most of all.
BTW, before I go take a Tylenol, I don’t care if AC puts in 110% every game. I can do that, too, but a good effort doesn’t mean he’s playing at an NBA level. His 110% = an average player’s 50%.
/rant.
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