Game 80 preview and GAME THREAD: Nuggets @ Lakers
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 12:35 PM MDT
in Extras
Email
Print
Will the Lakers be enough to cool off the surging Nuggets?
Records:
Denver 53-26 (21-18 on the road)
L.A. Lakers 62-16 (33-5 at home)
Season Series: Lakers lead 2-1
Game 1 in Denver: Lakers win 104-97, (NuggetsPB*) November 1st
Game 2 in L.A.: Lakers win 104-90, November 21st
Game 3 in Denver: Nuggets win 90-79, February 27th
*NuggetsPB = Nuggets Pre-Billups
I don't know what to make of this game.
- Do I want Denver to win it? Of course!
- Is it a "must win?" Not by an means.
- Can Denver win in L.A.? That is a great question.
Back on November 7th Chauncey Billups played in his first game with Denver this season. The Nuggets faced the Dallas Mavericks and won the game 108-105 ... Denver then rattled off 6 more wins in 7 games including wins at Boston and at San Antonio.
From there Denver headed to Los Angeles for a big early season test against the Lakers. I remember thinking that if Denver played L.A. tough that they were truly a changed team. The Nuggets suffered a blowout loss and never really were in the game. My hopes of rooting for an elite team were dashed just a bit.
Then on November 27th the Nuggets faced the Lakers again, but this time Billups and Company were at home. The Nuggets were losers of 3 of 4 heading into that game and Nuggets Nation was feeling less than confident to say the least.
I sensed that there was a lot of doubters and felt the Nuggets sort of had their backs against the wall and you heard pretty much a month before that game that the Nuggets had circled that Laker game on their calendar. This would be their statement game.
I predicted a win for the Nuggets on that night. I even made it my ESPN Streak for the Cash pick ... going against basically 98.9% of America. Was I a genius? No. I was just sensing a good Nugget performance and trying to provide some hope for Nuggets Nation.
This go-round Denver will be back in LA-LA (not Vasquez) Land trying to even up the series against Kobe and the Lake Show.
For the Lakers it's been all about Kobe versus Denver. In the first three games Kobe is averaging 30.3 points, but only 2.3 assists. Kobe averages 27 ppg this season to go along with 4.9 assists. So, the Nuggets have been doing a pretty good job at making Kobe beat them by himself ... only problem is that it has worked for him twice.
Pau Gasol has played pretty decently against the Nuggets averaging a double-double with 15.3 ppg and 10 rebounds. I've never been really impressed with Gasol's game, but I really only see him against the Nuggets and Denver seems to defend him pretty well. Gasol can be a menace on the offensive glass however so the Nuggets will have to be active in not allowing Gasol position on the offensive end.
Lamar Odom has been the third of the Lakers three-headed monster since Andrew Bynum has been out with his torn MCL. Odom against Denver averages 11.7 points and 9 rebounds. If Odom and Gasol both record double-doubles tonight then I don't see things going well for Denver.
On the flip side the Lakers have defended Melo better than any team in the league. In his three games against L.A. Melo has scored 13, 10, and 12 points for an average of 11.7 ppg ... his lowest mark against any team. But Melo has averaged 5 assists and 8.7 rebounds showing he can help his team in other areas if they choose to smother him.
The Big 3 for Denver against the Lakers has been J.R. Smith (17.7 ppg vs. L.A.), Billups (18.5 ppg and 7.5 assists), and Nene (11.3 ppg and 5.7 rebounds). While none of those numbers really jump off the screen they have been consistent against the West's best team.
The biggest surprise in Denver's win over the Lakers was the bench play. Chris Andersen narrowly missed a triple-double with 11 points, 12 rebounds, and 7 blocks in their last meeting. Denver's bench outscored the Lakers bench 47-7 ... yes, by 40 freaking points. Heck, the Nuggs bench outscored the Nugget starters 47-43!
It was a tremendous team effort and Denver will have to do it again tonight if they expect to even up this series.
Pregame notes: All stats are combined from the first three games of the series
- The Lakers have outrebounded the Nuggets 149-127, including a 53-38 margin on November 1st (NuggetsPB)
- The Nuggets have "out-blocked" the Lakers 19-15, including an 11-1 margin in Denver's win on February 27th
- The Nuggets have "out-assisted" the Lakers in every game and own the series numbers at 74-54, including a 30-18 margin in Denver's loss on November 1st (NuggetsPB)
Injury update:
- Kenyon Martin is a game-time decision tonight, according to the Game Notes.
- Lakers starting center Andrew Bynum is expected to be back tonight after tearing his MCL on January 31st against Memphis. Bynum has only played in 46 games this season, but is having a career year averaging 14 points and 8.2 rebounds in just under 30 minutes of action. No word on if he'll start or how much he'll play, but it's important for him to get some crucial minutes before the playoffs begin.
Playoff update:
- The Spurs, Hornets, and Jazz lost last night. I figured of the three the Hornets would win.
- The Blazers (vs. Spurs) and Mavericks (vs. Jazz) each won as I thought.
- The Rockets were idle.
- Denver now holds a 2 1/2 game lead in the race for the 2nd Seed. Complete Standings
ntimmons73@yahoo.com
452 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
I will try my best to be in attendace for the GAME THREAD tonight.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I don't think this is a 'must win' for the Nugs...
but it sure would be a nice confidence booster heading into the playoffs.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 2:10 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Is not a must win
.
I’m only asking the Nuggets a nice effort tonight, because I really think that if they put the effort and hustle, they can win this game.
That’s all we have to ask, hustle. If the shots don’t go in, we had a bad day, but the hustle has always to be there.
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 2:52 PM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Amen
GO NUGGETS. WE CAN PULL THIS ONE OF
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 3:30 PM MDT up reply actions
I've never been a Bynum fan ... but the kid has talent
I could see Nene playing very well … though he has a tendency to play sort of soft against bigger opponents. I’d like to see him use that ferociousness he displays on his dunks throughout the evening.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
Assuming Bynum can move reasonably well
The one thing he give the Lakers is another serviceable big.
Without him if you get a couple of quick fouls on Gasol or Odom the Lakers have quite a drop-off when those guys have to hit the pine. With Bynum they can play a bit more aggressively and not worry as much about foul trouble.
by olf on Apr 9, 2009 4:52 PM MDT up reply actions
+1 BeefySwats!
BeefySwats … basically describes every Chris Andersen block!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
It's my nickname when I play pickup games with my friends.
6’4", 225! Course I would only be a PG/SG in the NBA, lol
by Colin Neilson on Apr 9, 2009 4:34 PM MDT up reply actions
Ha, I feel thin, I'm just shy of 6'7" and 190
do you know whats funny? I have a higher BMI than Corey Brewer – he’s like 6’8" 182 or something
6'7'' and 190???
You know if you were in The League all the analysts would be saying, “He’s got the height and the shot … but he really needs to add some bulk!”
haha!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
Yup. I don't put on muscle easily, no matter how hard I try
If I had some athleticism, I’d be a player haha
wow...some big dude's.
I’m more of a RB or LB myself. About 5’11 and 225 lbs…it’s all muscle…I swear ;-). Okay…some of it’s beer.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
hahaha
I’ve always thought about that. At just under 6’2’’ I typically play the post and then I think about how if I was in The League I’d have to run the point! ha.
Had a buddy growing up that was 6’6’’ (still is, ha!) … but he was stiff as a board … and he was a center his whole life … incredible what Jordan could do at that same height … makes me laugh every time I think about it.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
yeah,
I surprise a lot of people. My strongest position is the SF, even though most people want me to play C. I am usually one of the top 3pt / midrange shooters in rec games, I can handle the ball, and I’m a good defender/shot blocker. If only I had strength, leaping ability, and post moves… hmmm…
This game is hard to predict
I think it boils down to energy & intensity.
The Nuggets are on a roll. If they play with intensity & the Lakers don’t, they could blow the Lakers out.
The Lakers have not had much focus lately (blow out of Sacto & barely beat the Clips) since they won the west. They’ve also been in a shooting slump lately – especially their bench.
However, if the Lakers bring the intensity on D they’ll be tough to beat at home.
Should be an interesting game that can go a number of different ways.
yup, good point
I bet they are mostly going to talk about “the implications of having Bynum back”. Expect to hear that phrase 20+ times tonight.
Yeah im not excited to hear about Bynum this, Bynum that, I’d watch altitude but I like to hear outside perspectives on the Nuggets. Hopefully we beat the hell out of them and have them talking Nuggets.
by CCH on Apr 9, 2009 7:25 PM MDT up reply actions
I am willing to concede the Div and a Nuggets fan tonite
Billups for AI was the best move of the season,you guys are playing some real quality BB even if Barkley thinks Utah is better
It's not done yet...we have to win one of the last three.
Somes like a familiar theme…just need to win one of three games to make the playoffs. Gee…where have I seen that?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Barkley has had trouble being positive about the Nuggets
ever since we picked up Iverson. Even nowadays he doesn’t really say anything that’s pro Denver. : /
I BELIEVE IN KOOL
"You want to have the Renaldo Balkman problem,"
If I was you folks
I would be licking my chops at the prospect of geting the[SAC is a tough road game]in a free fall Jazz in the first round
?
What are you trying to say? We should be excited to get the Jazz in the first round?
I BELIEVE IN KOOL
"You want to have the Renaldo Balkman problem,"
Would you rather play Mavs who are playing well
Or Utah who are playing like dog meat?
by southern oregon on Apr 9, 2009 8:47 PM MDT up reply actions
Barkley?
I’m not listening to that clown. For me … I hope he clowns on the Nuggs.
End the Bulls game … it’s OVA! Nuggets!!!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I met Barkley twice when I was kid.
He was a nice guy. His fingers just about came up to my elbow when I shook his hand.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
I like Barkley, but not his thoughts on the current NBA
Guy is losing it.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I don't think he ever 'had it'.
In other words, he’s always been a little off his rocker.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
they wait until this one is over to start.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Man...I really want to win this game.
a. Kobe has to be my least favorite player.
I was in Orange County (Laguna) for the start of the 1st round last year and I really came to despise Lakers fans.c. It give us a serious confidence boost heading into the 1st round.
d. Seems like a good night to clinch the NW and the 2nd seed (we can do both tonight…right?).
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
whoah...
I don’t know why that went bold. That’s odd.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
weird...
apparently if you but a ‘b’ followed by a period it makes whatever you say after that in bold. fyi.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Sasha Vujackchichcichi
or however you spell it .. had a nasty dunk last night. Hope Bird is ready! hahaha…
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
Yes PosterNutBag ... the 2nd Seed is there for the taking.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
apparently Houston still need to lose for us to clinch.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
I hope Melo steps up tonight
Oh man we need him to be confident
I BELIEVE IN KOOL
"You want to have the Renaldo Balkman problem,"
Yes, Melo is key tonight.
If Melo goes off … Nuggets chances improve vastly!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I'll be watching LK.
That guy needs to start clicking.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Welp, Barkley has spoken
With Nene and Kmart we’ll never be an elite team. Time to pack it up yall
I BELIEVE IN KOOL
"You want to have the Renaldo Balkman problem,"
that a way Petro!
(getting the tipoff) not the miss
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
Billups … few guys can sweat like him. Shaq is probably his biggest sweat competition.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
That's part of Shaq's defensive strategy.
He just soaks the court beneath the basket.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
He's playing good so far, going for boards and playing good D.
by CCH on Apr 9, 2009 9:04 PM MDT up reply actions
he is not playing bad… but we need more rebounds!
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 9:05 PM MDT up reply actions
yeah...
this is classic Lakers though. They play close early and turn on the afterburners in the 3rd and 4th.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
DAMMIT...How many unguarded 3's are we going to give up?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Birdzilla rocking the business hawk tonight. Nice!
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
yeah...you know when we're playing in LA we're not going to get the calls.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
They are the Lakers.
We better get used to this officiating
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 9:10 PM MDT up reply actions
Nuggets not getting any breaks early. Kleiza is back to “I shoot Rock” mode.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I was gonna say just this...
Why Kleiza and not Balkman? Balkman won’t shoot it…
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 9:11 PM MDT up reply actions
We need to be careful here…keep the game manageable.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Unfortunately we don't have the "keep it manageable" team in right now.
AC, LK, ahd JR =/ ’keep it manageable.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Another wide open three.
And more offensive rebounds.
I’m getting frustrated.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
and another foul.
and another turnover.
and another foul.
GET IT TOGETHER NUGS!!!
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
This is NOT what I meant be keeping it manageable.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
I think Timbaland had a song about this game: “It’s gettin’ ugllllaaay! In here!”
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
What is it with TNT?
They insult our good players and complement the bad ones.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
wow...feels like we're in trouble already.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
we certainly are. down 8 and they got the ball
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 9:21 PM MDT up reply actions
yeah...we never seem to finish quarters well.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
and I dont know because of casuality, but it all came in when Birdman got in the game
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 9:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Really annoying
GK ALWAYS pulls Nene the second he gets going, its extremely frustrating. I can’t remember the last time Bird and Nene played together
For some reason GK thinks LK matches up well with LA
Remember how last years playoff’s he took out Carter and put in LK?
um...
welcome to LA. You’re in the jungle baby!!! you’re going to…get ridiculous and excessive fouls called on you.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
okay...we're starting to look ridiculous.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Because he loses his cool as much as the players do when we play LA.
by CCH on Apr 9, 2009 9:27 PM MDT up reply actions
That's why we need the 2nd seed.
So SAN can take out the Lakers for us.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Just need to hang in this one early and steal it late. Hang in boys …
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I love your faith man... unless you are sarcastic, are you?
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 9, 2009 9:29 PM MDT up reply actions
This game is such a crime....
If only someone could come and stop it. I wish the Nuggets had someone like that. That would be nice.
Oh wait…
Anthony Carter...
Don’t ever, ever, ever, ever, EVER shoot the ball.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Crime Stopper in flight ... afternoon delight
Lakers have what 67 free throws already?
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
These refs should be investigated.
I think they have money on the Lakers.
Seriously, NBA refing is the worst of any pro sport.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Kool ... Crime Stopper
Sort of his alter ego when he’s not patrolling the bullshit on the court.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I love Melo!!!
I really think he’s the most underrated player in the league.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
nene's layups
i think nene makes a higher percentage of his jumpers than he does layups. i feel like he misses a few layups every night. is it the bandage?
HOLY SHIT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
JR….
How are tied in this game?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
WITH REGULARITY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! JR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! TIE BALL GAME
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
man...that has to be a major boost going into half tied.
We’re going to be in foul trouble though. Need to play smart.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Only birdman has 3 fouls
He’ll jump even when you don;t have the ball
by runningdonut on Apr 9, 2009 10:00 PM MDT up reply actions
true.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:03 PM MDT up reply actions
Foul trouble will be tricky. 56-56 at the half!
I like how that last lineup played. Tough play to end that quarter!
Keep LK and AC on the bench!!!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
amen
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:02 PM MDT up reply actions
my wife asked if he was before this game.
I think he’s usually drunk.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Tough call...
JR or Melo.
I’m going with JR due to that shot at the end of the half. He took awhile to warm up though. Finished 4-8 with 12 pts. Melo is 6-10 with 15 pts.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:07 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Yes ...
Give them a co-MVP of the first half … Melo already has his season high vs. the Lakers and JR is looking steady to end the half.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:08 PM MDT up reply actions
Nene has 6 rebounds and 7 pts.
Who’s the LVP?
LK or AC?
I’m taking LK.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions
def ac
kleiza is shooting 3-8, which is not bad, as long as he stops taking 3s, and 4 rebs. AC has done nothing worth mentioning (unless you think ONLY turning it over once is special)
can I change my answer?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:12 PM MDT up reply actions
Probably a tie between Billips/Smith
The team is more coherent with Billips, but Smith made that clutch shot at the end
by CombatChuk on Apr 9, 2009 10:08 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Billups ...
guy is just a pillar of consistency and being clutch
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions
good question
maybe no one in particular. everyone has done some good and some bad. jr has been good but also taken some bad shots. if i had to say, i would say melo, we all knew he had to have a big game tonight and he’s playing well
by sleepydog on Apr 9, 2009 10:09 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
Melo
He’s not settling at all and workin it inside. Love it when hes in that mode.
by CCH on Apr 9, 2009 10:10 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
everyone talks about Billup's consistency...
But Melo has really been very consistent most of the season too. He’s really stepped his game up this year.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:11 PM MDT up reply actions
I agree.
But with Billups you pretty much can pencil him in stat wise.
Melo has that ability to get you 19 or 50 … or 49 rather (ha) … a special player and you can’t predict how good his offense will be night to night, but you know it’s going to be pretty good.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:14 PM MDT up reply actions
true...
still can’t complain about a guy who’s just about guaranteed to get 19 minimum.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:15 PM MDT up reply actions
Not at all! Love Melo this year.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:16 PM MDT up reply actions
I like it.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:11 PM MDT up reply actions
Good half
Beat on them hard and win in double OT
by southern oregon on Apr 9, 2009 10:07 PM MDT reply actions
who do you guys have left (besides us)?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:10 PM MDT up reply actions
so you're finishing 2-2 then? ;-)
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:16 PM MDT up reply actions
haha
well you guys will have clinched by then, so I expect to beat ya’ll… OKC should be a win, we haven’t lost to LA at home in years, and the Clips are pretty bad.
draft dejuan blair
yeah...
but if we lose tonight then we’ll be playing for the franchise win record.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:19 PM MDT up reply actions
do Melo and Chauncey care about that
more than Portland cares about home court advantage?
draft dejuan blair
maybe. I guarantee you it's improtant to them.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:24 PM MDT up reply actions
I guarantee you
that home court advantage is more important to Portland than the franchise win record is to Portland.
Portland has had three big home games in the recent months that were circled on the calendar: LA, Utah, and San Antonio. All three teams trailed by 30 points at various junctures.
draft dejuan blair
A little Larry the CAble Guy ladies and gentlemen!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:17 PM MDT up reply actions
Hopefully we'll get some ref love...
seems like games that are this lobsided in free throws end up balancing out a bit in the 2nd half.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
We have GOT to find a way to stop giving them offensive rebounds.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
Dantahy with another freaking tripping foul!!!!!!!!!!!!!! WTF
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
totally butchered Dahntay's name there...
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:24 PM MDT up reply actions
wtf? That TNT sob is clearly cheering for the Lakers.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
the TNT announcers too.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:25 PM MDT up reply actions
What happens when we have to rest CB and Melo?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
honestly...GK should demand an investigation into these refs.
How was that not an over the back by Gasol?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
and how is there no call there?
Melo got mauled.
WTF?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:28 PM MDT up reply actions
and now the Lakers are shooting free throws?
This is bull shit.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:29 PM MDT up reply actions
The Lakers have just a massive size advantage over the nuggets
I think not having a true dominant center is killing us now
seriously...i try not to bitch about the refs but this is absurd.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:30 PM MDT up reply actions
Mmmmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeelllllllllllllllllloooooooooooooooo!!!!! hahaha
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:31 PM MDT up reply actions
I don't know if this has been brought up yet or not, 'caus I've been out, but:
I’m happy that the Nugs have faught their way back into this game and are staying competitive. This is the type of game (second of back-to-back, hard team, travel, etc.) that they would have folded in the past, especially after they were down 11 in the middle of the 2nd quarter.
Of course I want them to win, but just seeing them compete like this give me a lot of hope for the coming weeks. I am happy right now.
+4
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:33 PM MDT up reply actions
I have some decent back-to-back stats due out tomorrow ... pretty crazy
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
Far cry from his struggles against the Lakers earlier this year
Melo’s playing his best ball of the year and is chomping at the bit for the playoffs!
I think he’s eager to break through his “struggles” from playoffs of the past.
by blooming rock on Apr 9, 2009 10:34 PM MDT up reply actions
Come on guys, keep it within five going into the fourth.
I want to see a close game and am very eager to see how they Nugs respond right now.
Everyone feel that the refs are allowing the Lakers about 200% more physical contact?
Nuggets getting the touch fouls …
We just got some killer ’Za … pretty delicious brah!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I think the refs have been absolutely horrific.
I honestly think they should be investigated.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:40 PM MDT up reply actions
I understand Chauncy comes up big most of the time, but
sometimes he forces his “Mr. Big Shot” threes when they really need to work the ball around and take it to the hole.
true.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:41 PM MDT up reply actions
Nene lets the size of his defender really affect him. I don’t get it.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 10:41 PM MDT up reply actions
yeah, even when he's quicker, he gets intimidated
I’m thinking of Yao, DHoward, those types.
by blooming rock on Apr 9, 2009 10:42 PM MDT up reply actions
What drives me nuts is when he gets the ball under the basket and dishes in back out.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:43 PM MDT up reply actions 1 recs
they took one...i think. didn't they?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:44 PM MDT up reply actions
what an f'ing disaster.
We need to get this down to about 7 going into the 4Q.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
JR has gone ice cold.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Okay, I take back my comment about them hanging around and making it a game
The refs aren’t helping, but they’re falling right into this. A little disappointing, but it is nearing the end of a back to back on the road. This would be the time they would start feeling that.
They expended a little more energy than they should have last night.
accidently.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:46 PM MDT up reply actions
Where is the foul??????????????????????????????????
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
investigation!
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:47 PM MDT up reply actions
This is the time when they need to get to the rim
When you’re cold, don’t keep hucking up threes!
And JR’s free throws aren’t going to drive me crazy.
JR has had some shots.
He seems to think you score by bouncing it off the front of the rim.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:49 PM MDT up reply actions
are you surprised?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 10:51 PM MDT up reply actions
Alright…seven is what I said i wanted after the 12-0 run.
We can do this!
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
agreed, good finish after near collapse
Thank you JR
by blooming rock on Apr 9, 2009 10:53 PM MDT up reply actions
88-81 ... start of the 4th coming ...
Nuggets can easily erase this and come out on top. A chance to win it in L.A. … just what we wanted
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
He's not a great TV interview
His post game conferences can be painful to watch, his body language is horrible and he mumbles, always looking up like he’s a little kid.
by blooming rock on Apr 9, 2009 10:58 PM MDT up reply actions
Wait
the Nuggets don’t need to beat the Blazers for the division crown, I thought. They have the tiebreaker.
draft dejuan blair
theoretically
if the Blazers won, it’d be 2-2, with the Nuggets having the superior conference record.
draft dejuan blair
I think the Blazers will win
they haven’t lost a truly meaningful game at the Rose Garden all year.
draft dejuan blair
they do need to win a game of the final three.
Weren’t the Broncos is a situation like that?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:00 PM MDT up reply actions
They don't need to beat the Blazers to win the crown
They need one win or won Blazers’ loss to win the NW.
They do need two wins to clinch second in the west if Houston wins out, since they have the tie breaker.
Nugs have the tie breaker against everyone else.
by blooming rock on Apr 9, 2009 11:00 PM MDT up reply actions
An angry Nene is a good Nene.
The foul situation is scary, but we are still in this one!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
what do you do?
Can’t take Melo out.
I think you’ve got to leave him in and hope for the best.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Put him in when Kobe comes back
We need stops right now
by runningdonut on Apr 9, 2009 11:05 PM MDT up reply actions
lol...he's a little scrawny.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions
he's a gay fish.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:08 PM MDT up reply actions
wow...i might have to finish this game at the bar.
These refs are driving me to drink.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
We working through an 18 back of Coors Light ... feels right.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
rebounding
if we lose this game (knock on wood) it will be because of the lakers offensive rebounds. its been a problem all year, eventually we’re not going to be able to overcome it
and wide open 3s.
and settling for jump shots.
and stupid turnovers.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions
and missed layups.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:12 PM MDT up reply actions
yep...I think Kobe just put the nail in the coffin.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:14 PM MDT up reply actions
I wish AC
would move to Iraq so I never have to see his fucking stupid face again
lol...tell us how you really feel.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions
Clerks?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:15 PM MDT up reply actions
Gotcha...I knew it had to be a Jay quote.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:17 PM MDT up reply actions
I wish Rogue was made better ... that actress should drown herself ... jokes.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
Okay, we need JR or Chauncy to get hot now or we're toast
Why the heck is Kleiza in instead of JR right now? Karl is in love with him and AC.
Something to take away from this game
With Kenyon I think the nuggets would be able to match the physicality of the Lakers. They are a big team
Alright folks...I'm calling it a game and going to the bar.
I’ll see you all here next game. It was fun.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
$1 you call it and Sportscolumn?
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 11:21 PM MDT up reply actions
no...i live in DTC.
heading to the JDs Bait Shop.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on Apr 9, 2009 11:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Nice! I'm downtown by Coors Field. Lodo man.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 11:24 PM MDT up reply actions
It's officially over.
Not the best game for the Nuggs as a team and coaching staff. Poor gameplan. Poor execution. Poor reffing.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I was hoping for a slower game
If we don’t hold teams under 100, we won’t win in the playoffs. I don’t care how much we score
by runningdonut on Apr 9, 2009 11:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Stay Tuned for some Rox news tomorrow!!!!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on Apr 9, 2009 11:25 PM MDT up reply actions
Not what I wanted to see out of the Nuggs.
Thanks for coming by everyone …
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
I think there were some good things and some bad things about this game:
Good:
Stayed competitive into the fourth in the second of a B2B, with travel and at the Lakers.
I didn’t feel they were physically out-manned, even without Kenyon.
I don’t think this impacts their confidence heading into the playoffs.
Assuming they can win their next game (knock on wood), the game in Portland is going to be a lot of fun to watch.
Bad:
They gave up way too many offensive rebounds (not a new issue).
They still panic when they get down and start forcing shots (Chauncy, Melo especially).
Refs were awful (fouls were way out of balance midway through the fourth, they always even them out by the end of the game).
Not a fan of some of Karl’s rotation selections.
I couldn't watch this game and do the chat but this is bullshit
Denver FG: 36-81 (.444) LA FG: 37-87 (.425)
Denver 3PT: 5-21 (.238) LA 3PT: 5-24 (.208)
Denver FT%: 25-29 (.862) LA FT: 37-46 (.804)
Defense wasn’t perfect, but if you take 20 free throw attempts away from LA suddenly the game is up for grabs.
Fuck home cooking.
I BELIEVE IN KOOL
"You want to have the Renaldo Balkman problem,"
Well
Good effort by the Nugs tonight. They were nervous at the start and it was obvious to everyone, but they fought back and made it a close one up to the fourth.
Think about it.
- Missing probably our top defender in Kenyon Martin
- Second night of a back to back
- Second night of a back to back when having to travel and play away
- Second night of a back to back and having to travel and play away against arguably the best team in the league
Tough. DJs fouls were absolutely critical by putting the Nuggets in the penalty with almost 7 minutes still to play in the 3rd and Nene was just getting bullied by Bynum in the post.
Positives:
- Denver shot 86% from the line. That is very good for this team.
- I thought Melo was spectacular in the paint. He had some of the most amazing cuts I’ve seen him make all season in this game.
- Petro’s dunk. Dude is going to be a good backup. I like his play a lot.
- Chauncey keeping the steady hand. He didn’t flip and helped pull them to within 6 in the 4th.
- Not folding early. We fought them hard and found ourselves down 11, tied at the half, then down only 6 at the fourth.
Negatives:
- Linas Fucking Kleiza. I’m sorry, we’re trading him for a mop for Chauncey’s sweat next year.
- 3 point shooting. 23%? Granted the Lakers shot an atrocious 21%, but that is just horrid.
- Points in the paint. Nene let Bynum bully him ALL game. Nene shies from contact and I don’t get it. Dude doesn’t seem to realize he is almost 300 pounds of muscle and can body up with anyone. Why does he defer/lay it in when he clearly has the ups to jam it home? /nene rant
- Second chance points. About a million, and the worst thing about that is that most of them came off missed LA 3 point attempts. Denver boxed out maybe 5 or 6 times all game.
- Passing. Denver could not break the zone on LA, and Chris Andersen’s turnover early in the game when LA switched to a full court trap on Carter was what I thought a critical error by Denver, basically a 5 point swing and really messed with Denver’s passing from that point on. Too many bad turnovers in transition.
Honestly I have no problem with the officiating tonight. You are not going to get calls on the road and the refs are going to let the home team get away with more physical play than the visitors (see also: Energy Solutions Arena and the Utah Jazz). Sasha Vuacic is a fucking flopper and everyone knew it long before tonight, so the way you get around that is by not letting him get under your skin and take him hard to the paint. Anything else is immaterial.
Anyway. No need to think the sky is falling, Denver tried hard and came up short. Next up is the Kings and closing out at Portland.
GO NUGGETS!
Whenever I see Linas Kleiza make a basket, I now sigh because I realize that it will only encourage him to shoot more.
by Colin Neilson on Apr 10, 2009 12:39 AM MDT up reply actions
Imagine, we could've had David Lee for Kleiza straight up
The lack of big men will be the Nuggets Undoing… I think we’re better off playoffs wise if the Rockets took care of the Lakers, they have the size to match up with them
Good summary Beefy.
I agree that there is ‘no need to think the sky is falling’.
I agree on Kleiza…but disagree about the refs. I know the home team is going to get some calls (which I don’t think is right in the first place…but tonight was absolutely atrocious).
Anyway, on to Sacramento in what becomes, in my mind anyway, a must win game.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
So, what is the situation?
Win 1 or Portland loose one for clinching division
Win 2 or Win 1 and Houston loose 1 for clinching #2 seed.
Am I right?
by Lucas Navarrete on Apr 10, 2009 1:26 PM MDT reply actions
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
Andrew Feinstein
(denverstiffs@gmail.com)
Nate Timmons
(ntimmons73@yahoo.com)
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recent FanPosts
DENVER STIFFS T-SHIRTS!
Enter your email for updates
In Association With
Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sport
- Days of NBA Lives: Wherein Hamed Haddadi goes to the zoo
- David Stern changed the competition committee to push new rules, report says
- Nazr Mohammed films Oklahoma City Thunder fans welcoming the team back at 5:30 in the morning (VIDEO)
- The Orlando Magic finally part ways with both Stan Van Gundy and GM Otis Smith
- Mike D’Antoni breaks silence on New York Knicks exit: ‘An obstacle had to be removed’
