Game 2: Nuggets 106 - Lakers 103
by Nate Timmons on May 22, 2009 12:09 AM MDT
in Denver Nuggets: Game Recaps
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PrintDenver gains homecourt edge with win in L.A.
I'll be expanding on last night's game as soon as I'm able. But I wanted to get some impressions out there ASAP.
Here is what I had to say in my preview:
"It continues to puzzle me why Karl elects to go with LK who hasn't shown any ability to get his offense going (0-0 for 0 points, 0 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 foul in 7 minutes in Game 1)"
Needless to say ... I wont be applying for any head coaching jobs any time soon.
Linas Kleiza comes off the bench last night and plays 22 minutes going 5-8 from the floor (4-7 from three, 2-2 from the foul line) for 16 points, 8 rebounds (3 offensive), and a team high +16 on the night.
Let's not go absolutely nuts and proclaim that LK is back, but his shot was falling at all the right times as he hit timely three after timely three. He found himself in good position (or lucky position) on a couple offensive rebounds and helped out on the defensive end with 5 boards. Every rebound was big last night for anyone wearing Powder Blue as the Lakers were ALL OVER THE GLASS on the offensive end.
Kleiza was the wild card off the bench that Denver desperately needed and without his performace the Nuggets do not win that game. I can't say enough about his game ... LK ... as John Kelley (Thanks 5280) would say, "THANK YOU, THANK YOU, TTTHHHHAAAAANNNNNNNKKKKKKK YOOUUUUU!" (An AVS reference?! ... you betcha!)
Melo again proved that he can score with the best of them going 12-29 (0-6 from three, 10-14 from the foul line) for a game high 34 points, 9 rebounds (5 offensive!), 4 assists, 1 block, and 1 steal. Melo continues to write the new book on his playoff success.
That's 73 points in two games for Mr. Anthony.
Chauncey Billups carried the Nuggets by getting to the foul line 16 times and making 13 of those. None bigger than his final free throw. And the pass off Kobe's back for a two pointer (GW memory without the dunk finish) was just awesome and a wily play.
Great finish to a horrendous first quarter by the Nuggets. More thoughts and such coming in the morning!
This series is tied up 1-1 heading back to Denver.
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Thoughts ...
- As Nate posted, LK came up huge. I haven’t seen him play this big since last year’s post-All-Star-Break run. Props.
- JR still has major jitters. Hmm.
- The GW play from Chauncey gave me chills. I just read about that a couple days ago in the ESPN article! By the way, if you have not read it, please do. It’s one of the best reads in a long time.
- The Lakers don’t have anyone to stop Melo anymore. Milk this for all it’s worth.
- It was nice to see the Nuggets, led by LK and Melo, battle back against adversity and pull out the 2nd quarter run.
- We still need to make our free throws. Ugh. So what else is new?
- We proved once again tonight that we still have the propensity to dissolve back into a jump shooting, one-on-one game. If we can brush that aside for the rest of the playoffs and share the ball, Stern and Nike better look out.
- What the heck is up with those Puppet ads? Nike isn’t even trying to hide the fact that it wants a Kobe-LeBron Finals anymore.
- I’m only gonna say one little thing about officiating – at certain points of the game, Melo had to work much harder to get foul calls than most of the Lakers team. That’s probably just HC ADVANTAGE for ya.
- Why did we allow Dahntay to accrue 4 fouls in the first? Bad decision, Karl. When Kobe is on one of his runs, the ref’s are just looking for fouls.
- What stuck out to me the most was Melo’s desire to guard Kobe. Of course, Kobe makes those impossible hand-in-your-face shots. He’s Kobe. I thought that, overall, Melo really stepped up when no one else was, on D. It’s been amazing to see him grow this postseason.
by aznballer114099 on May 22, 2009 12:38 AM MDT reply actions
Good thoughts, azn . . . some thoughts on your thoughts:
- JR does look timid, I think his calf/knee may have been bothering him a bit last night, but LA seemed to be a bit overwhelming to him. Let’s hope he heals over the next couple of days and feeds off the energy in the Can, get his confidence back, ‘cause we’re going to need him.
- Free throws are key, but we made them in the second half last night: 17-18, with Chauncy’s miss at the end being the only miss all half . . . big improvement from game 1.
- Agreed with the puppet ads, isn’t Melo sponsored by Nike, too? I know he’s on the Jordan brand, but it’s still Nike. Those commercials are not good, anyway. I say shame on the NBA for not even attempting the mask their desires. Maybe it’s just me, but with the way Melo’s been playing, I think a Melo Lebron finals could be hyped to crazy levels, too.
- It’s rich to hear Lakers fans whine about officiating because they didn’t get EVERY call in the last two minutes of the game. The refs kept them in it in the third quarter, IMO. the calls (on O and D) against Nene on Gasol when Gasol is just trying to step over Nene? WTF? Those were ridiculous. And a couple of Dahntay’s early fouls for checking Kobe with an elbow were so weak!
by blooming rock on May 22, 2009 11:27 AM MDT up reply actions
In Your Face Wilbon
I watch PTI every day on ESPN, on Thursday he stated that for game two the GREAT lakers team would show up… You should apologize to all the Nuggets fans for making a bonehead statement.
Im proud of the way the Nuggets got a hold of themselves and turned the tables on the Lakers last night. Whats up with Balkman? He wasnt even wearing warm up clothes, he was wearing a suit (mebbe a tie too).
According to ESPN commentary in-game...
…Balkman turned his ankle in Game 1 warmups and was therefore not on the active roster for Game 2. Hunter was available instead, and got a DNP-CD.
Great situation for the Nuggets
All they have to do is win one of the next two games at home and they will get to play 3 out of the next 4 games at home. The only way that wouldn’t happen is if either team Lakers or Nugs wins out the rest of the way. When you put it this way its a really favorable situation for the Nugs to be in.
It's now 2-1-1-1
Nuggets have to win out at home. No other choice. We know they can win in LA, but let’s not put any more pressure on them than we have to with a game 7. Win your next two home games and try to finish out in LA, otherwise, come back home and take game 6.
I was
among the legions of morons who cried “Karl you fool” when LK came in. But the shots kept falling. It’s like Karl just found a way to win.
36 PPG avg for Melo?
Hmm.
Can’t believe Kleiza showed up, but man. He sure knows when to do it. Get well soon, Balkman. Anyone think we’ll see him at all this series?
Melo? You mean the guy that didn’t make the All Star game? Uh huh?
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
by PosterNutbag on May 22, 2009 2:09 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah I know
and all those Cavs fans were crying their little eyes out about Mo Williams not making the All Star team when a real star like Carmello wasn’t even hardly discussed.
BTW, I love the fact that I tried to tell the guys over at SS&R that Carmello was going to wash out Kobe offensively and they laughed at me – but Carmello has been too good lately. It’s always fun to see a very good player become great.
"I am from one of the top 15 cities in the world. Buffalo, New York." - TrentEdwardsHoF2018
I don't see Balkman playing unless something crazy happens, but I've been wrong a lot!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 22, 2009 11:12 AM MDT up reply actions
What about Stevie Wonder?
I mean Hunter? Was he in uniform last night? I didn’t see. I don’t expect him to play. I also doubt we’ll see Balkman since we haven’t yet this postseason (at least, not any more than we’ve seen Hart.)
by NuggBuckets on May 22, 2009 11:15 AM MDT up reply actions
I think Petro gets off the bench before Hunter does for sure.
I think Hunter may have dressed out … I didn’t see either.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 22, 2009 11:19 AM MDT up reply actions
I was upset at Karl for pulling LK in the fourth
sorry i still dont like Karl and some of his decisions will make me go WTF just like he did in 96 when he benched Payton and had Mcmilian cover Jordan. As much as Nate is my fav player he should never have covered Jordan.
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
haha
all of a sudden i feel so young. and amateur. been watchin since … 03? melo? :P
by aznballer114099 on May 22, 2009 8:13 AM MDT up reply actions
year i graduated high school!
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 22, 2009 11:04 AM MDT up reply actions
LK came up huge, BUT...
You still have to go with your tried and true in crunch time. LK is not a good defender. Never has been and possibly never will be. Chauncey, JR, Melo, K-Mart, Nene. Game over.
my problem with Karl has always been the WTF line
we’re going in with a 5 advantage and you pull LK out who could have help keep the lead. Kmart is a strong defender 83% of the time but LK always help keep the defense outside Allowing PIP!
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 22, 2009 11:05 AM MDT up reply actions
I think....
I’m not a coach, but my first instinct is to say “Missed 3s are easy opportunities for transition baskets.”
by NuggBuckets on May 22, 2009 11:10 AM MDT up reply actions
true but LK creates another threat to pull the d out that is all
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 22, 2009 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions
Ummmm….did we just take back home court? pslakerfan where are you? This series is the Nugs to win? I love it.
"C" is for Championship...that's good enough for meeeee!!!
pslakerfan where are you?
He’s burning his Laker flag somewhere and crying in his O’Doul’s.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 22, 2009 10:28 AM MDT up reply actions
I have to admitt
Seeing LK and AC on the court at the same time brings shivers to my spine, but LK certainly made me eat my words tonight. It is a shame that his play is so spotty, but it certainly benefited him tonight as he got some wide open looks.
Anyone else hate seeing 5 Lakers under the basket after Nuggets jumper and not even a lone powder blue uni?
Lady, you want me to answer you if this old airplane is safe to fly? Just how in the world do you think it got to be this old?
— Anon
Both optimists and pessimists contribute to the society. The optimist invents the aeroplane, the pessimist the parachute.
— George Bernard Shaw
by Choochoobonewagon on May 22, 2009 2:39 AM MDT reply actions
He seems really streaky
I remember him going for like… 40(?) a couple of years ago I think. Whatever happened to that guy?
"I am from one of the top 15 cities in the world. Buffalo, New York." - TrentEdwardsHoF2018
The defensive scheme changed.
He got 40 in a game where he just ran the court all game long. The Nuggets leaked him out and AC threw hail marys all game long. That was when we just tried to outscore everyone and didn’t even have defensive plays.
Now he doesn’t fit in quite the same as he did before, since everyone is accountable on defense.
From a Magic Fan
Melo>LBJ
After watching ESPN KING choke it up against the LOWLY Magic, I have a better appreciation for Melo and the hard work he does and MANNING UP AND GUARDING KOBE.
that ish is HUGE.
I love me some NUGZ, and I love some Dnever Nugz!!!!!!!
Some people swear they down as can be
Turns out those same Homies Sit down to pee
by I blocked Patrick Chewing on May 22, 2009 7:46 AM MDT reply actions
I think I prefer
Thuggets! Gotta Play me some street ball
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 22, 2009 11:07 AM MDT up reply actions
Not that I have tickets
But I was thinking about what might be chanted at Kobe when he is shooting free throws in Denver, other than the boos, which I’m sure there will be plenty of.
My first thought was “No means No!” but I figured that would be in poor taste.
How about “Not Without Shaq!”
Any thoughts?
Listen, this signature line is a big part of who I am.
by frightened inmate #2 on May 22, 2009 8:53 AM MDT reply actions
I think chanting is a bad idea. It will probably just get Kobe going. That’s the kind of player he is mentally. Best thing to do is cheer/chant vigorously for the Nuggets only.
… maybe an AIRRRBALL or two after a bad shot :) But that’s it!
Agreed, Kobe seems to feed off of negativity.
I remember when he had to fly to Eagle to appear in court, after the event that I won’t discuss here (shame on you, Kobe), flew back to a playoff game or something that night and just went off.
He also seems to do really well in Denver, especially after that aforementioned event, when everybody started booing him whenever he touched the ball.
by blooming rock on May 22, 2009 10:42 AM MDT up reply actions
how about just good old
you can beat us?
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 22, 2009 11:08 AM MDT up reply actions
right thats what i meant
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 22, 2009 2:04 PM MDT up reply actions
KLEIZA
Shoot rock, rebound rock, LOVE ROOOOCCCCCKKKK!
PS. John Kelley, who now works for the Blues TV broadcasts, was the former Avs announcer that made “Thank you, thank you, thank you!” famous. Please get it together Nate.
Re: John Kelley
I wasn’t going to say anything. I was just proud of Nate for making the Av reference.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 22, 2009 10:26 AM MDT up reply actions
I FIXED IT! Man ... what was I thinking?
I was a bandwagon AVS fan anyway … never thought about Hockey until they got here and jumped off when the times got bad. Sorry AV fans … my sister is a huge AVS fan and she hates that I don’t root for them.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 22, 2009 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions
Regarding Melo and the All Star (or lack there of) references:
I DON’T THINK ANYONE SHOULD WORRY ABOUT HIM MISSING AN ALL-STAR GAME AGAIN!!!
He has fully arrived in this post season. Seems that in the past he’d struggle when the Nugs played on national TV, therefore a lot of the country didn’t see how good Melo is. That’s different now. He started the game 1-6 with 2 points in the first quarter, did he fold? NO! He grabbed some boards, dished some assists, played some D, and got himself going . . . then the shot started falling. I’m loving the way he’s playing right now.
Still needs to get more touches at the end of games, IMO, though I realize he was banged up and a little slow at the end of the game last night.
Melo has definitely arrived
No doubt. And his D on Kobe has been very good. And with Kobe on him? That’s when he grabs the huge offensive boards with powerful put backs. He’s throwing Kobe around like a rag doll down low.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 22, 2009 10:40 AM MDT up reply actions
those two threes last night though
just hate how good kobe is
http://www.davusx.net/assets/db/la_la_land.gif
"We should have kept Seattle and dumped San Diego from the Division"
Davis and Sharpe to the Hall!
by Jon Tollerud on May 22, 2009 11:10 AM MDT up reply actions
I kept saying to my buddy that Melo needed to take one more baby step in.
Then BAM, Kobe nails a 3 right in his eye. On the second one I just covered my face.
by NuggBuckets on May 22, 2009 11:13 AM MDT up reply actions
Yeah, and hand in the face is good, but it needs to be there when Kobe rises for the shot, not just when he's on the floor.
About one foot closer and Melo could have covered his face during the shot. I cringed when Melo was off just a little bit both times.
by blooming rock on May 22, 2009 11:29 AM MDT up reply actions
Yup
But that one baby step may lead to Kobe getting by Melo. I think both times Melo was good and Kobe just made incredible shots.
THey should look at film and see if those spots are common for Kobe…if so, keep him off them.
I don’t want breakaway speed. I want break-some-poor-fool-as-I-bowl-you-over power getting 6 yards off a play that should have been stopped for 2 at most.
Nate
How on earth did you find another pic of Gasol whining? They are so rare. LOL.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 22, 2009 10:41 AM MDT reply actions
I actually had a chance to interview Gasol once.
When he was with the Grizzlies … a game where Camby went for 20 and 20 … Gasol had his rather large foot in a mop bucket full of ice.
He was very nice and took the time to answer all my moronic questions. Though I may not be a huge fan of his on the court … he was very gracious off. Guy is a pain on the offensive glass.
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 22, 2009 11:32 AM MDT up reply actions
Dammit Nate
Quit trying to humanize the enemy!
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 22, 2009 11:50 AM MDT up reply actions
haha ... I did say I don't like him on the court!!!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 22, 2009 11:59 AM MDT up reply actions
make that two?
I’ll mow your grass all summer. With my teeth.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 22, 2009 1:45 PM MDT up reply actions
Hey Nate...
How about you just lobby the Nuggets for a private suite for all the bloggers here? Haha.
Yes, that sounds about right doesn't it!
Perhaps a fridge stocked full of beverages and some free food as well!
Pickaxe & Roll.com: 5,280 reasons to be a Nuggets fan
by Nate Timmons on May 22, 2009 3:15 PM MDT up reply actions
I don’t know why I wrote “haha” — I think it was to make something that sounded funny in my head read funny on screen. It obviously didn’t work. Apparently we’ll all have to sit in the private suite with beverages and munchies to be able to enjoy the full extent of our sad, sad comedy.
And root on the Nuggs, of course. I’ll bring my bucket to collect the Lakers’ tears.
CB7's Play of the Day
Was awesome. Now another short ESPN rant. CB7’s PotD wasn’t even in the four letter network’s top 10 plays of the day. Only one play from the Nugs win last night was, and that was Ariza’s dunk over everyone in his way (I honestly forgot which Nug was posterized the most on that one, and it was a great play). From memory, most of the other top 10 were in baseball, one from women’s softball, two from fricken lacross, and one from the SC playoffs. F ESPN. Again. If it isn’t part of their agenda, which is still to sell a Laker-Cav final and to promote baseball to a nauseating degree, it isn’t getting air time.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
+1
I’m with ya on this one Bob. ESPN is a joke. Right after I saw that play I was yelling, “Top 10 for sure! Oh wait, probably not because ESPN SUCKS!”
and John Elway is not one of the top 100 athletes of the last century.
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 22, 2009 2:07 PM MDT up reply actions
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