Game 6: Nuggets 92 - Lakers 119
by Nate Timmons on May 29, 2009 11:00 PM MDT
in Denver Nuggets: Game Recaps
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First off ... congratulations to the Lakers. They were by FAR the mentally stronger team in this series and deserve great credit for taking this series 4-2. There is no shame in losing to a better team and the Lakers proved they deserve a shot to play for the NBA title.
Denver had a great season and the best post-season in franchise history. That is probably why this loss hurts so much.
This was probably about the worst Game 6 that any Nuggets fan could imagine. After playing 4 spectacular games in the series ... the Nuggets decided to make one clear cut adjustment ... DOUBLE TEAM THE LAKERS and specifically Kobe Bryant.
This was probably the worst decision that I've ever seen from a team. The Nuggets competed and split the series 2-2 through 4 games. Then, for what seems like no reason ... George Karl and his staff decided to abandon their philosophy of guarding teams one-on-one. Instead, the Nuggets (who have had rotation issues all season) went to a double the ball strategy that works on teams that don't share the ball and play a selfish brand of basketball, but one that will kill you against unselfish teams.
The Lakers and specifically Kobe Bryant play unselfish basketball (this isn't the 81 Kobe anymore) ... so Denver's strategy went out the window, but instead of adjusting ... the Nuggets kept with it (doubling) and lost both games 5 and 6 giving up easy looks and playing sloppy defense. It was back to the Enver Nuggets (yep no more D in Denver.)
Everyone who watches the Nuggets knows the defense improved vastly this season and got better in the post-season. Somebody in the coaching staff is to blame and that somebody should not be back with the team next season.
Before the 4th Quarter Doris Burke of ESPN asked George Karl what was hurting the Nuggets ... Karl responded with a snorting laugh to suggest that the Lakers were hurting Denver all over the floor. Well George, it was the defensive strategy that YOUR staff put into place that took the Nuggets from being a competitive team that looked like they could advance to the first NBA Finals in team history ... to one that resembled the team that got swept out of the playoffs by these same Lakers last season.
After such a great season, getting blow out at home hurts. Everything seems like a disaster. It's easy to think that this team will be back next season and able to compete for a title, but it took Denver 24 years to get back to this point and it's a shame that they were unable to take advantage of what they had this season.
This was by far my favorite edition of the Denver Nuggets and I enjoyed every minute of following this team ... it's been tough watching this game tonight and even harder realizing it's over. I just hope that it wont take the Nuggets another 24 years to get back to this point.
Post Script: I'll be writing more about this game later from a player standpoint.
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Way to go Nuggets...
I am very proud of what we’ve done… I think we have a strong team going into next season (AC your services will not be needed) and I expect greatness for years to come.
I will suffer at the hand of those local Laker fans that know little about the game for just a few days, and all will be forgotten… However, I will take with me memories of being at Staples and watching the Nuggs win a thrilling game 2 in one of their best seasons of all time.
Thank you to Birdman, Chauncy, Melo, JR, Nene, KMart, Kleiza, Dhantay – You made my wife crazy but you made this basketball season the best I can remember… until next year!
GO NUGGETS!
J
It's not the Lakers I hate with every bone in my body, it's just the players and their fans.
Doubling
You’d think they would’ve learned the lesson in Game5. I was shocked (and disappointed) to see them doing it again, tonight.
Incredible Season...adjustments await.
Am I disappointed? Yes. Devastated? No.
I did not watch this game, but listened to it at work on the radio. They mentioned that 5 of the best shooters on the team were signed through at least next year.
It was an excellent season and playoff run, as terrible as the loss was, Im glad this rollercoaster of emotion is over with. The Nuggets looked worn down in game 5, and unfortunately they were the first to crack in the series.
Now as for next year, the sky is the limit for this team. Sure some crappy team will surprise everyone and win some games but now that the Nuggets have come this far they have transformed from a mediocre team to a good hungry team. I think that Dahntay Jones has just played his last game as a Nugget and would not be sad if he did not return. Ultimately he was a cheap band aid for the shooting guard position that could play a little D, but did not contribute greatly in any stat. Solidifying this spot with a good player would be an upgrade to DJ.
Three possible scenarios for this position if DJ doesnt return would be to sign a young quality SG in the starting position, or resign AI at reduced pay, but let him start, or better yet go big… Sign a rebounding monster like Carlos Boozer, put him at the small forward then put Melo at the SG position. I know its a stretch but imagine the mismatches with just about every other SG.
Then…
Bring back the Birdman! This guy is way too good to let go, he is a spark and a fan favorite He must stay in Denver. I also Like JR as a 6th man and believe he can win the award next year, especially since he has gained the trust of the coaches.
I pray to god
that you’re kidding about re-signing Iverson.
by nebraskasux on May 30, 2009 12:20 AM MDT up reply actions
We all know it aint happening.
I liked the game AI brought to the Nuggets. Yes they played no D, but in those days no one really expected a playoff run anyways. I liked that the Nuggets scored so many points, eventhough the defense was terrible. I do like that we play defense now though and hope that it improves.
by distortedman on May 30, 2009 1:11 AM MDT up reply actions
Weems
Karl and this organisation are going to regret not giving Weems enough minutes this year. We have no idea what he can contribute to the team. His stellar play in the D-League has shown he has talent but will he bring what is needed. I’m hoping fo JR Smith starting at SG next year with Weems off the bench, and a new back up PG
That's exactly what I'd like to see.
We need a young point guard that can learn from Chauncey (who’s great, but not getting any younger). I’d like to see JR start. He proved that he can play defense in this postseason. If he does, we’ll need a scorer off the bench. LK came up big in this last series (and is still young and has upside) but I’m not sure if he’s in the Nuggs’ future. I’d like to see Birdman come back, he’s a great energy guy (though I’d like to see him work more on the fundamentals and bring his game on the road). I don’t know too much about who’s out there in FA land, but I’d like to see a veteran scorer come off the bench. Hopefully Hunter will have a great offseason and can provide depth at the F/C position. Petro is still a work in progress. Weems should get more minutes next season and I desperately hope he takes advantage. He was killing the guys in the D-League but never really transferred that to the pros. Part of that could be that he never got minutes when they counted and never got into the flow of playing with the regular rotation.
Speaking of rotations, Karl needs to realize that he is NOT a good gameday coach. The Nuggs need someone who can make the right decisions at the right times. I’m not saying that we need to fire him, because I respect what he’s done with this team. I just think he needs to work on his game as well. Learn to work the refs and the sidelines, improve his rotations, and learn to better manage his timeouts. And as Nate said, don’t mess with a defense that has been stellar all postseason! The doubles and switches took Melo completely out of his game and allowed Ariza and Walton to beat us. Ariza? Gimme a break. Thanks Karl for getting him re-signed. Lakers love him again. And Walton? That was the straw that broke this camel’s back.
Lakers fan
Thank you for your classy post. Your team was fantastic. Carmelo has really elevated himself in my eyes, even with his substandard play in the last game. I know Nuggets fans were saying that he became more well rounded well before the playoffs but I never really believed them. I was definitely wrong, Carmelo showed things in this series that I’d never seen from him before and I will always respect a player who develops his game.
I was very down on the Lakers since the middle of the Jazz series. This series has restored my faith in them because I know that a weak team would not have beaten these Nuggets. Good luck next year.
I hate to bash on the Nuggets now but I have to say something
This playoff run was great and like you Nate I loved following them this postseason, BUT… I’m still kind of angry about this team. Who here didn’t think we were the “better team” the first 5 games of this series? Yet we were down 3 games to 2 (before self-destructing tonight, which I won’t get into now). The Lakers won not because they are the “more talented team” but because they are more disciplined, better coached, and play better as a team. I’m sure George Karl will get all sorts of props for this playoff run but he does not do a good job coaching this team, period. I know everybody loves J.R. for his threes, his big dunks, and his trash-talking but I cringe whenever he touches the ball (or opens his mouth for that matter). I think we need to fire Karl and get another team-first guy like Billups to help get this team under control (he’s been fantastic but he can only do so much). Is Battier a free agent? (I’m sure he isn’t and unfortunately I’m also sure that Karl’s job is safe). I just hope this wasn’t our last best chance at a championship…
I’ll just preemptively say that nobody needs to accuse me of jumping off the bandwagon. Lets be honest, about 95% of the “Nuggets fans” that magically appeared over the last couple months are but I’ve been a Nuggets fan my whole life and will continue to be so (and the vast majority of that time they have been lousy).
Not everything can be rainbows and butterflys
Yes, the Nuggs were the better team. And the Lakers deserved to win this series. Sucks, huh?
I think that discipline is something that needs to come from within. No single Laker would jack up 10 3-balls in a game (and only make one) because Kobe would flay them alive. I love JR Smith. His game is only going to get better. His decision making is only going to get better. We just have to hold on tight and hope it’s sooner rather than later. Chauncey was huge in that regard and I hope that his mentoring continues. But there is no one on the squad that holds players accountable. Not Chauncey, not Melo, not K-Mart. And I think all three of those guys need to step up. Everybody needs to step up and be accountable, but it helps if you have one or two (or three) guys who have the guts to say, “Knock that shit off and play the game the right way.” But I definitely think it has to come from a player and not a coach.
Argree totally
and as much as I despise Kobe he is very good at keeping his team in line. But you don’t think Karl should have something to do with that as well? Thats why I think he has to go.
I'm right there with you, Nate.
I was screaming at my TV, “WHY ARE YOU STILL DOUBLING KOBE?!” It wasn’t working in any conceivable way and it boggled my mind that they kept using this strategy. The Nuggets got beat in every possible way tonight. Bird had a terrible game, Chauncey had an ATROCIOUS game, Melo was a non factor, Nene was soft, and no one could play defense. J.R. Smith was the only semi-decent player tonight. When some jackass customer at work told me tonight that the Nuggets lost by 25, I was convinced he was wrong. He’s just one of those people that I don’t take seriously and I was sure he was just messing with me. How can a team that had played so well get toasted by 25? Lack of leadership, effort, and a decent defensive scheme, that’s how. Chauncey took horrible shots that not even J.R. would take and he lost his control of the team. I’m a little shell shocked at this point and I just can’t believe it’s all over and it ended like that.
But looking at it from a glass half-full point of view, this was the first year having Chauncey back and we got to the WCF. I have a lot of faith that the 2nd year will be even better. GO NUGGETS!!!!!
J.R. is my homeboy
Be proud of all you achieved this year
And those of us in Portland will see you in the fall. I don’t think many would have thought you’d get nearly this far. As a fan of a team that has gone deep more than once, it sucks worse the deeper you go so I feel ya. You could be back next year, so don’t despair…
Proud member of Duck nation!
by skywaker9 on May 30, 2009 3:04 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
Playing against 2 teams
Seriously? Why not open up the NBA? Let’s follow the money trail. Obviously it lead to an official throwing games, yet the league did not do anything.
I’m not an NBA, but my friends are. I have to watch the Nuggets, since I made them go to Avalanche games when the Avs were horrible.
Every close call went to the Lakers, every single one. Whenever Denver got close, another 50/50 foul came and it ALWAYS was against the Denver. Disgusting.
To let Phil Jackson (thug when he played, him call out players on one play is hilarious), Kobe Bryant (accused rapist, when there is enough to go to trial, it says something), and David Stern (Kobe rape trial, Jail Blazers, Pistons-Pacers fight) be the guiding lights of the NBA. Something is seriously wrong.
I’m officially over the NBA. I only added this blog, because I wanted to post a few things. I hope everybody can see it through the eyes of a non-fan who follows other sports not decided by referees.
The Nuggets lost games 5 and 6 all by themselves. Yes, the game were called in a way that benefited the Lakers (and I’m not referring to one-sided refereeing) but the Nuggets never adjusted. The Nuggets lost these games all by themselves. And I hope they learn from it and come out and march through next season and the playoffs with the same mentality and physicality that got them to the WCF. But hopefully with a few less mental errors.
Come on
The calls went both ways and to suggest that the officiating was to blame for the Nuggets loses in games 5 and 6 is just wrong. I mean they shot more free throws than the Lakers in game 6 and the only reason the Lakers shot more in game 5 was because the Nuggets were interntionally fouling at the end of the game.
by Lakers Rule on May 30, 2009 10:15 AM MDT up reply actions
Fuckin' stop with the ref comments
It wasn’t the refs that lost us this series, okay?
Just drop it. Denver lost because of poor play.
I need to go lie down and take a nap now – excuse me while I find the Rockies game on.
Could have gone either way
As a Laker fan, I gained a completely new view of the Nuggets this year. I don’t get into name-calling or ref-bashing. Every team is what it is. The Nuggets could have gone to the Finals this year, I have no doubt. You played with guts, skill and determination and I can’t say that about my team. I was disappointed that Game 6 was so lopsided.
Get your owner to open up the pocketbook and use that exception and we’ll see you again next year.
by conejito_andarin on May 30, 2009 9:11 AM MDT reply actions
Thank you Nuggets
Any Laker fan that says that they were 100% sure that the Lakers would beat the Nuggets is a dam liar. This was truly the toughest matchup for the Lakers and I was not sure if the Lakers could make it by. This team showed gritt and toughness and as long as you guys have Melo on your team you can say that this team is on the upside and will be contenders for years to come. I personally think that JR Smith will be one of the best guards in the league next year and he can obviously give the Lakers problems. Much props and I really liked the class that Nugget’s fans showed by giving the Nuggets a standing O and showing their appreciation. See you guys next year and good luck.
by PURPLE AND GOLD FOR LIFE on May 30, 2009 9:51 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
I was 100%
I picked the Lakers in 5, because I thought there was no way Denver had the mental fortitude to take a game from LA at the Staples Center. Respect to them for pulling that off.
But the end of the series went how I pretty much expected it. LA got focused, Denver got unfocused and reverted to last year’s Nuggets.
I think Denver needs to take a long hard look at a couple of players on it’s roster, and get them outta there. Specifically, I’m thinking of Jones, K-Mart, and JR Smith.
K-Mart made some terrible mental errors
Mostly just stupid fouls. He’s too old to be making poor decisions like that. That said, I like him playing the role of enforcer. He gives a toughness to the Denver D and still has a decent offensive skill set.
JR is young and emotional and a little out of his mind. But he can play out of his mind as well and I only see upside for this guy.
Dahntay plays tough, hard-nosed defense but is not a starter next year in my book.
by NuggBuckets on May 30, 2009 10:49 AM MDT up reply actions
Enforcer = Good
Trust me, I wish the Lakers had one who didn’t play 2-3 minutes in blowout games only (Mbenga).
But at the same time, if having an enforcer also means having to live with bad reach in fouls at inopportune times, stupid fouls like holding a players foot while on the ground for over 4 seconds while RIGHT IN FRONT OF THE OFFICIAL…. well, I guess I can say I’m glad we don’t have an enforcer then.
I agree 100% about Martin
His “passion” (or thug mentality or whatever it is) hurts the team more than it helps it. He is a physical defender but brings almost nothing offensively (except missing point blank shots) and very rarely crashes the boards hard. However there is no way the Nuggets can get rid of him with his horrible contract.
I Like Kenyon
He just needs to take a pay cut. His Defense is alright but yeah there were few times this season he would just stand there and watch his man shoot the ball. His presence was a defensive spark for the team… The team D slipped when he was injured.
by distortedman on May 30, 2009 8:22 PM MDT up reply actions
Congrats Nuggets
Great season, exciting playoffs and plenty of hope for the future with great young players like Melo and JR Smith. You guys pushed the Lakers to the wall, but in the end the better team won – hold your heads high.
Now GO LAKERS!
As time ran down
At the end of the game, “as time ran down” the Nugget fans at the game, knowing there was no chance of taking the series to L.A. for a Game 7, showed me what it means to be a true fan. With almost all of the starters out of the game, the crowd stood to their feet and roared and cheered for their team. Even as the clock went to 0.00 they still cheered. Now I am a Chicago Bulls fan myself, but have liked how the nuggets have brought their game to the court every game for the past few seasons and I can tell you this I have never seen more dedicated fans in my life. And also as I stayed and watched after the game I saw a small smile come to Carmelo Anthony’s face and I liked that that he could see that the fans still loved them and knowing that they would for a long time to come.
by Dr. Lovesports on May 30, 2009 10:28 AM MDT reply actions
Good Series
What I found really interesting, is that the three games that were called the loosest (Games 1, 5, and 6) were all won by the Lakers. Yet the Nuggets were obviously the more physical team.
I think
It’s because Denver benefited more from having more free throws. I could be wrong but it seems that even when Denver was at its best in the series offensively, penetrating and passing the ball, they still didn’t finish alot around the rim and got alot of the points off fouls (not saying those fouls weren’t deserved).
When the refs started calling things looser, they stopped penetrating instead of keep pushing in harder. Of course the Lakers defense also had alot to do with it, but that’s just the way I saw things.
the idea is..
that even though the Nuggets played rougher, in a tightly called game, that only results in free throws on shots in the paint, not on loose ball fouls, which the Nuggets did have plenty of. But in a looser called game, the Nuggets, who always attacked the rim, didn’t get as many calls as they would like.
as a life long Nuggets fan
I was there in game 4 in the 85 WCF’s and this by far is the best Nuggets team I have ever seen. I am so proud and happy what this team accomplished this season. I expect an ever better season in 09-10. NBA finals next year should be the only goal. I think Karl was outcoached in the last 2 games, and that Denvers shooting suffered. I think Denver relys on the 3 too much. They are more effective when driving and scoring. But I am not going to dwell on the negative. I have suffered thru the 11 win season, the Westhead rin and gun crap and all the bad season. This has been the best season as a fan of the nuggets I have ever been a part of
somethings wrong, Trying to conquer these fears i thought were gone. And it's been so long, I'm dying to live in a world i don't belong
by broncfanstuckinsd on May 30, 2009 1:05 PM MDT reply actions
The wear and tear got to them
Especially the bigs. After that amazing performance when Bird, Kenyon, and Nene each had 13+ rebounds they all but disappeared. Even Melo and Chauncey looked tired in the last two games of the WCF. Despite That this team surpassed all expectations; Personally all I hoped for was the division crown and any playoff wins were all bonus.
by distortedman on May 30, 2009 8:31 PM MDT up reply actions
This Denver team took us to heights we have never seen before
And we should all be grateful for that. Thank you for a great season and postseason, Denver.
Here’s my ultra-short in-brief idea of how the offseason will go:
Denver releases/trades: Linas Kleiza, Anthony Carter, Dahntay Jones, Stephen Hunter.
Denver acquires: Brandon Bass, Marcin Gortat, Jerryd Bayless.
Denver 2010 starting lineup:
PG: Chauncey Billups/Jerryd Bayless
SG: J.R. Smith/Sonny Weems
C: Nene/Marcin Gortat/Johan Petro
PF: Kenyon Martin/Chris Andersen
SF: Carmelo Anthony/Brandon Bass/Renaldo Balkman
I think that’s a solid lineup, assuming we can get Gortat, Bayless, and Bass. Gortat is only making $711,000, Bayless is making $1,993,000, and Bass is making $826,000.
We fill our need for: a good, young, backup PG, JR moves into starting SG, we shore up our SF with Bass with some more size, and we get another competent big man in Gortat.
The salaries even match, honestly. I think this would be ideal for Denver.
Go Nuggets!
Nice
I love this plan, especially about finding a way to trade Hunter and acquire Gortat. The only problem I see is a lack of reliable wings. I love JR, at some point he needs to start for us and it probably should be sooner rather than later. At the same time, as a 6th man he gives the Nuggets maybe the most explosive bench in the league.
It’s relying too much on Chauncey to be stuck with Weems, JR, Bayless and maybe Hart(?) as the only other guards. In my opinion the Nuggets need another veteran presence or defensive stopper at the 1 or 2. Dahntay could maybe do it, but I think he’s going to want too much money.
Also, the Nuggets need a PF that can provide a threat offensively to play with Kmart, Bird, and Naldo. Bass is perfect for that if he is available, problem is I just can’t think of anyone else within reach if we can’t get him. Plenty of time to mull over stuff like this in the next few months, but that’s just what I’m thinking right now.
by runningdonut on May 30, 2009 2:53 PM MDT up reply actions
Very good plan
I just hope they upgrade the backup PG position. I’m tired of AC making dumb passes, and taking rediculously quick shots. I’d keep Kleiza though, because I believe he’ll continue to improve.
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu
To quote Darth Vader
“All too easy.” That’s how simple it was for the Lakers to beat the Nugs pitiful double-team in games 5 and 6. Nate I was extremely frustrated to see them continue doing something that was clearly not working. Not only did it cause the Nugs to be losing almost the entire game, but it also kept several key players from getting into the “flow” of the game. Namely, Melo and Chauncey.
With that said, I’m very proud of them for getting this far in the playoffs, and I can only believe it will motivate them to get over the proverbial hump in the next couple of years.
Finally, I would like to see either Orlando or Cleveland beat the Lakers in the finals; not because I hate them as a team, but I can’t stand the Lakers fan base, media circus, and celebrities who think they’re “God’s gift” to mankind.
Go Nugs!!!
"I'm not so mean. I wouldn't ever go out to hurt anybody deliberately - unless it was, you know, important, like a league game or something." - Dick Butkus
"Invincibility lies in the defence; the possibility of victory in the attack." - Sun Tzu
To echo what a lot of people have said...
I am very proud of what the Nuggets accomplished this year and as sad as I am that they didn’t make it to the finals, it doesn’t take away what this team did this season. Watching from the beginning of this season to now, we saw this team grow and blossom before our very eyes. The great thing is just like Chauncey said, it is only the beginning! The guys have grown so much closer as a unit and I believe will only continue to grow. I have to say I am extremely proud of them all, but Carmelo really showed this year how important he is to this team. I am happy that with all the hate and doubters he had to deal with, that he was able to show them just how special he is.
I think the only thing to do now is to reflect on our wonderful season and look forward to next year. I am looking forward to working on my Nuggs scrapbook now.
I also enjoyed the comradrie with fans on here and RBMC, and will be checking in often in the offseason. GO NUGGETS!
I live and die with the Colorado Rockies and the Denver Nuggets...
by AtkinsandTulofan on May 30, 2009 10:57 PM MDT reply actions
Where is the last T-Shirt contest?
MHH: Shagging Dater one contributor at a time.
by Bob in Boulder on May 31, 2009 12:04 PM MDT reply actions
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