Inching back in the right direction... (Nuggets/Jazz recap)
by Andrew Feinstein on Jan 17, 2010 10:57 PM MST
in Denver Nuggets: Game Recaps
Email
Print
After losing six of eight, our Nuggets have reversed course and have (seemingly quietly) won five of six, topped off by tonight's victory over the rival Jazz. And if not for a buzzer-beating shot by the Kings Tyreke Evans last weekend, we'd be looking at a six-game winning streak right now.
I suppose the headline for tonight's game recap could be "Defense Optional", but I believe Nate (or maybe it was me?) have already used that one in the past. Of course, when it comes to our Nuggets, playing defense is often optional.
Just when I thought my prediction of an easy Nuggets victory over the Jazz (since the Jazz were playing the second of a back-to-back) was going to come to fruition, the Jazz stuck around and battled back admirably. I suppose it's not surprising that a Jerry Sloan-coached team refused to quit, until a few timely Nuggets shots and quality possessions in the final minutes ultimately did Utah in. But while the naysayers may look at the Nuggets porous defense as cause for alarm, I'll go to bed tonight happy with those five victories in six games.
The View from the Not-So-Cheap-Seats...
...the Nuggets opened the game by shooting at the Jazz's (i.e. opponent's) basket, something I've never seen before at Pepsi Center (and noticeable to me because my seats are directly across from the opposing team's bench). For the uninitiated as to why this is a big deal, visiting coaches get to pick which side of the floor their team shoots at first and almost universally, NBA coaches want to coach their defense in the second half, not offense. And yet Sloan mixed it up. I asked a source at the game why, and was told that Sloan likes to mix things up to mess with his opponent's rhythm.
...the Nuggets closed the first three quarters poorly. Make that horribly. In the final two minutes of the first three quarters combined (six total minutes of game time), the Jazz out-scored the Nuggets 27-4.
...midway through the fourth quarter, Carmelo Anthony started grimacing, pointing towards his right knee and touching it in-between plays, and limped a bit...on the defensive end. Curiously, on the offensive end of the floor Melo didn't appear to have any problems with that knee whatsoever. As Bill Simmons would say, "I'm just sayin'..."
...George Karl - and the fans, too, I suspect - has lost confidence in J.R. Smith, and perhaps with good reason. J.R.'s continued erratic shooting (4-12 tonight, 2-6 from three-point range) landed him on the bench for the final 5:09 of the game. Karl correctly inserted Chauncey Billups for J.R. and played Billups alongside rookie Ty Lawson for the remainder of the game. Thankfully, Billups was once a hybrid guard and can step into the two-guard slot.
...as we've been saying for years upon his arrival, Melo is unstoppable when he drives hard to the rack.
...Billups picked up a technical while sitting on the bench. At first I thought it was Karl, but then I remembered that Karl rarely picks up technical fouls!
...Sloan benched Mehmet Okur and Andrei Kirilenko early in the second half, and instead went with a two-power forward lineup of Carlos Boozer and Paul Millsap, each of whom fought hard under the Jazz's basket. If you're keeping score at home, that's $25.4 million worth of salary benched for much of the second half.
...Chris Andersen was scored with two blocks, but should have had three. His amazing block on Millsap in the fourth quarterly was erroneously called a foul. But hey, Bennett Salvatore was one of the referees, so what do you expect?
...the Nuggets are now 3-0 against the Jazz this season and 21-2 when leading after three quarters. For the second season in a row, the Nuggets are great closers.
...most importantly, Rocky made his behind-the-back, half-court shot during the fourth quarter.
Non-Stiffs of the Night
-Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups: We could throw in Nene, Kenyon Martin and Lawson here, too, but Melo and Billups combined for 66 points. More importantly, the Nuggets dynamic duo combined for 31 free throw attempts, more than the Jazz's team total of 27. I know readers here are getting sick of me bringing it up, but big time NBA games are won by getting to the free throw line...especially when your stars are doing it.
Stiff of the Night
-J.R. Smith: I don't want to use grandiose statements like "J.R. has lost his way", but...well...has J.R. lost his way?! What does it say about your game when a rookie point guard plays out the final five minutes of a division rivalry game while you ride the pine? I guess that's what happens when you've had just one 50% shooting night in 11 games.
Photo Courtesy of NBAE/Getty Images: Garrett W. Ellwood
137 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Great win....big picture
They won the season series over the Jazz…and three in a row over Utah is quite impressive.
As for the Melo thing Andrew….you can’t compliment him without finding some way to slam him can ya? Since this seems to be deep seeded (ie: the “not being on the bench” thing or the “grimacing on the defensive end” thing….which….even if it’s true is pointless) I will just accept you have an ax to grind an move on.
No…Melo is not perfect but I think a little perspective needs to be had
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
Im not really trying to get on you Andrew
…its just that I’m constantly amazed at how people view Carmelo. It’s like even when he does good (scoring 37) points he does bad in some people’s eyes.
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
I don't think Andrew was ripping on Melo or anything
He was simply pointing out that Melo’s defense still needs…work. Which is unfortunately true. And we all know Melo has the ability to become much better in that area, it’s sometimes frustrating to see him not play defense as well as he can.
But no one has said Melo did bad last night. I mean he was amazing, especially in the fourth
by Uh on Jan 18, 2010 9:02 AM MST up reply actions
Dude, as Dennis Green would say, "If you want to crown his ass, crown him!"
But my God, don’t’ get so damn offended when Andrew doesn’t!!!
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 2:29 PM MST up reply actions
Fair points, but...
First off, I totally agree that even when Melo does good things, people point out the bad things unnecessarily (note that I didn’t bring up his seven turnovers in my recap, because they came early and didn’t really impact the finally outcome). And I’m sure I’ve been guilty of that.
In my defense, I’ve been a huge Melo cheerleader for a long time and am the first to acknowledge that while he might not be the team’s MVP right now (is there any dispute that it’s Chauncey after how we saw the Nuggets play sans Chauncey vs. sans Melo?), he deserves much of the credit for putting this once dormant franchise back on the NBA map. The Nuggets don’t make what’s about to be seven consecutive playoff appearances without Melo, no question about it. And thus, I’ve written extensively in praise of Melo and don’t take 30 ppg (many times coming the fourth quarter) and his amazing 10 free throw attempts per game for granted. Those are big time, meaningful numbers and to Melo’s credit, he’s willing to take – and often makes – big shots. In short, I love the guy and have absolutely no axe to grind whatsoever, so I’m sorry you get that impression.
That said, I’m here to tell it like it is…especially if I can observe something from my seats that probably don’t get picked up on TV. Regarding the grimacing tonight on defense but not offense, I just thought it was funny and very typical of a superstar player of Melo’s generation.
And about the “not being on the bench” thing, I’m sorry but neither you nor anyone else will ever convince me otherwise on that issue. If you’re a top player on your team and you get hurt, you better be sitting beside and in support of your teammates for every damn game unless you’re held back on a road trip for treatment (which was never the case with Melo’s injury). It’s literally the least you can do for the hundreds of thousands of dollars you make per game. Moreover, I heard from good sources that several people with the Nuggets – not George Karl, to be clear – were unhappy and disappointed with Melo not being out there while he was hurt. So it wasn’t just me barking up that tree.
And feel free to get on me anytime…I’m sure I often deserve it and love a good debate!
Andrew Feinstein | DenverStiffs.com | denverstiffs@gmail.com
by Andrew Feinstein on Jan 17, 2010 11:33 PM MST reply actions
Love a good debate?
But “you nor anyone else will ever convince me otherwise on that issue.”??? Hmmm…
Give even the tiniest factoid that might suggest that Melo was acting completely on his own when he spent game time in the locker room during his injury!?! Anything… You saw the drama that ensued when Melo didn’t want to come out of a game that Karl wanted him to come out of! If “several people with the Nuggets” were “unhappy and disappointed with Melo” wouldn’t you figure that information to leak into National Media? ESPN is a mouse fart from becoming MTV sports style. There is absolutely no doubt that they would have pounced on an opportunity to show Melo being a spoiled brat. Fact is, Melo was given permission to recover however he chose during games because he HAD to travel with the team (due to multiple Nugget injuries) rather than – as you state – being held back for treatment. It isn’t uncommon.
If Melo is abusing the privilege of being a Nugget on mine and all the Stiff’s dimes, we need to know! But I love Melo (insert weird, homophobic reference here) and I need more than some cryptic and vague jabs, opinions and guesses to re-evaluate my feelings. Like anything or anyone else, Melo is innocent of being a crappy teammate until proven guilty. Otherwise, you really are guilty of axe grinding…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 12:08 AM MST up reply actions
+1
don’t fall into the national media’s portrayal of Melo, Andrew. You’re too good for that. The national media is always trying to stir up some shit on him while praising Lebron. In that portrayal, Lebron gloats and dances during games, whines and whines about other things and he’s a darling. Lebron dances on the sidelines while the game is being played (not paying attention to his teammates and it’s cute. Melo doesn’t sit on the bench because he’s injured and he’s a demon.
I agree with some point Andrew
but since Melo was on the bench 3 of the five games he missed I think it’s kind of a specious point (including the win in Utah and the Sacramento game…both of which werent on ESPN) I think the point I’m making is….in the long run regardless of people being semi irritated (and I can’t imagine that it was too much irritation) it’s like looking at a guy who’s just got his leg blown off and pointing out the splinter in his finger.
Secondly….I understand you were trying to be funny…just coming on the heels of the bench thing it struck me as piling on. I’m sorry I misunderstood you
Thirdly….I say Kenyon is the MVP and heart and soul of this Nuggets team. The three games he missed, they lost and lost BADLY…
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
more is less and less is more
nuggets are 12 wins and 1 loss when melo scores 30 points or LESS. melo had 2 fouls in the 1st quarter and joey graham played 3:22. that small amount of time proved to be huge when the game was on the line in the 4th quarter. melo finished the game playing 37:44 and 4 fouls. melo scored 8 points in the 1st half and 29 points in the 2nd half. nuggets scored 60 points in the first half and 59 in the second half. this point illustrates denver can get it done whether melo is SCORING or not. the 2 assists and 7 turnovers shows a tendency to force things instead of trusting his teammates. melo can play less minutes, take less shots and the team can still win.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
yes but this completely ignores
Melo single handedly keeping the Nuggets ahead at the beginning of the 4th quarter when the Jazz had cut it to two. I think people take for granted Melo’s ability to score when the offense bogs down.
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
explain..please
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
I agree with Andrew...
The reason Andrew and others are criticial of Melo sometimes is because we expect more from him. Yes, he is very good, not many doubt that. However, he often times does not run back on defense. I counted 3 times last night he walked back on defense. (his man scored twice) That does not require anything special, other than effort. Have you ever seen AAA walk back on D? If Melo is tired, than it is Karl’s job to get him a breather for a minute by using a timeout or sub. No excuses. Melo is very good, but I can’t say he always gives 100% like he says. If you see enough games, this point cannot be argued. Give Andrew a break.
by PMac20 on Jan 18, 2010 8:05 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
+1
Andrew is figuring out right now that the warewolves come out if you say anything negative about the sacred cow around here.
+2
Also, Melo wasn’t the only one jogging back on D. Karl does need to extend his rotations and call more TOs to provide more rest, and also needs to get on the players for being lazy. The team’s true character seems to be on display.
by MattressKing on Jan 18, 2010 11:34 AM MST up reply actions
-1
I have absolutely no problem whatsoever with Andrew or anyone else being critical of Melo’s actions and effort on the court. None. But the idea that Melo is an uncommitted teammate or that he somehow abandoned his teammates and coaches during his injury rehabilitation is patently false or – at the minimum – completely unsubstantiated conjecture. It is lazy reporting and (as the original comment to Andrew’s post points out) more likely some sort of axe to grind…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 11:52 AM MST up reply actions
Why would Andrew have "an axe to grind" with Melo?
Just think about that question before stating that he has some hostile feelings towards him for some reason.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 2:36 PM MST up reply actions
and what are the people who are randomly critical of Melo
for minor infractions such as “grimacing”?
The things I have been saying are Andrew has been critical of things that are so minor they don’t deserve mentioning….if you’re going to be critical do something other than focus on weather he’s on the bench or not.
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
LOL
Andrew is saying that if it isn’t a big game then Melo doesn’t like to play d. That is a fact that we all know but I guess only some of us will say it.
Also Andrew is saying that Melo should have been on the bench when he was out with injury. I as well find it really weird that he wasn’t on the bench… Maybe he felt that he would be too negative and maybe it was better if he wasn’t on the bench? I don’t know but I am in Andrew’s corner on this as well… Dude needed to suck it up and be on the bench supporting his teammates, it is inexcusable.
On another point, Melo saved the Nugs asses big time last night. I think it was his best game of the year. Games like that make me feel really good Melo is on my favorite team. Without Melo last night the Nugs would have gotten their asses handed to them.
For gods sake people
He was on the bench for 3 of the 5 games he was out. Stop with this!
Are we next going to complain about he maroon crushed valour suit he was wearing at the Cavs game?
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
Wait a second...
Isn’t maroon one of the Cavs’ team colors? Maybe this was Melo’s way of covertly rooting for the Nugs to lose.
My God. I can’t believe it! Why didn’t we notice this sooner?!?
by MattressKing on Jan 18, 2010 1:25 PM MST up reply actions
I thought it was more a dark mauve crushed valor.....
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
could very well have been
Loved his shirt though….stylin’
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
Melo styles from head to toe...always....mmm mmmmm
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
you are right
you just figured out why melo was not on the bench when he was hurt. he ran out of new cloths and did not want to wear the same outfit twice because it would make his butt look too big.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
+1 & -1
+1 – Melo absolutely saved our butts last night. I was so glad to see him play that way…
-1 – If Melo staying in the locker room for two of the five games he missed was mandated by the training staff to hasten his recovery, do you still find it inexcusable? I’m guessing not. At this point, nobody knows why he stayed in the locker room and it is unfair to make Andrew’s assumption that it had something to do with his commitment to the team. My theory is FAR more likely based on Bird staying in the locker room for one of those games as well.
Questioning Melo’s commitment pisses me off. If you’ve ever exchanged even a few sentances with him you know that he cares A LOT and that he works harder in the off-season than virtually anyone in the league. Does he ball hog and play shitty D from time to time? Sure. Bash him for it when he does but questioning his work-ethic or commitment without even a shred of evidence is ridiculous.
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 2:16 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
+1000
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
You "Melo worshipers" are the ones that blew this things our of proportion
All Andrew was saying when this thing first started out was it was really odd that Melo didn’t make an appearance for 2 games then suddenly shows up for the Cavs game on ESPN. That is a f*ing FACT! And that’s all he was saying. Then you guys started coming up with these totally bogus statements about how the folding chairs are hard to sit on and sh*t. Give me a freakin break. THAT is a bogus argument. But the bottom line is you all need to back off Andrew for stating his own opinions. This is HIS blog. You come here out of your own time every day to read what HE has to say. These are ultimatly HIS opinions on the Denver Nuggets and that’s the bottom line. If you don’t like what he has to say, don’t read his blog.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 2:45 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
You're going to have to accep that people have opposing views GN
This being a BLOG we are free to disagree. What we have in common is that we love (I hope) the Nuggets. You don’t have to always agree with Andrew to be part of the conversation
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
and based on your "Melo worshipers" comment
that you are not a fan of his. That’s ok….lets not demonize those who tend to be his fans.
In the grand scheme of things, we are NUGGETS fans right?
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
Here's the thing
I love and appreciate what Melo has done for this franchise just as much as the next Stiff. But the problem is, I’m not afraid (nor should I be) of criticizing him, or anybody else on the Nuggets team when I feel it is appropriate. I find it ridiculous that some people on this blog feel it’s taboo to criticize Melo just because he’s as good as he is.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 3:01 PM MST up reply actions
-1
It isn’t taboo to criticize Melo a long as it is accurate criticism like his lazy defense or his ridiculously stupid, selfish and ill timed DUI. I even agree with Gasus that Melo should be weary of scoring in the 30s, 40s and 50s if it means that his team doesn’t get involved or – gulp – they actually lose the game.
What IS taboo is calling a guy out for turning his back on his teammates and then providing ZERO evidence of any kind to support the claim.
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 6:36 PM MST up reply actions
Answer me this Big Mickey D
If Melo truly wanted to, don’t you think he probably could have been on the bench with his teammates the 2 games prior to the Cavs game? I mean, if he was truly wanted to, don’t you think he could have made it all the way to the bench from the locker room? I know that extra 100 meters is probably pretty hard to cover on an injured leg, but he seemed to be able to do cover ground from the airport to the arena, from the arena to the hotel (or house), from his car to wherever. That’s the question I want answered.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 7:15 PM MST up reply actions
ANSWER:
I’m sure that he was perfectly mobile and could have gone everywhere and anywhere that he wanted to or was told to go. My feeling is that he was receiving treatment or told not to sit for a few hours in an uncomfortable suit with his freakishly long legs crammed up into his chin on a chair designed to give the people behind him a better view rather than the guy sitting in it a more comfortable seat.
I think that I have been clear on what I believe happened. I fall on the side of their being an innocent and innocuous explanation for his absence on the bench. It might not be the “silly shit” chair theory or it might. You, Andrew and a smattering of other perfectly reasonable folks with an absolute right to your opinions believe that there is a more sinister and negative implication.
Melo is our man. Our stud. The reason this fucking blog even exists! For those reasons, I believe that the burden of proof falls on the side making the negative and disturbing accusations. So…. give me even the tiniest proof that Melo sat out those games against the best wishes of the organization.
And be respectful. Except for some of the early stuff with Laker trolls, I have been fair and respectful to you and everyone on this fansite regardless of whether or not we agree…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 8:56 PM MST up reply actions
i never said it wasn't legit GN
The man is a poor defender….To become a superstar he will have to improve that dramatically. My problem is people tend to randomly pile on Melo for things that have no real bearing on the actual game. This is why I jumped on Andrew for the bench thing. It seemed gratuitous and nit picking.
I will say that Kenyon Martin has become the heart and soul of this team. He is the real mvp. Not Melo…or Chauncey
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
Nitpicking? When you spend as much time as we do following this team, every move the players make is up for discussion
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 3:13 PM MST up reply actions
Agreed
But I take issue when the claim is SO subversive (turning your back on teammates is not a ho-hum type infraction among professionals) and SO lacking even the tiniest hint at research, fact or evidence of any kind…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 6:30 PM MST up reply actions
It's still not a biggie
So what? Andy questions Melo’s commitment to his team. Big deal. He has a voice. It’s not like he was convicting Melo of murder.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 7:18 PM MST up reply actions
In the professional sports world, giving up on your teammates is worse than murder if you are the team’s franchise player (or even if you’re not.)
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 8:58 PM MST up reply actions
If anyone here even hint at negativity about Melo
Then the warewolves come a howling. That is what happens period, end of discussion. GN is saying that some people prefer to have fair debate but when the topic surrounds Melo you can’t because of the old “rose colored glasses.”
from what I've read most of this blog tends to be negative about Melo
so why complain when people defend him?
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
I disagree 100%
This blog is 10,000 times more positive about Melo than negative. Look what happens when someone even says 2 little negative things about Melo….
Try making a fanpost about how Melo let the team down when he shoots 25 times and goes for 30+. People have no objectivity when it comes to the Melo man.
Completely agree with the 25+ shots = losing
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 6:39 PM MST up reply actions
But this IS a fair debate
When people say things like “Meloworshipers” etc…then they aren’t allowing the very thing they’re asking for: that one opinion is just as valid as someone who doesn’t agree with a different one.
I get just as frustrated with melo as any of you guys have said you are on this thread. What it sounds like our superstar doesn’t get a lot of breathing room because he is under the microscope. He should play harder on D. EVERYONE should. He shouldn’t play as much one on one to jack up his stats. He should try and be on the bench when he’s hurt if he can…
But somehow, I have a sneaking suspicion that if he wasn’t on this team we would be exponentially worse. But maybe I’m wrong.
Last years playoff run speaks volumes about the IT factor that he posseses. MAYBE Chauncey is the only other one with it on this team.
I think people get surprised at the “negative” melo nit-picking because he is without question a special player with a lot more going for him than against.
Criticism comes with the territory. But I think we can afford to take it easy on accusations of not supportive of his team, organizations and therefore his fans.
Also, isn’t he 25 year old? Not an excuse just a thought.
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 6:59 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Agreed on Kmart though
But I would have to make it Co-MVP for him and Chauncey.
on a side note....the Failblazers lost to the Wizzards
so we can all agree and have a nice laugh at their expense? lol
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
I believe Andrew and Nate are all for debate as long as it stays civil
this is what people are doing here, disagreeing respectfully for the most part and challenging each other to persuade them to believe what they do. if we always have to agree with the people that run the blog then that just makes it stale. I appreciate what Andrew and Nate are doing here very much but the best part of the blog is that you are allowed to disagree with them and they will listen to you. No need to get outraged about people having a different opinion then you, that’s their right.
March 14, 2010: The great one returns!
I agree as well
And I wasn’t trying to say you shouldn’t have contrasting opinions on certain issues as that would be boring as hell. My thing is, there is no logical reason that Andrew has some sort of personal vendetta against Melo.He defends him all the time and praises his presence for being the sole reason this franchise is where it is today. But just because he points out that he feels it’s important to be sitting on the bench at all times no matter how bad you were hurt doesn’t mean he hates Melo or “has an axe to grind with him”. And I have no problem debating, just as Andrew said, but there is no argument when you say the “chairs hurt players legs” and silly crap like that.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 3:08 PM MST up reply actions
I never said that the chairs hurt his legs
however, since Bird didn’t sit on the bench for a game…I think it’s a bit silly to pick out Melo for sitting out two of the five games he didn’t play. This is where I won’t budge. I’m sorry…this is where it goes from legit complaints to random silliness (in my opinion)
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
As ridiculous as it sounds, one game is still way different from two
Imo, one is somewhat excusable but two is kind of pushing it. Again, I don’t like this debate, it’s extremely petty, but my whole question since the beginning was, “What possible injury could have sustained that prevented him from even sitting with his teamates for two games, yet allowed him to come back and play less than a week later?” That’s all I really ever wanted to know.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 3:19 PM MST up reply actions
Well maybe Melo is a huge fan or jersey shore
and had to catch it on the big screen in the locker room? I don’t like this debate either, seems we should move on by now.
March 14, 2010: The great one returns!
I did say that NBA benches are not favorable environments for rehabbing certain kinds of lower leg injuries. Why is that “silly?” I also wrote that I thought the Nuggets would dress in drag and sacrifice a live chicken if they suspected it might speed up their superstar’s recovery. (Now THAT is silly!) I ALSO wrote that we would absolutely know if anyone of even the slightest importance had an issue with Melo not being on the bench because our team can’t keep a secret to save their lives…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 6:26 PM MST up reply actions
I think almost everyone has some sort of issue with Melo
but more so issues on the court then off the court issues or if he is sitting on the bench or not. I’d much rather discuss Melo not passing the ball enough, or playing lazy D, or not hustling back after believing he was fouled. Stuff like that would seem to be bigger issues over how many games he watched in the locker room compared to on the bench over his injury lay-off, at least for me.
March 14, 2010: The great one returns!
I guess that's where Andy and I differ
Of course we would all love to see Melo play harder on defense, but some players just arn’t good at defending and never will be. Who knows if Melo fits that bill, but he certainly isn’t Michael Jordan on the defensive end, but he does a good enough job. The whole point is, Melo is soooo talented on the offensive side he can get away with it, somewhat. But what you can’t get away with is the simple task of sitting with your teamates when you arn’t hurt THAT bad. Like I have said before, maybe there is a legit reason he didn’t sit there but if he really wanted to I’m sure he could of.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 7:24 PM MST up reply actions
GN
You have no problem debating? Or you have no problem debating as long as all the arguments (including the opposition’s) pass your requirements?
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 6:14 PM MST up reply actions
Folding chairs aren't comfortable isn't an argument
Period.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 7:25 PM MST up reply actions
I don’t know if it is optimism, fanaticism or booze, but I’ll give Melo the benefit of the doubt even if it means coming up with a theory that you think is “silly shit” and “not an argument.” I mean, really. Who the Hell wants to be the guy that always believes the worst in a person? Especially when that person happens to be the person that resurrected the team that you’ve spent thousands of dollars and hours supporting…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 18, 2010 9:12 PM MST up reply actions
Actually, GOLDENNUGGET, it is an argument
Just as good of one as Andrew saying he heard from someone “closely associated” with the nuggets organization that it had nothing to do with his injury…
Then tell us who it is and what their role/knowledge with lockerroom is!
Was it ROCKY?
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 9:49 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
So you are saying?
The same folding chairs that NBA players spend thousands upon thousands of hours in are sooooo uncomfortable that Melo couldn’t even sit in one for a couple of hours because his knee (or leg) was that messed up, yet he could walk perfectly fine all over the court agains the Cavs, even standing up to distract Lebron at times?
by GoldenNugget on Jan 19, 2010 1:57 AM MST up reply actions
this and rec'd
I have been saying there are LEGITIMATE reasons to be critical of Melo. Some people (cough, GoldenNugget, cough) have extrapolated that to me saying Carmelo is pure as the driven snow…what I have been saying is complaining about these very minor things and trying to make them large issues is not seeing the forest for the trees. Complain about his lack of defense (I understand the grimacing thing was a joke) complain about how he sometimes bogs down the offense…these are completely legit. The rest is looking for something to complain about.
I’ve never seen people more MISERABLE when their team WINS. What the hell people. A win is a win, and making excuses for why they won the game is kind of ridiculous.
"Groovy" Ash from Evil Dead 2
"No one came from miles around / and said man your music is really hot" No One Came...Deep Purple
I think the criticism of Melo's being on the bench or not, is more serious than
nitpicking. It calls into question his overall character…and I think that is where I do get defensive. Melo is probably the best thing that has ever happened to this franchise IMO…
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
Doug Moe?
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
Not the point...
My point cannot be argued against….it is fact. Melo does not always run back on defense. That was my only criticism. All that takes is effort. I would not call that, "bashing" him. That is a fair criticism. I wish he did always give 100% effort- that way, I wouldn’t have to say negative comments about my favorite player/team.
Think of it this way
Peoples adamant defense of Andrews opinion (regardless of the fact that this is his site) could be seen as the same thing as adamantly defending Melo. Right?
Think of it that way. The amount of respect that Andrew gets should be given to Melo too…that’s all.
He’s not a sacred cow. He’s human. He deserves the benefit of the doubt. As far as on the court shit? He (and other nuggets)drive me crazy when I see ball-hogging, and whining and lackadasical D…seriously. Early on in the season when people were STARTING to call for a Legit big man that would solve all of our problems, I posted SEVERAL comments about “effort”, and the lack thereof, from this team being the problem…and melo was the biggest defensive culprit…
HOWEVER, this guy IS the nuggets. And yeah, I love that FACT.
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 10:51 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
That's a great point
You’re totally right. But I don’t come to Andrew’s rescue every time there is an argument, nor do I defend him all the time. It seems like, around here, whenever there is criticism of Melo people come from out of the woodwork to defend him, even when Melo is clearly in the wrong. I guess after all this petty, dragging on crap that I have spent entirely too much time being concerned with, my whole point is just because Melo is the leading scorer in the NBA and the savior of our franchise it STILL doesn’t mean he is off limits for criticism. I just don’t want us to turn into what Laker fans are with Kobe, that’s all.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 19, 2010 2:06 AM MST up reply actions
+1
When you compared us to the way the Lakers are with Kobe I had to sit back and take stock. You are right. 100%. Ouch.
I want to clarify my position on the Andrew v. Melo thing: suggesting that Melo was unsupportive of his team until it meant being on national TV was a low blow AND A GUESS… Not fair or (still Andrew?) supported with facts in the slightest. Saying that Melo drags ass on defense is not only easily proved but (as you say in an earlier post) not the end of the world because some superstars just aren’t known for their defense. Questioning his loyalty and, to a lesser extent, his vanity is far different and should, oh I don’t know, be somehow supported… It is just a very bold and dangerous allegation for Andrew to make because what if it is true? Playing lazy defense means we probably won’t win it all. Shitty locker room chemistry centered on your franchise player means we won’t win a damn thing at all. That IS the end of the world for this Nuggets fan…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 19, 2010 6:58 AM MST up reply actions
Wow
You’re right. The reaction to Andrews inference to Melo not supporting the team is because as nuggets fans that’s a scary thing to hear.
Melo is the Nuggets, is yhe Organization, and is DENVER…
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 19, 2010 1:52 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
+ Melojillion
I love Melo. I have his jersey autographed behind me at my office. It reminds me every day that if I sell a lot, (Melo’s Offense) I can take more time off. (Melo’s Defense) When he scores 19 points and doesn’t get back on D, people notice. When he scores 35 and doesn’t get back on D, people don’t seem to notice. I think this is just as much Karl’s fault as Melo’s. He has let Melo do this for the past 6-7 years. Melo needs to be held accountable on both ends of the floor. Does Karl know you can take a player out of the game for only 1-2 minutes while they catch their breath? You don’t always have to leave players out for 7-10 minutes. Go Nuggets!
do not mean to nit pick but.......
george karl became coach of the nuggets on january 27, 2005. this is melo’s 7th year in the league and he was always a slacker on defense. at the beginning of his second year coach bzdelik taped the number 10 to his locker. that was to remind him to get 10 rebounds per game. last season karl went to take melo out of the game and he refused to come off the court. i agree that melo needs to be taken out of the game around the end of the 1st quarter for at least 4 minutes. that will help him have something left in the 4th quarter in a close game. melo is determined to be an all star and league scoring champ. this will not get denver to the finals.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
+1
But Melo did just get done playing his best game of the year last night. Let’s save our bullets for the losses when he jacks up 25 shots and scores 34 points but the Nugs get beat by the Wizards…
JUST TRADE HIM!
And then get a legit 7-footer, and we as stiffs will be one big happy family…
Cause that’s all we need right? I agree with Gasus: give the guy some credit when we win and ALL the blame when we lose! It’s not that hard guys!
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 4:09 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
OH YEAH
U’re the coolest kid in town. Wonder what the internet harrassment laws look like in California?
It does seem that way.
But I think it’s more like a couple of REAL competitive 6th graders on the playground!
I’m taking my ball and leaving!
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 7:09 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
It's all in good.... fun I think
Based on all my other comments and posts I guess you could call it harrassment…but it’s more like stalking….ha ha!!!
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 10:17 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
He is who we thought he is
to change another great dennis green quote. Sometimes it seems like the best i can compare it to, is the way some people used to look at Ken Griffey Jr. He was so good early on, that people came to expect the extradonary as routine. So he would miss a catch say that only 2 or 3 other people in major leagues could make, and people would say, damn that Griffey is a bum. We have seen melo be amazing so many times, maybe we take it a little for granted. Yes he could better on defense, and he should. Yes he should always begin by attacking the rim. Yes he should dish out assists more, but lets appreciate him for how much he gives to this team. Lets take melo for what he gives, ask for more, but be thankful we have him. Or we could be talking about how good Darko would be doing for us right now.
this
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
GK said he went with Ty
in the final 5 bc he felt Ty was the only person on the team that could stay in front of Deron Williams. so im not sure theyve completely lost confidence in JR.
11pts, 5 assists and 5 rebounds. 2 TOs, although it felt like 8. i think bc JR occassionaly blows up for 40 once a season, ppl expect him to be 22pts/game 2 guard. im happy with him being a 14, 5, 5 guy.
I'm happy with him being a 14, 5, 5 guy
AS LONG AS HE HUSTLES! Last night he didn’t. He played poor-ass (haha) defense all night long making Kyle Korver look like the best player on the court. At times Korver was the best player on the court, but I’m sure most any NBA player can knock down shot after shot if no one is in his face. Also, JR has become the ultimate black hole on offense. If he can’t create a shot off his dribble, or if the pick and roll doesn’t roll, he hoists up an off-balance, turn-around, fade-away, eyes-closed, one-handed, behind-the-back, off the left foot, opposite side-spin, jumper that more often than not clanks off the back of the rim or (as we saw last night) nothing-but-backboard.
When he plays well he plays really well, but when he plays poorly he plays REALLY poorly. I’ll give a guy a break if his shot isn’t falling. It happens to everyone. But when a guy’s shot isn’t falling AND he isn’t even attempting to cover his man on defense his ass deserves a spot on the pine.
i dont remember 100%
but it seemed like all of korvers 3s came from the corner on cross court passes. JR was sagging in to help on the drive and got burned by the cross court pass.
i dont think we should trade him IMO. if hes playing poorly, we can always bench him. we got AA and even Joey Graham can come off the bench if we dont want to go small with our CB1/Ty lineup.
by 808inDenver on Jan 18, 2010 10:03 AM MST up reply actions
JR let Korver increase his scoring average from 4.5 to 6 overnight
JR needs to work harder.
JR is already coming off the bench, unless you mean “bench” as in “not play at all”
However, that would piss JR off even more.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
I don't think people have lost all hope on JR yet
He has always turned it “on” so to speak in the second half of the season. He is a late bloomer every season, don’t know why, but he likes to wake up like the Spurs do.
He can get into a chuckfest sometimes, but he also has a good passing game as evidenced in today’s game.
I still believe he will stay as a Nugget after the trade deadline unless we get something amazing: 1) Because Warkentien and his family love Smith ( I saw this in some Sporting news article where they said he was their favorite player on the team), and 2) I know everyone keeps saying this, but he is only 24 yrs old. He still has 7-8 years and sometimes he can grow to a superstar a little later in his career a la Chauncey Billups.
The reason he was taken out of the game today was because he could not defend Korver. Though it is not all his fault (he rotated to the player closer to the basket which is the right way to do things statistically), he was a stiff on defense today. It is not time to hit the panic button though, because he can play good defense if he puts his mind to it.
except for Melo/CB1 iso
JR on the pick and roll is the only other form of halfcourt offense we have.
by 808inDenver on Jan 18, 2010 12:10 AM MST up reply actions
"He can get into a chuckfest sometimes, but he also has a good passing game"
OK, JR15, seriously? Only sometimes? He gets into a chuckfest like about 70% to 80% of the time. His passing game is fine, sure, but he did not look very natural at PG, and we have a guy named Lawson that can run the point better than JR.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
the hard way
jerry sloan has been the head coach at utah for 22 years. during that time denver has had 11 head coaches. considering karl has coached for 5 years that is 10 coaches in 17 years. denver shot 6 for 21 from the 3 point line. billups went 2 for 7 while smith went 2 for 6. chauncey’s transition 3 in the 3rd quarter set a bad example for the rest of the team. nuggets scored 18 points from the 3 point line and 41 points from the free throw line. jazz finished the 1st quarter with a 9-2 run, 2nd a 12-2 run and the third with a 13-2 run. denver was very lucky they played utah on the 2nd game of a back to back.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
Yep, I'm sure that if the Jazz were well-rested this game woulda gone to OT (or a Nuggets loss)
By the way, it’s interesting to see AK47 in his new hairstyle. And his wife just upset Sharapova last night.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
JR had a good game
Jr passed the ball well tonight and while he forced a couple shots (always has always will) most of his shots came in the flow of the offense. He had a wicked blocked shot and a couple steals, one he took for a dunk. I can live with 2 turnovers a game from JR if he gets 2 steals as well. Remember, without JR the Nuggets bench severely lacks scoring (Lawson not included).
The stiff tonight was Bird. Yes, Bird. He looked lost and lazy tonight. Is he still injured?
Exactly
how can you criticize JR when he was our team assist leader and pulled down 5 rebounds and got a killer block and didn’t even play most of the 4th quarter. If I remember correctly JR was in the game when we pulled away for the first time. You claim you want JR to become a better all around player so when he plays well but doesn’t shoot that well, you claim the coach has lost confidence in him (and for good reason)? Give me a break.
I honestly think this is where problems arise with the ‘blogging’. Too many inferences dude, just stick to the facts. I know you don’t get to interview Karl or the team but leave the opinions for the comment section.
There are many opportunities to take shots at JR, but this game shouldn’t be one of them.
The Nuggets would have won by 18...
had JR not taken a single shot and PLAYED DEFENSE. Kyle Korver got any shot he wanted to tonight because JR couldn’t stay with him. So tell me what is more likely…
That JR couldn’t stay with Korver because Korver is a better athlete?
Or that JR didn’t stay with Korver because he doesn’t think defense is all that important.
There are two sides to a basketball court and any Nugget fan has seen enough of them playing only on one side to recognize the flaw.
Uh, what?
Did you look at JR’s line tonight?
4-12, 5 reb, 5 ast, 2 TO. Yet another 30% shooting tonight from our supposed “threat” off the bench". I wouldn’t exactly call that “in the flow of the offense”. Ideally JR is taking no more than 10 shots per game, and making at least 5 of them. That is the best way for him to become more efficient as a player and also up his assist and rebounding totals.
Watching JR airball threes this year is really painful. What happened to that automatic shot that we were so used to?
Swats.
JR has been improving his all around game
Even though his lack of fundamentals (read “stay in school” or maybe “go to school”) still inhibit his ability to get there.
1. His defense is much better than in previous seasons. Does he miss assigments and rotations? Yes. But he is a much more solid “on the ball” defender than he has ever been. He reaches in less often and he is boxing out and rebounding!
2. He looks to make the pass more than ever. And he has been doing so in pick and roll situations where he used to step back and shoot. Again, turnovers occur when he leaves his shoulder open on one handed passes, bad fundamentals, but he is improving.
3. He is finally figuring out (hopefully) that he cannot split the double team every time. Now, if we could get him to move the ball a little earlier when he’s doubled, he would really be getting there.
JR has incredible athleticism and skills. Yet, he is an instictive player and lacks is a high basketball IQ. That either comes or doesn’t but can only be developed with playing time. I believe JR has now reached the point where is learning the things he should have learned playing in college (imagine JR, now in the league for 5 years, had he gone to UNC for at least a few years!).
So the question is; Now that we have a real spark off the bench in Lawson, would you rather have a pure shooter (like a Mike Miller in his prime) rather than an athletic 2?
Or do you have the patience to wait another year?
And
I would shutter to think what this site would have been like if Melo’s shots weren’t falling when putting this team on his back.
Once JR’s shot starts to fall lets see who eats crow.
Once JR starts shooting .476%
…like Melo, people will back off. As of now, he is shooting .410% and .333% from distance. And, he is far from a 14 – 5 – 5 guy, which is somewhat tolerable even if he did shoot .333% last night. He is more of a 15 – 3 – 2 guy with 3-4 turnovers and poor shooting to boot. I’m not sure I see the improved defense either. I haven’t seen him lock down anyone this year. Maybe I missed it…and last year didn’t he make second or third team all defense (??), which is downright strange. I can’t see that happening this year.
JR lives in an odd world among NBA players where his perceived value among fans is much higher than his actual value. This doesn’t happen very often and is a small window. He better take advantage.
Last year he got one first-team vote, but that was it
I have a feeling that the voter meant to vote for Josh Smith, but confused him with J.R. He didn’t make any of the All-Defense teams, though
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
I hear you, but all I'm seeing is an all-around DECREASE in his quantifiable metrics this year
EVERYTHING is down.
This year, he is worse in:
-TS%
-3p%
-Rebounds
-Assists
-Turnovers
Sure, he may be “defending better”, but an across the board decrease in your quantifiable metrics with no real change in minutes per game indicates REGRESSION, not progression – to me at least. I personally believe that JR has hit his ceiling and now is the time to consider him in trades.
Swats.
Sorry, I just don't agree with anything you said
Because I haven’t seen ANY improvement from JR in any category you want to mention from last year. His shot selection is much worse, his 3pt shooting percentage is worse, his on the court decisions are worse for the most part. I mean, maybe his defense has gotten a little better but it’s still nothing special.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 2:53 PM MST up reply actions
The zebras really won it for the Nuggets
We didn’t come out with the intensity needed to close the first three quarters. I know that the Nuggets drove to the hole more than the Jazz did, but 49 free throws is beyond crazy. Watch as the refs completely screw over the Nuggets next game to make up for this one.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
Pepsi Center seemed dead
I watched the game on T.V and it seemed like to me that the crowd was very quiet tonight even with some of the big runs. Anyone at the game think this was true?
by Birdman and Jay arah on Jan 18, 2010 8:46 AM MST reply actions
I meant to comment on that...
It was a very dead crowd. A sleepy Sunday night crowd. There was no energy in the building…
Andrew Feinstein | DenverStiffs.com | denverstiffs@gmail.com
by Andrew Feinstein on Jan 18, 2010 9:39 AM MST up reply actions
It's wierd.
I was at a game earlier this year and was actually asked to calm down by one of the ushers/staff guys because they were afraid I was gonna start dropping F-bombs, I guess.
When did passion become a taboo in pro sports…?
Really disappointed in a lot of the crowds I see/hear on tv at the Can so far this year…
Maybe we’re a little spoiled from last year…
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 4:28 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Yea, tell the passionate sports fan to cool his language
But let the Altitude producers turn the volume up extra loud so the entire Nuggets fanbase can hear K-Mart drop f* bombs all night long.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 7:28 PM MST up reply actions
It's a wierd double standard
These players that fans are rooting for will, on many occasions blurt expletives and EVERYONE can hear it. BUT as a fan in the stands we are pretending that those words or loud, passionate screaming and going crazy for your team or against the other team isn’t the way we should be setting examples for kids.
The NBA wants it’s fans to pay hundreds of millions of dollars on their product, but not act to crazy…
by SternfluffsKobe on Jan 18, 2010 7:55 PM MST via mobile up reply actions
Passion is more important than regulating f-bombs
Plus, NOBODY wants to tell Martin to shut up…but seriously, it shouldn’t be, and isn’t, much of a problem
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
With each passing game . . .
it is looking like J.R. Smith should be part of a trade deal for a reasonable big. And I like J.R. But how long do we wait before we decide he has already reached his potential?
It’s a tough call.
by JTR on Jan 18, 2010 10:30 AM MST reply actions 1 recs
JR's Role
I like the idea of trading for a big as much as the next guy, but if you make the trade, who are you going to get to play J.R.‘s role on the team? By that, I mean a guy who plays with the second unit who can create his own shot and break down the defense to get open shots for others? Obviously if you can trade J.R. for a superstar, you do it, but if it’s a trade for the big men that have been discussed, how does your second unit score when both Billups and Anthony are on the bench?
Second unit, without J.R.: Lawson, A.C., Bird, Nene/Martin, proposed big man trade. Yes Lawon can get his own shot, but none of the others can effectively. With this lineup, teams are free to double off of bird and A.C. That means Lawson gets doubled, and so does whoever is playing power forward. Good luck scoring.
J.R. Smith and Johan Petro for J.J. Redick and Marcin Gortat.
Redick fills the backup role for Smith as a SG who can shoot the three, Gortat provides us with the big man we need who can actually score in the paint and would see significant PT.
Salaries match, even. Do it, Wark.
Swats.
Denver needs to find someone
on the other side of the trading table as seduced by Lord-shoots-alot’s offense as some of the folks here. You’re right though, we can’t just give Smith away for some like Foster.
As far as J.R.'s poor performance, all I have to say is one word...
Linas Kleiza.
Remember how we all beat on him last year when he was in his “slump?” We beat him like a drum. But golden boy Smith has the same problems and everyone is dying to let him off the hook.
There’s nothing like b-ball fans, fans…
Good point
Maybe the loss of Kleiza is part of why JR has declined this year.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 18, 2010 2:56 PM MST up reply actions
We Didn't Lose!
Well, the Nugs did their best, but no matter how hard they tried we were able to pull out the win. Nice work!
Some good effort, followed by some poor effort, followed by some good effort again. We built up that nice lead, and instead of dropping the hammer we just kind of held onto the lead and played poorly. Whatever happened to our killer instinct?
Ok, ok, I’m happy that we won. It’s the way that we won that really shows the current mindset of the team. Here’s hoping we turn it on post All-Star break, and start playing to our potential.
NOBODY!!
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
NOBODY!!
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
You're mocking me, aren't you?
Ah, it’s ok. You guyses is alright.
by MattressKing on Jan 18, 2010 1:27 PM MST up reply actions
Not mocking at all! I like that ad!!:(
Dear Rockies- What a fun ride! Best comeback in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Yorvit Torrealba-Our clutch has gone out,along with the best name in MLB. Sad Panda :(
Brad Hawpe- UZR isn't everything!
Dexter Fowler- The Bedazzler- Blinding speed, blinding smile, leaps Utleys in a single bound.
interesting stat o the night
2 of the 3 1st rounder we sent to NJ in the K-Mart trade became Joey Graham & Renaldo Balkman. I wonder who the other pick became? Solid win last night, but the d still needs work. I’m worried that this team seems to think they can turn on the intensity switch whenever they feel like it. Lucky we played the Jazz instead of someone like the Bucks…
by adub on Jan 18, 2010 12:51 PM MST via mobile reply actions
It became Marcus WIlliams
He’s a backup point guard for the Grizzlies
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
"If the NBA were on channel 5 and a bunch of frogs making love were on channel 4, I'd watch the frogs, even if they were coming in fuzzy." - Bobby Knight
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
Good Win
I enjoyed watching the game. Yes, the Nuggets stunk at the end of the 1st three quarters (as Hastings said each quarter). That is something I see Denver improving on.
The 4th quarter was terrific and Melo was absolutely amazing. He’s the reason (and Billups) why the Nuggets won the game. Those drives he was making at the end of the game were sensational.
I did notice the limping/pointing to the knee on TV. I just hope he’s alright and doesn’t miss more games.
I love watching the Nuggets beat Sloan and the Jazz. They are my 2nd least favorite team – after the Lakers of course.
Thank Goodness
His shot was falling. If not can you imagine this site?
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.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
DENVER STIFFS T-SHIRTS!
Enter your email for updates
Certain photos copyright © 2012 by Associated Press or Getty Images. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of Associated Press and Getty Images is strictly prohibited.
