Game 35 Preview & Thread: Nuggets vs. Warriors (7pm MST)
Golden State Warriors at Denver Nuggets, Jan 5, 2010 7:00 PM MST
The Golden State Warriors aka Dubs are not known for their defense. When the Nuggets faced them back on December 1st, Denver scored a season high 135 points and won the game easily. The Warriors are getting a little healthier, but they still have yet to get to double digit wins on the season.
The particulars ...
Records:
Denver: 21-13 (13-3 at home, 8-10 on the road)
Golden State: 9-23 (6-7 at home, 3-16 on the road)
Injuries:
Denver: Chauncey Billups (groin) is questionable, Carmelo Anthony (knee) is a game time decision and Chris Andersen (left ankle sprain) is out tonight.
Golden State: Chris Hunter (ankle) is probable. Kelenna Azubuike, Raja Bell (left wrist) and Brandon Wright (shoulder surgery) are all out tonight.
Opposition's Take: Golden State of Mind
The Warriors waived big man Mikki Moore (who earlier in the season I compared to Ichabod Crane) yesterday and IQofaWarrior at Golden State of Mind posted this link about the reason why Moore was released by Marcus Thompson. Very good read for NBA insider minds. Basically Moore was released in favor of keeping young big man Chris Hunter, who has shown some promise. Moore is nursing an ankle injury and wont be ready to play again until March ... so I'd be surprised if the Nuggets showed any interest in him.
Marc Spears of Yahoo! Sports reports in his Jazz roster shakeup piece that Denver turned down a trade offer with the New Jersey Nets ... Josh Boone for Joey Graham (Graham's non-guaranteed salary the desired piece) and that Denver is still looking to acquire another big man.
To the game ...
The Nuggets had a lot of success against the Warriors in their first matchup because Denver was aggressive (62 points scored in the paint), shared the ball (30 assists) and ran the Warriors out of the gym (21 fast break points). The Nuggets utilized this same formula against the Utah Jazz last Saturday night (Jan. 2nd) and will need it again tonight at the Pepsi Center.
You could pretty much call me a broken record. I think before every game I'll say pretty much the same stuff ... pass the ball, give a shit on the defensive end by staying with your man and fighting through screens, box out when rebounding, be aggressive on the offensive glass, get out and run when possible and if you are not shooting the ball well...go to the rim. Easy enough right? Well, that game plan is probably always in place, but not always executed.
I'll say it again. Win or lose...I just want to see effort out of this team. The Nuggets haven't really been short on effort in their previous two games, but we have seen lapses in energy levels this season. With Chris Andersen out tonight the Nuggets will need somebody to come off the bench to provide some hustle. Malik Allen showed what he could do against the 76ers and it wasn't pretty.
The veteran Allen played just nine minutes, but turned in a -11 on 1-3 shooting and only grabbed one rebound. Allen has never been known as a rebounder and Denver doesn't need a big man who doesn't have a nose for the ball. At this point in his career Allen looks comfortable hanging out on the perimeter and lofting up jumpers if the ball swings his way. That is not the kind of player this team needs right now.
The player we all want to see earn some minutes while Birdman is out and perhaps even when Bird returns in Renaldo Balkman. I am one of the biggest Balkman supporters around, but I have been less than impressed with the minutes he has played this season. It could be rust on his part from not being in the rotation, but Benjamin Hochman points out once again in his latest mailbag that Balkman fails to earn time on the floor because he doesn't practice his own mantra, "Hustle Harder." According to Hochman, "... the fact is (and Balkman knows it), Balkman does not give 100 percent at practice."
How could Balkman, Mr. Hustle, not give a full effort in practice? This is maddening considering the Nuggets need what he brings. The guy is a ball of energy and just seems to make good things happen when he is on the floor. So, it seems that Balkman is to blame for the lack of playing time. I'm hoping this isn't a situation where Balkman says to himself, 'Hey, even if I do give 100% in practice...coach still wont play me,' because that would not only be a shame, but show a lack of communication between coach and player.
One guy who seems to be getting better and practicing a lot is Ty Lawson. The young point guard has constant Tweets talking about going to the "Lab" aka the gym and it's paying off. Since Billups went out against Portland, in Lawson's last four games he's averaging 34.2 minutes, 18.5 points, 7 assists, 3 rebounds, 1.7 steals and just 1.5 turnovers. And his shooting has been outstanding ... 28-51 from the field (54.9%), 3-7 from three-point land (42.8%) and 15-17 from the charity stripe (88.2%). It'll be fun to see what he's able to do tonight against either Monta Ellis or Stephen Curry.
Speaking of the Warriors ... they have been off since January 2nd when they lost to a 8-man Portland team 105-89. In that game the Warriors scored 46% of their points in the first quarter (41) and then mustered only 15, 17 and 16 points in the following quarters. It'd be nice to see Denver hold this usually high scoring bunch to the same offense ineptitude.
The Warriors are getting a bit healthier and have rebounding machine Andris Biedrins back in the lineup along with Ronny Turiaf. C.J. Watson played well for the Warriors off the bench in the two teams' first meeting scoring 14 points, but it was Anthony Morrow who stole the show scoring 27 points to lead the Warriros.
Still haven't heard if Melo will be playing tonight, but we should know more later in the day on his status for tonight's game. Morrow was checked by Melo last time when he went for 27 to Melo's 25 ... the Nuggets can't let him have the open looks that he likes and if you crowd Morrow he will look to get rid of the ball as he's not too comfortable off the dribble. The guy who does like to play off the dribble is Ellis and it'll be Trip (more on this below) aka Arron Afflalo's responsibility to keep the talented combo guard in check.
Let's hope we see the aggressive version of the Nuggets tonight because if we do ... that will get Denver a win.
Views you can use:
- Nene has scored 20+ points for a caraeer-high three consecutive games heading into tonight.
- Jason Kosmicki (Koz) of Altitude Radio calls Arron Augustine Afflalo: Trip because of the Triple-A of his full name. I like it and may stick with it...who is with me?
- The Warriors lost in Portland Jan. 2nd as the Blazers had only 8-active players. The Warriors beat the Dallas Mavericks with just 6 players back on November 24th ... in Dallas.
ntimmons73@yahoo.com
Twitter: Nate_Timmons
Photo courtesy of AP Photos: David Zalubowski
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Maybe Balkman doesn't "Hustle Harder"
Because he knows he’s not going to get any game PT anyway.
I really hope the Nuggets win tonight but with Melo, Billups and Bird out it’s not going to be easy.
Swats.
That’s what I’m asking about with Balkman as well. Has he been told if he practices how he plays then he’ll get P.T.? Then when he was busting ass in practice he never saw any minutes? Or has he been a slacker all the time?
It sounds like Hochman is saying he’s been slacking all the time and even Balkman would agree.
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
by Nate Timmons on Jan 5, 2010 11:34 AM MST up reply actions
Whoops, reading FTW
Saw that you mentioned that already Nate.
Swats.
by Colin Neilson on Jan 5, 2010 11:38 AM MST up reply actions
I dont know obviously....but I think thats what it is.
He was like “Even if I bust my ass in practice I wont play. So bump it.”
by GottaLoveMelo on Jan 5, 2010 3:20 PM MST up reply actions
There is also an interesting question posed to Hochman about J.R.'s Transformers tattoos ...
Smith explains why he got them to Hochman saying,
“I was a fan when I was growing up,” J.R. explained. “I got the tattoos about a month-and-a-half ago. I like the second ‘Transformers’ movie better. I like how they brought some of the old characters back.”
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
Interesting
Maybe he could get a tattoo of “Consistency” across his forehead next. We really need JR to step it up until Chauncey and Melo are right
Swats.
by Colin Neilson on Jan 5, 2010 11:39 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
AND BEYOND THEN TOO
I don’t want to see a temporary adjustment, I’d like to see a complete mental overhaul of Earl.
I want to see how Lawson plays when GK isn't threatening to play AC for 35 minutes...
Seriously, Lawson should be playing 35 minutes a game, maybe more. AC can get the other 13 or whatever…
"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
No Chauncey Again!
That is one fragile groin.
LOL
You gotta be careful with groin injuries…you never would want a ruptured groin or anything like that…
"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
Yeah
Pau Gasol and Rony Turiaf each had groin injuries this year, they had to sit out like 10 games. I think both said they wanted to come back sooner and the trainers wouldn’t them. Against GSW I’d rather be safe than sorry
LOL I want to see this happen
Karl should play Balkman for 10 minutes, as he can’t be any worse than Petro or Allen. He should give Rocky the other minutes that Bird would get. And please don’t get me any crap about how he’s not officially in the NBA. I’d rather have Rocky making over-the-shoulder halfcourt shots than seeing Malik brick 15-footers or Petro turn the ball over and/or get blown over on defense. I don’t know how tall he is, but since we’re playing against a lineup that regularly puts 6’6" Maggette or 100-lbs Randolph at center, so I’m sure Rocky wouldn’t have a problem on defense.
In more serious terms, I think that this is a must-win. Karl needs it to prove that he deserves (cough) an extension, AC needs it to prove that his minutes don’t all come from a strange liking from Karl, and the Nuggets squad needs to to show that they aren’t a team that can’t beat lottery teams. I guess Kroenke needs it too to prove that we don’t really need a big, although GS isn’t very big, so I guess that don’t work
"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
We turned down Joey Graham for Josh Boone?
I know that Joey works hard and plays hard, and I know that Boone is Petro with some more beef and longer arms, but still, that’d be another big man to throw at the opponent…of course, it won’t matter as Karl doesn’t play Balkman, who can’t be worse than Malik Allen
"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 more I think about it ... it reminds me of Dahntay Jones (known as a tripper to some).
Denver Stiffs.com: Defending the sovereignty of Nuggets Nation.
That was the first thing I was reminded of, too
by Artimus Mangilord on Jan 5, 2010 2:57 PM MST up reply actions
haha...
reminded me of Dahntay too. Triple-A is just fine with me.
by GottaLoveMelo on Jan 5, 2010 3:19 PM MST up reply actions
Donnie Was PISSED!
After the “Dubs” lost to the Blazers and made them practice (just talkin’ bout practice) hard on a day that wasn’t previously scheduled for a practice. He also mentioned that some of his players were soft, and deserved the tough treatment.
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 5, 2010 3:12 PM MST reply actions
Didn't expect that from Nelson
He seems soft and not in control of his players… sound familiar?
GK needs to do that with the team. Free throws, three man weave, rebounding drills.
by Artimus Mangilord on Jan 5, 2010 3:58 PM MST up reply actions
denver has scored 105 points
the past 2 games without their top 2 scorers. the philly game was the first time denver had more than 25 assists and lost this season. they are 9 wins and 1 loss. they also out rebounded philly 44 to 35. playing balkman at best would have been a lateral move and redundant. what he does best is rebounding and denver had that. the weakest part of balkman’s game is free throw shooting. denver shot 58% from the free throw line. when kmart was hurt at miami he played. he also started the game at atlanta. balkman was given the first opportunity to play before any other big off the bench at the beginning of the season. denver will need to excel at the little things tonight like free throw shooting and turnovers. look for both teams to go small ball. earl has struggled and can make a huge difference if he plays well.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
The danger with the Dubs
Any one (or more) of their guys could shoot hot on any given night, so having JR go off would help neutralize that aspect of the Warriors. Agreed, small ball will prevail tonight.
by Artimus Mangilord on Jan 5, 2010 4:45 PM MST up reply actions
I think Karl should play Petro for like 35 minutes tonight, just see what happens!!!!
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 5, 2010 5:32 PM MST reply actions
I'm scared of Morrow, dude is legit
As long as Maggette plays 35 minutes though, we’ll be alright
Swats.
Morrow's lethal from three
The warriors just have so much inconsistent talent. Ellis, Curry, Morrow, Randolph, Maggette anyone of those guys could go off, however its just as likely they will put up a stinker. Except Ellis, he’s going to get his
Travis Heath on twitter
I’m told Nuggets thought they had a deal done for a rotational big earlier today. Ended up not getting done but could be revisited later.
It won't matter
The Brilliant coach will find some reason not to play him
Monte Ellis
Right around the defensive specialist who’s playing the SG
any online links to watch game, mine stopped working
Stop getting worked up over the outcome of something you can't control.
~Anonymous
I want Petro to see more minutes
For being skimpy on big men we’re not using our only 7 footer, it’s madness
unfortunately
I don’t have access to any score other than the one thats supposed to be on the front page!
whats the score??
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 5, 2010 8:14 PM MST reply actions
Joey Graham has played really well today
Hitting shots, getting rebounds, not making many turnovers
yeah well
He likely heard his ass almost got traded! So he’s stepping it up!
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 5, 2010 8:37 PM MST up reply actions
Hopefully this doesn't turn into another shootout like the Sixers game
It’s getting dangerously close now
So, Ty Lawson
Looks like we could deal JR and we have plenty of firepower from the little man. Plus look at Graham tonight. Andersen injury + big play from Lawson and Graham+ JR inconsistency= New big in denver
JR's been alright actually
13 pts on 13 shots is kinda ugly, but 3 assists, 4 rebounds, just 2 turnovers sounds pretty solid
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 9:01 PM MST up reply actions
I don't know about this one
Without Melo in the 4th, a 2-point lead looks even less safe than usual
Plus the defense has been pretty bad
Carter has no reason being in the game.
Hasting just told GK that AC ain’t about shit. He can’t score and no defense is being played
you're not allowed to put your starting sg back in once you sub him, remember?
by Rainbow skyline on Jan 5, 2010 9:11 PM MST up reply actions
That's why his as needs to be canned
If he gets an extension I might have to go somewhere else. I can’t stand stupidity
Ooh, good idea
Too bad the owner of the sandwich and the maxim would be getting totally ripped off
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 9:13 PM MST up reply actions
No way, someones bound to give us something for him
hmmm too bad Isiah’s not a gm. He’d take him for sure
Anyone else...
…think that we’re starting to wind up as snake-bit as Portland when it comes to injuries?
Looks like between the two of us, we’ll be leaving the door open for the J*zz and the Blunder…
are f ing kidding me!!!!
Dear Rockies-Thank you for a wonderful season! Best turnaround in MLB history to become NL Wild Card Champs.
Troy Tulowitzki-MLB's BEST shortstop..nuff said
Garrett Atkins-So Long, Farewell, Auf weidersehen, Goodbye!! You were a great Rockie!
Yorvit Torrealba-Thank you for your clutchiness, en fuegoness and 2 point take down of Matt Kemp!
Brad Hawpe- I hope I get to see you in a Rockies uniform again!
Dexter Fowler - prowling CF, WC in his talons, leaping Utleys in a single bound!
Wow AC's got at least 4 clutch free throws in this game
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 9:26 PM MST up reply actions
Well he picked the right time to shape up his free throws
Kudos JR, you may have some trade value yet
Excuse me?!?
How is it fixed…JR was fouled; you’re not actually gonna claim that was clean D on the 3 at the end?
it was a foul on turiaf that was not called
regardless of the following play nene got mugged on that jumpball call
what about that time out maggette was calling
oh and all of a sudden you guys get an easy time out going backcourt
warriors can only blame themselves
t-wolves, philly and other under .500 teams denver has lost to. golden state could not kick denver when they were down. their own fault.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
YES!!!!!!
w00t!
also I think moar and moar players are gonna injured until Balkman plays… its the gods speaking to Karl!!! haha
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 5, 2010 9:48 PM MST reply actions
gottalovejoey
gotta love kmart. he is a warrior.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
give it up man
there are numerous missed calls and poor calls in every game, if you’re team wasn’t so pathetic they would be able to beat a team thats missing its two best players and its best shot blocker. have fun in the lottery.
No, the Nuggets won.
And if the Warriors had won, I’m sure you and your fellow GS fans would turn the other way and completely avoid mentioning the foul on Nene right before that play
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 9:57 PM MST up reply actions
If they had won
He wouldn’t have his tired ass over here talking smak
Bojangles408
What did the Score board read at the end of the game?
Only losers complain about refs
Weak man. Weak. Watch some basketball sometime and count all the missed calls that go both ways in every game. It’s an element. Deal with it. Don’t b!tch.
by Business Socks on Jan 5, 2010 9:58 PM MST up reply actions
Great extremely short-handed win
Way to step up. Was the JR foul a make up call for Curry AND Ellis’ traveling violations on the Warriors final possession? I think so. Will I take it? Of course! Way to get it done Nuggets.
Now Melo, Chaunce, Bird and T-Law please get healthy for Friday.
Thank u JR!!!!
damn kenyon had a sick game tonight… sucks a lot to see lawson go out, hopefully its minor…. nene too, but he seemed good…. graham and malik best games as nuggets…. AC’s steal in the end was huge
so happy we got the win, but we got to pick up our game….
Warrior fan here...
I have my opinions on the final play, but congrats on the win. I have to say though, if Kobe did the “foul” there would be no call. Good luck in the playoffs.
I am jealous that you guys have Stephen Curry
What a player he is going to be. He has the sweetest stroke I’ve seen since Ray Allen in his prime. Good luck the rest of the year.
by Business Socks on Jan 5, 2010 10:01 PM MST up reply actions
Enjoy the lottery
and the gift of playing us without Melo, Chauncey and the Birdman we gave you.
by Business Socks on Jan 5, 2010 10:03 PM MST up reply actions
Wow. Thugs.
Talk about kicking fans of opposition when they’re down.
Missed calls happen all the time – I get it. But you didn’t see me bitching about anything – just saying that you should enjoy the victory which was the result of the officiating.
And I said we would enjoy it
Thanks, I guess?
by Business Socks on Jan 5, 2010 10:08 PM MST up reply actions
Dude.
This is the Nuggets blog. I’m not sure what you expected as a response to your sarcastic comment. And I don’t see anything “thuggish” about the responses.
You're right,
Missed calls do happen all the time.
In fact, there were two missed calls (Monta travelling and the foul on Nene) that could have swung the game for the Nuggets. You can believe that the foul on JR was a gift foul, but either way, the Nuggets should’ve had multiple chances to win.
Either way, someone’s fanbase would be complaining about the refs.
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 10:11 PM MST up reply actions
Gee. What else was "enjoy the lottery" ?
And please. A sarcastic comment would be, “hope you all loved the refs kissing your asses and giving your team the win on a silver platter.” But I didn’t use that. “Enjoy the gift,” is hardly sarcastic.
That's pretty sarcastic
What’s your definition of sarcastic?
by Business Socks on Jan 5, 2010 10:13 PM MST up reply actions
Well actually Smith still had to make those FT’s to get the W
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 6, 2010 3:30 AM MST up reply actions
Nugs fan here
Watched from my apartment here in the East Bay. The Warriors’ announcers were incensed by that last foul call. “There was no contact!”
I thought it looked like there was contact, but whatever. A really really ugly win tonight. Only a team as inept and pathetic as the Warriors could’ve found a way to lose at the end there.
by ParkHillNative on Jan 5, 2010 10:11 PM MST via mobile reply actions
It was ugly
Defensively anyways.
Otherwise, the Nuggets played with effort, especially down the stretch. That was what made this (in my opinion) a pretty good win. No Chauncey, no Melo, no Bird, and they still found a way, pretty impressive if you ask me
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 10:14 PM MST up reply actions
In all seriousness
I love, and I mean love, watching Golden State play. They are as fun to watch as any team in the Association. They have some tremendous young talent with the likes of Curry, Ellis and Randolph. They will have their day in the NBA soon enough. I really believe that. I watched them take down the Celtics awhile back and saw all the potential they have.
I just can’t stand it when my teams fans or opposing teams fans blame the refs in any sport. It is completely silly to do so when games last 48 minutes like in the NBA or 60 like, say the NFL. It is my #1 pet peeve and a weak way out. That is all.
I’d like to say good luck the rest of the way to the Warriors fans lurking and I know for sure I will be watching you guys play again multiple times this season.
It's reasonable to blame the refs, depending on the situation
Honestly, they make enough bad calls that they should be criticized from time to time. In this case, however, I don’t think the refs can be blamed. The Warriors got their share of no-calls too.
Also I gotta disagree about the potential of Golden State. Individually, yeah, they have some great players. But as long as they have Don Nelson and as long as all their players are in permanent “JR Smith mode,” they’re not going anywhere soon. Maybe if the players mature and they get a new coach. Maybe.
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 10:18 PM MST up reply actions 2 recs
C'mon
I’m trying to be nice here….. haha.
by Business Socks on Jan 5, 2010 10:19 PM MST up reply actions
Meh since the GSoM thread is being cluttered with raging posts from the obnoxious fans, I’m just wondering if the Warriors could perhaps snag Balkman from you guys in a trade? I see that he didn’t get a single minute in a game where half of your top players are out, so perhaps he’s available?
George Karl never plays him, which is weird seeing as he just signed an extension this summer
And he’s not very good, mainly an “energy” guy who allegedly doesn’t put much effort into practice.
But he, Petro (the other guy who didn’t play), and Malik Allen are the three garbagetime guys who the team would definitely consider trading, and maybe JR Smith for the right price.
Of course there are a bunch of players on the Warriors that the Nuggets could use (hint hint anthony randolph hint)
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 10:27 PM MST up reply actions
J.R.‘s a nice player, and an excellent shooter when hot. But the Warriors have more than their fair share of streaky shooters, and J.R.’s apparently got issues that we won’t want to deal with after the Stephen Jackson debacle. As is, Ellis himself is a bit of a ticking time bomb.
As for Randolph, he is pretty much off limits amongst Warriors’ fans unless we can get a legit superstar just hitting his prime. But considering how inept the Warrior’s F.O. is, they’ll probably end up trading all of our best players for a bunch of Eddy Curry-type albatross contracts claiming that it’ll lead to a better future.
Make that 0 seconds
Nice, top of the NW division again
by Uh on Jan 5, 2010 10:40 PM MST up reply actions
I am a Warriors fan
I didnt come here to rage, i was just wondering what u guys thot about the call?
warriors got screwed
in a major way. they win the game fair and square then the refs put denver at the free throw line. it reminds me of the 1972 olympics when usa lost to the soviet union. what a shitty way to loose a game. years from now historians will recall this travesty. boy i am sure glad i am a nuggets fan.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
It seemed as if there was some contact to the lower body/hip region, although it was fairly minimal (hard to tell exactly from the tv angles I saw). The thing that sucks for Warriors fans is that even if no contact was made there was not a chance in hell that shot was going in. JR’s a great desperation shooter, but even he’s not going to make one from 35 feet with his momentum still going away from the hoop.
I respectfully disagree
JR was clearly gonna make that shot….
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 6, 2010 3:41 AM MST up reply actions

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