Big, big W... (Nuggets/Cavaliers recap)
by Andrew Feinstein on Jan 9, 2010 1:23 AM MST
in Denver Nuggets: Game Recaps
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Kudos to George Karl and the Nuggets players for getting their season back on track with a big W over the Cavaliers...
Yours truly had the privilege of sitting right behind the Cavaliers bench (see picture) courtesy of my life long friend and Denver Stiffs reader "Mordecai." I'd argue that Mordecai's seats are some of the best - if not the best - at Pepsi Center (and it's absurd that my tickets cost the same as his, but I'll address that when I write my column on the many things the Nuggets need to do to improve the fan experience) because you get as close as possible to the Nuggets nightly opponents.
Tonight's opponent were the star-studded Cavaliers, winners of 13 of their last 15 games and in theory, the Nuggets sans Carmelo Anthony had no chance of besting them on Friday night. So much for theories.
The Nuggets were able to keep the game even throughout and thanks to some stingy defense and some careless LeBron James mistakes, the Nuggets earned a much needed victory and confidence boost.
The View from the Not-So-Cheap Seats...
...the Cavaliers clearly have good camaraderie among the players. LBJ joked with teammates, the Cavs traveling ballboy and even Nuggets fans during introductions and everyone was having a great time. That wouldn't be the case 48 minutes of basketball later.
...Shaquille O'Neal didn't look as bad as I thought he would. I felt the same way watching Allen Iverson up close on Sunday night. Before getting himself into foul trouble, O'Neal gave the Nuggets front line of Chris Andersen, Nene and Kenyon Martin fits defensively.
...I might have a hard time calling Birdman a "big man" anymore. Not only did he look minuscule next to Shaq, but even Anderson Varejao was substantially bigger than Bird. Additionally, Birdman is clearly banged up and looks several steps slow.
...Mike Brown doesn't coach, he delegates. One of the Cavaliers assistants draws up all the offensive plays on the dry erase board while another assistant draws up all the defensive plays. No joke. Brown observes, barks, cheers, etc but doesn't draw up the plays himself. In fact, throughout the entire game, Brown touched the dry erase board just once.
...it appears as though Chauncey Billups has rehabbed properly this time. Admitting to the media that he came back from his groin injury too soon in attempting to play at Portland on Christmas Day, Billups looked sharp and sprightly tonight. He set the tone early and never wavered, putting yet another nail in the "Melo for MVP" coffin.
...LBJ checks the stat sheets that the media relations people hand out during the game. When I asked the Cavaliers media person why this is, she told me that LBJ "is very statistically oriented" and uses stats in working on his strategy throughout the game. When I told my Cavaliers fan friends this after the game, they called bullshit.
...At some point in the third quarter, LBJ and Brown went at it during a Nuggets free throw. They yelled back and forth about LBJ's defensive position on the play before, with Brown barking that LBJ needed to cover one of the Nuggets bigs while LBJ barked back that that would have been an illegal defense call. When the Nugget (I don't remember who) finally sank his second free throw, Brown shut up, LBJ shut up for a beat, and then turned to the assistant coaches and yelled: "I'm right!!" That was the quote of the game. The argument continued during the next game break and Mo Williams had to calm LBJ down.
...Shaq didn't seem to mind being in foul trouble, had a pleasant demeanor on the bench and was very supportive of his teammates during timeouts and game breaks.
...thank god (again) for Kenyon Martin. What a first half!
...Arron Afflalo is playing with more and more confidence with each passing game and it seems like Karl is finally realizing that he's allowed to play in the fourth quarter.
Stiffs of the Night
-Carmelo Anthony: I'm sorry, Melo apologists, but how was it that Melo was able to support his teammates from the bench tonight but couldn't be bothered to appear beside them for the last three games? I have the answer: because this game was on ESPN! Shame on Melo and any player who doesn't stand by his teammates when injured.
-Mo Williams: After praising Williams' recent performances in big games, Mo shoots 4-11 and was a non-factor.
-LeBron James' turnovers: Eight turnovers?! LBJ was careless with his footwork all night.
Non-Stiffs of the Night
-Chauncey Billups: Welcome back, Mr. Big Shot! As noted above, Billups was terrific from the get-go tonight, further cementing his status as the Nuggets MVP. Before the game, I (wrongly) suggested that the Nuggets couldn't beat the Cavs with Billups but sans Melo. When will I learn?
-George Karl: Karl has taken a lot of criticism around here lately (from me included), but he deserves credit for having the Nuggets ready tonight against one of the NBA's best teams. I particularly liked the lineup of Billups, Afflalo, J.R. Smith, K-Mart and Nene down the stretch. The Nuggets don't win this game without that lineup.
Opposition's Take: Fear the Sword
And my now famous picture, one more time...
Photo courtesy of Denver Stiffs reader Brandon K. Great find, Brandon!!
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LOL
I saw you on my stream Andrew. I was looking for you too.
Two things
First of all I did see you when watching the game…great effing seats it looks like
Second…so now it’s not good enough for you that Melo WAS there after bitching about it for two games (not three…he was on the bench for the Utah game). So you’ve essentially proven that you were looking for something to pick on considering weather hes there or not is so minor it doesn’t deserve bringing up…chill man….its alllllll good
Lets enjoy the win and look forward to Melo coming back against the Timberwolves.
"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
Oh noes
Thanks for reminding me — the Timberwolves are coming back to town.
shudder
by ParkHillNative on Jan 9, 2010 1:40 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Andrew has a legit point
Why do you think he’s just trying to bitch at something just for the sake of bitching? He has a valid point, and I definatly agree with him.
-1
The Nuggets’ strength, conditioning and injury rehabilitation is tremendous – maybe the best in the NBA. This site regularly mentions Hess and Guillen and their genius. While I can’t find a link, I specifically remember a Karl quote regarding giving his training team carte blanche in terms of rehabbing his players. I wish I had a quote or link to support me but, either way, I am certain that Melo’s absence from the bench has been a rehab decision and nothing more. Bird’s absence from the bench and the fact that he has been rehabbing lower leg injuries is proof of what I said in an earlier post: NBA players with leg injuries are regularly absent from the really uncomfortable folding chairs that are NBA benches. Regularly. Have you seen the Zen Master’s special chair? NBA benches suck for tall guys with lower leg or hip injuries. And frankly Andrew, it is lazy and just plain weird that you would suggest something more sinister like a lack of support for his teammates or Melo’s vanity. I promise you that Melo is doing everything he can to come back as quickly as possible and laying on a bench in the locker room watching the game, legs stretched out is probably the best way. Last night was different. I’m sure Melo knew it would be a distraction to have the ESPN Stooges wondering lazily (like you just did) why Melo wasn’t supporting his teammates. You are a veritable insider Andrew – find out the answer and report back. And when you discover that it was a trainer’s decision to keep Melo prone, warm and rested during games instead of uncomfortably wedged into a folding chair, knees up to his chin – well – I’ll try hard not to say I told you so…
Practice doesn't make perfect. Perfect practice makes perfect.
by Big Mickey D on Jan 9, 2010 7:31 AM MST up reply actions 4 recs
You're correct
I want everything to be open, but some things in the organization just need to stay where they are. I’m sure the rehab staff have a detailed schedule for Melo set out.
"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
+1
I don’t normally get on you Andy….but I think you just focused on the wrong issue. If you wanna complain that the Offense sometimes stops flowing when Melo is not “in” to it…that’s legit. If you wanna complain about his sometimes lazy defense…that is also legit. I’m not, and have never said Melo is blameless (I posted under my name, Jeff, on the previous Denver Stiffs site) but finding something like this to point out is kinda like not seeing the forest for the trees.
Last night we saw how much having a legit “quarterback” of the offense makes the whole team better (are you watching Broncos?)…Chauncey should be league MVP hands 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
by the way
was Ty Lawson on the bench? I didnt see 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 think he was for part of the time.
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!
Agreed
+1
I gotta disagree with the tone of your post, Andy. There has to be a reason for why Melo was not setting on the bench.
Swats.
Not buying it
Why was it so easy for Melo last night to be out on the bench then? I dont’ know if you saw, but he was standing up, walking around, cheering on his teammates, even distracting Lebron from taking that fade away 3 during the waning seconds of the game. I just don’t see how one day, after as many as he has been out makes that much of a difference, that not only did he sit on the bench, but he was all over the place and putting himself in harm’s way multiple times. Maybe your right Mickey, maybe there is a reason, but I don’t understand why it would be so confidential that they wouldn’t even tell anyone. Just seems kind of shady to me.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 9, 2010 12:29 PM MST up reply actions
Is it possible that his injury improved to the point where
he is able to move around more easily, and therefore can be on the bench? He is expected back for Monday’s game.
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!
Valid points, sure
but to me if you’re going to complain about Melo even when he is on the bench then you really were going to complain no matter what, seeing had he not been on the bench then there would also have been complaints. I find Melo not risking coming back even though he surely wants to play his biggest rival in a national TV game, quite unselfish. Instead he is being precautions coming back and seeing the big picture for the teams sake,
March 14, 2010: The great one returns!
by Phil H. on Jan 9, 2010 12:40 PM MST up reply actions 1 recs
I'm interested to see Melo when he comes back
I think he was trying way too hard when Chauncey was out. Taking too much on his own shoulders as far as scoring. I hope he can work himself back in.
"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
Plus, during one of the timeouts ESPN interviewed him
and he casually referred to having been in the locker room during the previous game when guys were coming in with injuries. He didn’t seem the least bit embarrassed or hesitant about bringing it up, which I would think he would have been if being on the bench last night were solely due to the game being on national tv.
Fork in the coffin
Did you make that up AF? I’m going to start using it now. I like it better than “nail in the coffin.”
“Put a fork in his coffin; he’s done.”
Good writeup on an exciting game!
Oh and btw, the picture of you & BronBron is frame-worthy.
by ParkHillNative on Jan 9, 2010 1:38 AM MST via mobile reply actions
No more drink-infested, late night write ups for me...
Good catch on the fork line. D’oh!! Fixed….
Andrew Feinstein | DenverStiffs.com | denverstiffs@gmail.com
by Andrew Feinstein on Jan 9, 2010 2:02 AM MST up reply actions
:(
But I liked “fork in the coffin.”
by ParkHillNative on Jan 9, 2010 10:30 AM MST via mobile up reply actions
Wasn’t that a metal song from the eighties?
by MattressKing on Jan 9, 2010 11:11 AM MST up reply actions
We’ll just have to burn that bridge when we come to it.
"Woohoo Denver, Yeah... All right Denver justify my love!" ...Homer Simpson
that was very Yogi Berra of you :)
“when you get to a fork in the road, take it”
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!
Just got back from the game
As usual, LBJ makes the clutch shots, but Chauncey and JR made the FTs needed at the end. Awful lotta #23 jerseys in the PC tonight.
by the real stranger on Jan 9, 2010 1:47 AM MST reply actions
Nice Win
this was their best win since Utah.
Not only were they passing the ball well, but they were moving without the ball well. when both those things happen our offensive power scores MUCH more easily.
Andrew I have to disagree with you about Birdman, while his overall quckness wasn’t supreme his Bball IQ was shining tonight especially in a play that had him faking a handoff and driving the baseline! This is a Bird I’d like to watch more of in the future.
Nice pic by the way, it would be even better if it didn’t have the TiVo pause bar in it…. It’s RIGHT on top of the DStiff Logo! (fail)
During the game I actually thought we’d have this one in the bag if we were healthy. It was a great feeling to have.
GO NUGGETS!
by InboundingLobPass on Jan 9, 2010 1:50 AM MST reply actions
I have to agree
seems like you have given us far too much credit last year or are just looking for things to criticize. when has birdman ever been a great on ball defender especially against somebody as large as shaq? birdman looked good to me on the boards and disrupting lebrons driving lanes which is what should be expected of him.
Good stuff......
So as I’m watching the game….I say, “Oh that’s our boy Andrew, behind Bron Bron!” And thanks to the magic of DVR, I did my best to catch you, with a respectable look on your face, (because slow motion with pause on Comcast can be a little tricky) with King James. haha.
Nice win without Melo Nugs!
Brandon Kite
I can't believe we won tonight
What a game. K-Mart was a beast yet again. And it is CLEAR that this team has much more cohesion on offense without Melo. I’m not entirely saying our chances of winning are better without him, but we did just beat the Cavs…
KMart did only get 2 points in the second half
But his end of the game defense won it.
LBJ is a sissy. He only gave a bit of credit to Martin for the strong defense when he was pressured to say it. His ego is as big as Kobe’s now. I also find Mark Jackson really annoying. He seems like he wants to kiss Kobe’s and Lebron’s a$$es every time his mouth opens to speak
"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
more offensive cohesion without melo?
umm they didn’t even get to a hundred tonight, something they do almost every game. and there were multiple long stretches where they couldn’t get a score.
by Rainbow skyline on Jan 9, 2010 12:00 PM MST up reply actions
Melo's 30ppg certainly helps the final score
but it doesn’t necessarily create offensive cohesion along the way.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 9, 2010 12:39 PM MST up reply actions
I hate it when Melo starts knocking down a few consecutive shots...
and then everybody just stands there and watches him. He is a great offensive player, but he doens’t create well for everyone else, and everybody else needs to stop watching him and run our offensive scheme.
Wait, did I just say that the Nuggets have an offensive scheme? (bangs head on wall)
"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 know I haven't been on DenverStiffs that long..
but it seems like you don’t like anything or any player…
or is it just 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!
well now that I know that...thanks for clarifying :)
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!
TRADE EVERYBODY FOR THE HOUSTON ROCKETS SQUAD
But yeah, a lot of us, including me, are really critical of our players. And our team. And I need to stop writing fragmented sentences.
"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 guess it all boils down on FOCUS
If we focus more about the game at hand than being too cocky/confident when we’re healthy, (see: losses to sub .500 teams) we’ll be hard to beat! Feel good win. Nice.
there should definitely be a contest
to see who can came up with the best “what was andrew thinking at this moment” caption for that picture
Also the score is now officially
Number of Appearances on Sportscenter highlight of the night:
Feinstein-1
The rest of us stiffs-0
LOL come to think of it....
I’m sure he’s been in more as just another fan in the background, as I think he has season tickets with good seats.
"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
Zach's suggestion...What was Andrew thinking?
I think the bubble should read: “I wonder if I would look that cool with a head band?”
My caption
“Is that Lebron James’s ego? Or is that his personal bubble?”
"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
Andrew, Lebron, McDaniels, Nugget Dancers caption
“Wow! Look at that body. Lebron would be an unreal tight end for the …………… Broncos…….hmmmmmmmm….NEVERMIND!…In McDaniel’s offense Lebron would get hurt blocking on a tackle elgible backwards bubble screen play….. Ok…enough of Lebron….now where did those Nugget Dancers go now?”
+1000
In the third picture down, with the picture made small, it looks like the guy in the plaid shirt and the guy in the Nuggets jersey have the same head.
"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
by LACK on Jan 9, 2010 7:41 AM MST up reply actions 1 recs
Is that puke on the guy with the plaid shirt's shirt in the 4th picture down?
I’m sure my eyes are deceiving me
"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
Andy
I can’t believe you left out the part of the guy the next aisle over puking in his seats. I have never seen that before in my life. He was going to get tossed, and then his buddies said something about diabetes and blood sugar. So not only did he puke in his seats and on the people in his row and in front of him, but he got to come back and enjoy the rest of the game. Classic.
Nice save by his buddies. Maybe Andrew is saving this for his “fan experience” write up.
by MattressKing on Jan 9, 2010 11:15 AM MST up reply actions
God that would suck
To get thrown up on at the Nuggets game. It’s one thing at a frat party, but at a Nuggets game? Come on man!
by GoldenNugget on Jan 9, 2010 12:44 PM MST up reply actions
Man that guy shoulda gave his seat to me
I’ll take the seat if he doesn’t want it
"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
AHA I GET IT NOW!
He was doing the Mark Jackson drinking game (he musta got an iPhone feed or something). Since Jackson said one of his boring catch phrases about 100 times, he drank 100 gulps, which should be anybody intoxicated.
"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
Is that what happened?
I was sitting behind the basket on the away side and couldn’t figure out what that commotion was.
Noticed Andrew’s mug on the jumbotron as LBJ inbounded after (I think) a lane violation. My girlfriend’s reaction to his ‘Denver Stiffs’ shirt when I pointed him out was amusing.
by Artimus Mangilord on Jan 11, 2010 10:51 AM MST up reply actions
The thing that sucks about being a musician is working on Friday nights. I missed most of the game except for a stretch in the 4th Q. After being up by 5 point, the Nuggets started lofting jump shoots. And in the three minutes I watch, Cleveland jumped out to a small lead working the ball inside and going to the hoop.
This made me so mad. I went back to doing something else. It was only when I got a bunch of cryptic but giddy text messages later that I figured the Nuggets had pulled something out.
I might have to watch the replay later today.
Also: good reporting on all the drama from the sidelines. Sounds like a lot of fun. Way to be almost famous enough Andrew that you can report back for the rest of us little guys.
So to all the people who wanted to trade JR.
Dude has his bad moments, yes I agree with that. But he just won 2 games in a row for us!
Big free throws agains the Warriors.
Then tonight down the stretch. My goodness that man was playing some ball. The assist to Afflalo with the 3 to tie the game. Assist to Kmart which put us up 2. The dagger 3 which put us up 5. 2 clutch freethrows AND the big rebound after Kmart locked lebron up and made him miss.
We really coulda used another big though
Kenyon Martin is not going to revert back to his 2003 form every game.
"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
Kmart.
Love this man. Love him! I’m about to change my name to GottaLoveKenyonMartin. Carried us in the first half…hit a 3…and that sick block on Delonte West. THEN shut down LBJ when it mattered. Caused a miss and caused him to step out of bounds.
First half, the Cavs couldn't stop Kenyon Martin
Nene didn’t really do much though. Martin really stepped it up defensively in the second half. Why the heck doesn’t LBJ just admit that he played bad against a bad defense
"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
Also.
I was about to kill somebody last night. The Nugs were up by about 7 with 7 mins to go in the 4th and Karl took JR out the game to put Chauncey in. Thats cool, but AC WAS STILL ON THE COURT!! CB, AC, and Arron. That when the Lebrons got back into the game and I was gonna be pissed if we lost. Thankfully he brought back JR and everything was good.
I was yelling about the same thing
Why was AC in the game in a three guard lineup? ANYONE else could’ve/should’ve been in his place out there.
by Artimus Mangilord on Jan 11, 2010 10:55 AM MST up reply actions
Oh, and another thing I want to mention
The link to Fear the Sword reads “http://www.feathesword”
Fail
"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
Terrific Team Win
Great team win with Melo and Ty out, and with BIrd and Nene hobbling. I have to say, Kmart is finally earning the big contract Kiki gave him. His energy, defense and new-found offensive officiency has really been the key this year. You could argue that K-mart has been the MVP so far this year. By the way, I really like Kenyon guarding Lebron. K-mart seems like one of the few guys in the lag that can match LBJ’s quickness and strength. K-mart’s two defensive stops on Lebron late in the 4th won the game, IMO.
I also really like the way Affallo is playing. I believe he is close to earning 30 minutes a game. He is turning into a solid offensive player and a top-notch defender. His play on LBJ was great. Psssst . .. Affallo’s play makes JR more expendable for a solid big man.
Chauncey is the glue of this team. I am really impressed with his demeanor on the bench when he is injured, his mentoring of the young guys, and his absolute floor generalship when he is healthy. Damn, I wish he was 28 right now.
Final Thought – - the Cavs are very solid, big, athletic, and a great defensive team, and will beat the Lakers in the Finals this year.
Dead Crowd?
The ESPN announcers kept mentioning that the Nuggets crowd was dead last night. For those that attended, can you confirm this? With one of the best teams in the League in town, and one of the world’s greatest athletes (Lebron) why were things so New Jersey-like at the Can?
I’ll watch games on TNT, but not on ESPN. I can’t stand their commentating. Last night I watched on Altitude.
My opinion is that, while I love Denver, it’s not a basketball town. Sure the Nuggets are great, but the crowd usually is kind of lame. The other night Hastings commented on how the crowd was beginning to understand what it meant to have a 24 second violation, as they applauded the defensive effort as they would a fast break. It’s almost like someone needs to train the crowd what it means to cheer on a basketball team. Lots of fair weather fans, I think, who go just because they hear the Nuggets are good. I saw more Cleveland jerseys around town yesterday, and if LBJ goes to NY next year and I start seeing Knicks jerseys around I’m gonna puke just like the guy sitting across the aisle.
Playoffs last year was an exception, but even then the announcers had to cue people to wave their towels. Kind of strange.
But hey, at least we don’t hear people booing the team like we heard in Utah the other night.
by MattressKing on Jan 9, 2010 11:26 AM MST up reply actions
Seemed a little quiet
But the stands were all full. I bet everone was just in pure awe at the sight of Lebron.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 9, 2010 12:49 PM MST up reply actions
karl even said after the game
something like JR had a great game, its good to know cuz JR had only like 11 pts on like 30% shooting but did other things, he covered lebron well on the last two 3s eventho they went in… he had two clutch assists in the end, had clutch free throws again and hit a nasty 3 when it matter most
chauncey really looked good out there, seems like he gave us a spark like when he was first traded here…..
andrew your right, afflalo looks so much more confident out there, and karl is confident in him too….
kmart is beasting it up out there, on both ends of the court; i hope he keeps it up for when melo gets back
btw nene had a really quiet 20 points, i think he made like 6-9 shots and got to the line like 10 times….
Is there a site that routinely links Karl's post-game comments?
I always want to watch those on Altitude after the game, but had to go to bed last night after the final buzzer.
out of Colorado viewer alert :)
NBA League Pass is having a free preview this week apparently. At least here in San Diego on Cox Cable. WOOT!
I can see tonight’s game against the Kings!!
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!
ESPN
Another thing…..good god those guys on ESPN are just…HORRIBLE announcers. Specifically Van Gundy and Jackson. The person who said that Jackson seemed like he was sucking up to Lebron was right. Terico isn’t bad…but I prefer him with Hubie Brown
I watch Altitude. Im not a huge fan of Hastings and his color analysis that consists of just repeating what happened in front o him…but I’ll take them over the national guys.
"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
Mark Jackson is the worst out of that group
with dumb points like “that was a grown man dunk!”
van gundy and breen are ok
"Just by the aura of D.J. Mbenga being there, the shot missed."
Idk, I don't mind the Gundy/Jackson combo
They are pretty entertaining, and Gundy knows a hell of a lot about basketball. Plus, Jackson’s ridiculous phrases like “That was a grown man dunk” make me chuckle almost as much as Hastings “That was a 6’7 guy in a 6’10 guy’s body”. Almost.
by GoldenNugget on Jan 9, 2010 12:54 PM MST up reply actions
My least fave
Is when Mark Jackson goes in his “Just because (Player A) doesn’t have the stats (Player B) has, it doesn’t mean that (Player B) is going to outplay (Player A)”
I also hate it when he does “Kobe is the best player in the league today.”
Or when he does the “Oh mama, THERE GOES THAT MAN!”
I’d do the Mark Jackson Drinking Game legally if I wasn’t 13…
"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
All of them are better than Marlowe
Hastings is cool.
Marlowe is the AC of play-by-play announcers.
It was different watching ESPN more enjoyable to me.
The only saving grace is Mike Tirico..
he does try to call them out and point out the other team’s good points
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!
thats true
"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
Tirico get trying to give AC kudo's
Neither Jackson or Van Gundy acknowledge his statements.
Van Gundy did question GK decision of having AC in the game late when the Nuggets were needing an offensive push. Not long after JR was inserted and the weak link pulled and the rest is history.
billups is back!
Great game by the general. The Nuggets improve both on offense (obviously) and on defense when Billups is on the floor.
Not as predictable, that is for sure. Can’t wait to get Ty Lawson and Melo back. The way K-Mart has been playing, I see the Nuggets stretching their NW lead to 5 games shortly.
jr's free throw shooting
I noticed this and it was also pointed out by espn that j.r had moved a step back in his free throw attempts and he was money tonight. hopefully hes fixed his freethrow problem
by Birdman and Jay arah on Jan 9, 2010 1:36 PM MST reply actions
Hastings keeps emphasizing that JR has a 80% FT stroke
But he don’t practice enough.
"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
interesting stats
after 36 minutes of play labron received his first and only personal foul. kmart led all nuggets player with 38 minutes of playing time. denver was out rebounded 45 to 33. nuggets out shot the cavs at the free throw line 73% to 62%. earl smith showed restraint and good judgement by only attempting three 3 point shots.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
For everyone saying Bird wasn't playing well...
That dunk on Ilgauskas was REDONKULOUS. I fistpumped and wooted when he slammed it home.
Swats.
Bird would be the perfect 4th Big
There is no doubt that Bird is not playing at the same level as he did last year, mentally and physically. Granted, last year was a contract year and he was playing for his life, but the drop-off has been noticable this year. He sure has trouble holding his rebounding spot against stronger players . I will say, I think he is playing smarter this year, and is a better shooter. I think he will have to become a knockdown 15-20 foot shooter and move to being the 4th Big either this year or next.
Gosh, I hope Larry Bird will come back from retirement
…
"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 link to Fear the Sword still reads feathesword.com
Wait, why don’t I just post my own link instead of whining?
Fear the Sword: Run by the same guy who does Mile High Report!
"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
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