Returning the Sting: Hornets Game Recap
by GoldenNugget on Mar 18, 2010 10:56 PM MDT
47 comments
At midway through the second quarter of the Nuggets 93-80 victory over the Hornets, many Nuggets fans probably felt some feelings of nostalgia from the 58 point victory over this same team during the first round of the 2009 playoffs.
It was looking like once again the Nuggets would be the ones doing the stinging after two back-to-back steals followed up by J.R. Smith dunks ignited the Nuggets on their run to take a 28 point lead.
Key plays led to a strong swing of momentum for the Nuggets in the late first, and early second quarters. The Nuggets forced the Hornets into a 24 second shot clock violation to end the first quarter which was the first lead the Nuggets had after the first quarter in six games. Then, Mr.Wild-card himself, J.R. Smith, ended his 1-15 shooting drought over the last two games by hitting numerous shots in a row to spark a 12-0 rally that ended the first quarter.
The Nuggets then continued their hot play into the second quarter and expanded their lead to 28 points by making precise cuts to the hole, knocking down outside shots and playing a turnover style of defense. At the two minute mark of the second quarter Birdman epitomized great movement off the ball as Nene found him cutting to the basket to complete a no-look bounce-pass that was concluded by a thunderous dunk. Shortly afterwords Carmelo Anthony notched a double-double on the last play of the half.
Things looked good to start the third quarter, as Nene erupted for one of his patented steals around mid-court followed by giant strides to the hole where he finished with a one handed jam. After this the Nuggets appeared to become somewhat complacent as the Hornets easily erased a 28 point deficit to close the gap to 13 points. This run was directly due to lackadaisical defense and settling for jump shots on offense. But, like for most of the night, the Nuggets were able to finish the quarter with a strong play by Melo in which he drove the lane for two.
The Hornets strong momentum carried over into the fourth quarter where they continued to slash the Nuggets commanding lead, and eventually brought it down to nine. But, there is a reason Carmelo is currently in the discussion for MVP of the league, as he finshed off the quarter, and the Hornets as well with a superstar performance that stretched the lead back up to 20 at one point. The final score of the game was 93 to 80 in favor of the Nuggets.
GoldenNuggets: Carmelo Anthony finished with a career high 18 rebounds to go along with 26 points, 4 assists, 1 steal and was an efficient 12-25 from the field as well as 2-2 from the line. The Nuggets currently sit three and a half games behind the Lakers for the top spot in the conference and half a game ahead of the Mavericks for second place. Adrian Dantley is now 5-1 this season as the Nuggets head coach.
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it seemed that a lot of his game tonight was put backs off of offensive rebounds and mid-range jumpers. Not really gonna shoot a ton of FT’s with that.
"I know the game of basketball is one-on-one (oriented), but the pain of beating a defense by the pass — it confuses and frustrates the defense more than just going by a guy one-on-one." George Karl
by NuggetsLife on Mar 19, 2010 12:35 AM MDT up reply actions
I noticed this too.
Lately his freethrow attempts have been crazy low.
But his rebounding has been ridiculous! 26 and 18. 45 and 10. 32 and 12 and I believe a 29 and 12.
by GottaLoveMelo on Mar 19, 2010 9:04 AM MDT up reply actions
yeah but overall scoring is down too in those games.
we haven’t gotten tacos the past too games. I’ll take the wins over the tacos any day though,
GO NUGGETS!!!
"I know the game of basketball is one-on-one (oriented), but the pain of beating a defense by the pass — it confuses and frustrates the defense more than just going by a guy one-on-one." George Karl
Yah but refs aren't being nice to him
Which of course isn’t new.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
Nice work GoldenNugget
Good to have you filling in.
WOW, what a great first half, and WOW what a terrible second half.
I remember hearing Chauncey say something a while back when the Nuggets were having a tough stretch — something about how other teams were making adjustments during games, and the Nuggets weren’t, and it was hurting the Nuggets a lot.
Was tonight an example of that? Did the Hornets make some particular adjustments at halftime that caused the Nuggets’ offense to almost die? The Nuggets scored more points in the 2nd quarter alone than they did in the entire second half. Was it just the Nuggets becoming lazy and complacent and chucking jumpers, or did the Hornets start doing something on defense that the Nuggets couldn’t adjust to?
Eh
Maybe. Probably just Nuggets getting too comfortable…
by SternfluffsKobe on Mar 19, 2010 5:25 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
melo in beast mode
Watch Out!
by InboundingLobPass on Mar 19, 2010 1:10 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
melo in beast mode
Watch Out!
by InboundingLobPass on Mar 19, 2010 1:10 AM MDT via mobile reply actions
They did work when it really mattered
Nuggets should not have come close to losing, thankfully didn’t and they worked for a big enough lead to absorb a terrible second half. Beat Milwaukee and get a little more rested and focused for the biggest road trip of the season
I'll defend J.R. as usual.
Although he took a few too many, as Reggie put it “ill-advised” shots in the third quarter (another high arcing floater Swish… really?), it should be noted that J.R.‘s 1-15 “shooting slump” you mentioned was only on three point attempts. He was 7-16 in the Wizards game and 8-18 in Houston, which means he’s not simply settling for perimeter shots…
http://www.thuggetsnation.com
I assumed it was from the line
Not enough is made about JR’s bad FT percentage. His stroke isn’t bad, it just seems that he doesn’t put much work into it.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
Nice recap GN!
Melo = 18 boards. I want to see 20 against Milwaukee…
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
it is about time
18 rebounds in a single game. melo has only one career triple double. if he worked at rebounding and assists things like scoring titles, all star games, league mvp and championships would take care of themselves. he always had triple double talent. just like his free throw shooting he can do better. melo right now is one of the few elite players in the nba. he is only scratching the surface of what he is capable of doing.
pick up a calf every day pretty soon you will be picking up a cow
by nohoops4u on Mar 19, 2010 6:06 AM MDT reply actions 2 recs
yes sir
hes definitely more than just a scorer; hes really helping the team out by hitting the boards hard since kmart is hurt.
amen
Would love to see him notch some triple doubles — 20 points & 10 assists is better than 30 points and no assists.
by ParkHillNative on Mar 19, 2010 10:39 AM MDT up reply actions
Melo looked so determined.... getting every board (ever since kmarts been out)
great summary, way to fill in
Nice win, but Nuggz didn't cover the spread
No more betting on Nuggets games for me, I’ll return to regular fandom…sucks to have wins spoiled by losing money.
by AGAINST_DA_LAW-SON on Mar 19, 2010 6:20 AM MDT reply actions
Nene was 2 blocks away from the damn near impossible 5x5 game!
20points
6 boards
5 assists
5 steals
3 blocks
Do work son!
by GottaLoveMelo on Mar 19, 2010 9:22 AM MDT reply actions 1 recs
That's eerily close to "nachobar"
We pick him up, that’s the next Taco Bell / Nuggets cross promotion.
by Artimus Mangilord on Mar 19, 2010 11:33 AM MDT up reply actions
What was up with Maya Starks post-game interview? She said the Bucks are out of the playoffs but will still come ready to play Saturday night? Chauncey corrected her in a polite way. Shouldn’t the post-game interviewer do a little research and/or be a little more familiar with the league that she covers on a nightly basis!?!
Well it is Altitude after all
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
How did Chauncey "correct" her?
by SternfluffsKobe on Mar 19, 2010 7:37 PM MDT via mobile up reply actions
I hope he just takes over
I don’t think Karl is going to be back next year… The Front Office has to like what Adrian Dantley is doing.
No
Adrian isn’t doing this alone and much of the great supporting cast of assistant coaches are with Denver out of loyalty to George Karl. If GK is out, it’s likely we lose them, too.
by Artimus Mangilord on Mar 19, 2010 2:41 PM MDT up reply actions
Yep
We lose Karl then we lose Gurgrich, who’s one helluva smart guy.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
Karl not back next year?
I thought they signed an extension through next season.
by ParkHillNative on Mar 20, 2010 1:37 AM MDT via mobile up reply actions
Karl may not be back due to health issues
Troy Tulowitzki - Best SS in the MLB - 2010 MVP
Brad Hawpe - Will prove the doubters wrong
"I don’t know one guy who can stop Melo on a consistent basis."-Chris Paul
PS Let's win the NL West in 2010, shall we?
He should be back by next october, right?
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
Team Personality
Chauncey was interviewed before the game about how the team doesn’t turn it on until the third quarter. After last night’s game I have to think that we’re better off that way. The minute they get bored is the minute they get into trouble.
Pretty good article on NBA.com: http://tinyurl.com/toughestfoe
I think that article sums up the Nuggets
I think it also sums up why it’s so “entertaining” to watch them. You never know what you’re going to get. I’d like a bit more consistency but there’s also that danger factor with the Nuggets that’s quite hard to turn your eyes away from.
A side note about Carmelo. He got 18 rebounds last night which made me perfectly happy. There are those who think he should also get 10 assists a game from the forward position….and I think those people should be happy with what assists we get from a dependent position. If Melo has 3 to 5 assists a game we should take that in spades. Melo’s job isn’t to dish. It’s to let the offense come to him….which admittedly he’s had trouble with. When Melo get’s 3 to 5 assists a game he’s moving the ball around. Let Chauncey and AC get the big assist totals
"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
Look Tacos is in the picture...
about time he gets recognized.
"I know the game of basketball is one-on-one (oriented), but the pain of beating a defense by the pass — it confuses and frustrates the defense more than just going by a guy one-on-one." George Karl
The new picture on my thing
Is of Nene, not of Ben Wallace. It’d be cool of Nene could always be as intimidating as “Big Ben” though.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
I think Birdman should keep his hair the way it is
It’s scarier, which helps.
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
Well, more creepier than scarier
"Left hand, right hand, it doesn't matter. I'm amphibious." - Charles Shackleford
""He’s a stiff." - The Legendary Doug Moe
"We have a great bunch of outside shooters. Unfortunately, all our games are played indoors." - Weldon Drew
"I really didn't want it, but now that I've won it, it's nice. It's an honor. It's nice to know people don't think you're a total idiot. ... It must have been a poor year for coaches." - Doug Moe...talking about winning 1987-88 Coach of the Year award.
"We're just tough, man" - Chauncey Billups
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