Supporting George

Today coach George Karl held a press conference to announce that he has been diagnosed with neck and throat cancer.  Six weeks ago Karl found a lump on his next, which a biopsy confirmed to be squamos cell head/neck cancer.  The good news is that the biopsy also showed it to be a “very treatable and curable” form of cancer.  Over the next six weeks, Karl will undergo chemo and radiation therapy that has been described as intense and aggressive, which will take a physical toll, forcing Karl to most likely miss multiple practices and games.  Although this does hold serious implications for the Nuggets, this is a situation in which my beloved Nuggs take secondary concern to the health of Coach Karl.  Sadly this will be the second time he has to battle cancer, as he is already a survivor of prostate cancer (was declared cancer free in July 2005).

I think I speak for us all when I say we are hoping, praying, and wishing for the return of your health, as quickly and painlessly as possible. Give ‘er hell George.

Mavericks, Spurs, and Our All-Stars

Well, we had two big games this week against legitimate playoff teams, and the results could have not been more polarized.  On Tuesday the Dallas Mavericks came into the Pepsi Center to face the Nuggs, and it was one of the best performances I have seen all year.  The team must have ate something special for lunch because everyone played with intensity and a burning desire to win.  Each and every player for the Nuggets that saw the floor provided positive results.  In his first game back from injury, Melo looked a little sheepish attacking the basketball, but showed off his jump shot well.  He ended up with 19 points, but it was the entire Nuggets cast that led to a 127-91 blowout of the Mavs.

Last night’s game against the Spurs (played in Denver) didn’t go so well.  Whatever passion, intensity, hustle, and smart play they used to pound the Mavs was blatantly absent.  The culprit seemed to be laziness, both on the offensive and defensive ends.  Although some of the Nuggets showed grit, including Afflalo and Lawson, it has to be a bad night when J.R. “Swish” is the most productive defender.  When it came to offense, reckless shots led to empty possessions, and empty possessions make it impossible to fight your way back into contention.  There was truly little to cheer for as the Spurs rocked us on our home floor by the score of 111-92…and by the way 92 is the lowest amount of points we have scored at home all season.  Pitiful.

On a brighter note, this weekend is NBA All-Star weekend, in which 3 Denver Nuggets will take part.  George Karl will be coaching the Western Conference team, while superstar Carmelo Anthony will start at small forward.  Hometown hero Chauncey Billups will also be playing for the West after replacing the Hornets’ Chris Paul due to injury.  The Thrill from Park Hill (Billups) will also be competing in the 3-point shootout on Saturday.  I hope all three have a great All-Star weekend, and better yet I hope the Nuggets come back refreshed after the break.