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.
February 12, 2010 at 10:22 pm |
Tim..Your blog is spot on!!! You say it like it is and in today’s society I really appreciate that. As for the Nuggets..They have been a little streaky as of late, with moments of brilliance and moments of…..well flat out garbage, but I think the all star weekend will really recharge some of the nuggets and give them some much needed rest. Billups has to be the favorite in the 3 point contest…Also is Lawson playing in the rookie/sophomore game? I hope this weekend will really help as they have the Cavs coming up. Hope you keep up with this blog.Really love it. Good Stuff!
February 12, 2010 at 11:53 pm |
You might find it as rediculous as I do, but our great rookie Ty Lawson will not be playing in the Rookie/Sophmore challange. He really has been playing great, but I think the fact that he is on a good team really dampens his publicity. He may not get the recognition he deserves, but he is performing great!
February 16, 2010 at 4:44 am |
How do you feel about the dunk contest? I am curious to hear your thoughts. You were correct talking about the Nuggets-Spurs game. Not a good way to enter into the all star weekend.
February 17, 2010 at 6:08 am |
I feel that the dunk contests nowadays are just a joke, and I really don’t care too much about them. The last real dunk contest that held any weight with me was in 2000 when Vince Carter proved that he is one of the, if not the, greatest dunkers of all time. The dunk contest used to be a chance for the biggest stars in the NBA to show off what they had, and more importantly, it was about DUNKING. The last 10 years has been all about show, using props and costumes to kill what was once a great tradition. I was excited last year when Lebron claimed he would compete this year; he could have single handedly brought the contest back to its glory days, but he chickened out. Lame Lebron.