(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)(Boulder-CO) I have to tell you, Nuggets Nation, that of all the games that I have been to in the past five years this last loss to the Warriors was the least entertaining. Honestly, I could barely even get into it because there was absolutely no offensive rhythm by either team and the Nuggets only shot 34% in a, 105-95, loss at home.
Allen Iverson was the most notable struggle of the night. AI came into the game averaging 26.5 points per game, but managed to only score 13 points with Baron Davis guarding him rather than Stephen Jackson. AI was 2-12 from the field with five assists and just as many turnovers.
Other things I didn’t like about this game were Marcus Camby trying to do way too much after the rebound, Anthony Carter’s shot selection, and Chucky Atkins going scoreless in twenty minutes of the bench.
Things to look forward to in the new year are more double-doubles by Carmelo Anthony, who recorded his fifth in six games with 26 points and ten rebounds despite a team-high seven turnovers, Nene continuing to improve despite his eight rebound and single point effort that included three offensive fouls, and a healthy Kenyon Martin. Chucky Atkins’ shot isn’t going to become consistent until he gets his legs completely underneath him, but you have to like what Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith have been giving George Karl off the bench. LK and J.R. each scored 15 points and as a duo outscored the Warrior reserves, 30-15.
However, the bright side about a loss like this is the Nuggets played ugly and lost ugly. They can chop this tape up and forget about it because everyone flat-out has to forget about that kind of effort if the Nuggets aren’t going to be embarrassed by the defending NBA Champions on Thursday night on national television.
The Nuggets finish 2007 with a half game lead on the Portland Trailblazers for first place in the Northwest Division. The Trailblazers finally lost a game after winning 13 straight games before faltering in Utah, who coincidentally are in third place and only 2 ½ games back in the pack.
Time to regroup and restart, Denver. The Northwest isn’t going to be a cake walk.
Go Nuggets!
1 comment:
It seemed to me like they didn't even want to really be out there.
A.I. had an extremely bad night, which is rare, and I'm sure bugged the hell out of him, but that game was... wow.
I'd be curious to hear your evaluation of good ol coach Karl. Myself personally... he doesn't even know when to take a time-out to regroup the team...
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