Wednesday, April 9, 2008

The Nuggets Finally Handle Business

(AP Photo/Gus Ruelas)


(Boulder-CO) The Denver Nuggets actually outplayed their opponent (in this case it was the Clippers) for an entire 48 minutes while winning, 117-99. And by doing so they stay even with the Warriors entering the game of the year tomorrow night.

It was a pretty basic drumming with the Nuggets outscoring the Clippers, 40-24, in the second quarter and doing just enough to extend their lead by a few more points in each remaining quarter to coast to victory. Carmelo had a big night offensively (largely in part to Quinton Ross' lack of size and defensive ability on the low blocks) finishing with 36 points and five rebounds on an efficient 13-17 from the field.

Marcus Camby recorded the only Nuggets' double-double by scoring 13 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. One thing that the Nuggets would greatly benefit from is a consistent scoring boost from Camby. Although the Captain is averaging 9.3 points per game it is not a consistent occurrence and for a player logging the minutes Camby is the inconsistency leaves the Nuggets still playing the guessing game of who is going to step up and support AI and 'Melo.

Here's video highlights of last night's action:



Another point of interest that contributed to the ease of this win that is not mentioned in the video highlight was the Nuggets' ability to control possession. Denver only turned the ball over ten times resulting in only nine Clipper points while fruiting 17 points off just as many L.A. miscues.
This win keeps the Nuggets even-steven with Golden State with the final meeting between these two teams tomorrow night. The winner will have a considerable edge to make the playoffs with only three more games remaining for each franchise.
Go Nuggets!

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