Photo Courtesy: Michael Kolch
Denver Nuggets Overall Record: 8-13
The Nuggets went 2 – 2 this past week. From game to game the fans really don’t know what to expect. Some games the Nuggets are hot and others they look real bad, and that ain’t good. The losses to Milwaukee and Chicago came in the last two quarters of close games. The wins against the Raptors and the 76ers looked as if the Nuggets were division leaders with solid defense and great offensive flow. Here’s how this past week went:
November 30 – Bucks 92 – Nuggets 74 – Loss
Cold shooting was the problem for the Nuggets. In the first half alone they shot 36% from the floor and 60% percent from the line. The score was tied at half, but in the 3rd quarter crazy fouls and limited minutes for the starters while the Nuggets bench kept it close. The Bucks pulled out the win in the 4th quarter by scoring 25 points to Denver’s 14 late in the game. Danilo Gallinari scored 13 points in 34 minutes.
December 2 – Bulls 99 – Nuggets 90 – Loss
Will Barton scored 16 points and 8 rebounds in the loss to Chicago. The Nuggets struggled in the 3rd quarter with 17 combined points. The problem with the Nuggets in this game is that they came out from halftime cold. I believe starting a different point guard in the 3rd will help the team stay close. Chicago`s guards played with a sense of urgency the whole game. That was the main difference in the contest. Denver started shooting jump shots when they had easy paths to the rim. Mike Miller, J. J. Hickson and Jameer Nelson need more playing time.
December 3 – Nuggets 106 – Raptors 105 – Win
The Nuggets competed the whole game. They traded baskets with the Raptors from start to finish. It was a treat watching really good ball movement and touch defensive plays. Darrell Arthur played tough on the defensive end with clutch rebounds (6) and scored 19 points. Will Barton scored 22 points and 4 assists (2 key passes) with 2:12 left in the game. Kenneth Faried missed the game with a mild injury.
December 4 – Nuggets 108 – 76ers 105 – Win
I was so surprised to see the Nuggets pull this game off. Danilo Gallinari played heavy minutes again with 39 and scored 24 points with seven rebounds. Kenneth Faried returned with 12 points and nine rebounds. The 76ers made a run in the 4th, but it wasn’t enough to close the gap that the Nuggets established. Randy Foye should get more playing time over rookie starter Emmanuel Mudiay who plays heavy minutes but turns the ball over too often! I know Mudiay is the future, but watching him make poor passes takes the fight out of the team.
Next Week
The Nuggets plays the Magic and Timberwolves. Let’s see how the Nuggets hold up to two of the NBA’s more improved teams.
Upcoming Schedule – All Times Central
12/8 vs Magic 8:00 pm
12/11 vs Timberwolves 8:00 pm
