GS 111, Denver 101
- Denver led by as much as 18 points in the first quarter. Passes from AC to Nene were crisp and the Nuggets were completely breaking down the Golden State zone. It all went downhill as soon as the Nuggets got away from the passing game (probably due to the comfortable lead) and the Warriors clamped down on 1 on 1 defense.
- The Nuggets #1 priority now is to either resign Juwan Howard or start searching for a C/PF they can trade for immediately. Chris Andersen is not getting it done. They were once again outrebounded on the offensive glass, by the GOLDEN STATE WARRIORS, despite winning the glass overall. Right now, the Nuggets are hurting for those nightly 15 rebounds by Camby. Hopefully, Cheikh Samb or Dyess can provide a new board presence for the Nuggets.
- Dahntay Jones seems to play great starting or off the bench. He's a strong defender and really has some great ups. Meanwhile, I think Karl not starting JR had a huge effect on his game tonight. To a young, still maturing player like JR, being benched for Dahntay Jones when he clearly felt he was AI's successor must have really hurt his confidence. He was 2-9 (1-6 for 3), with 5 points and 4 turnovers, tied with Nene and Carter. He looked completely unsure of himself and made several poor offensive decisions.
- 20 turnovers. 20. That is going to kill you, Denver, especially on a team that thrives on them like Golden State.
- 'Melo was 0-4 from 3 and 13-30 overall with 28 points. A substantial improvement over the Lakers performance, but it is still clearly apparent that he is still knocking off his preseason rust. He did make several nice entry passes in the paint to Nene, putting up 5 assists. Defensively, the lapse in the 4th quarter not fighting over Biedrins screen and leaving Nene to cover Captain Jack was fatal. Jackson hits the jumper over Nene, putting the Warriors up 8. Game.
- Kleiza continues to be worthless. Good move by the Nuggets FO to not resign him at this point. Awful defense and 2-7 shooting for 8 points in 19 minutes is not worth $25 million. If he doesn't pick it up, I can see him being traded this season.
Karl was not nearly as active in his coaching tonight and it showed. He was clearly distracted and quite obviously focusing on how to work Chauncey into the offense. Right now, I think that Karl actually wanted to let this game go - I know, hard to tell the difference most games with him - to see exactly where the Nuggets need the most improvement. I think it's clear. Defensive rotation, rebounding, especially on the offensive glass, and not getting into a 1-on-1 game.
When the Nuggets are moving the ball, they are the most unstoppable team I've ever watched. Nene is getting better with every game, and if the Nuggets can consistently find him in the post he is going to slaughter weaker Cs. When he starts getting doubled, he can kick out to JR or Chauncey for 3, or find a cutting Carmelo *cough* for an easy assist in the paint.
Denver is now 1-3, 3 games behind Utah in the Northwest Division and tied with Portland.
Friday's home game against Dallas is going to be a critical cruicible for this team. If they show that Chauncey can work himself into the offense and provide the needed orchestration, they can really build off this game. If they lose, I sincerely think the Nuggets are going to have a really rough first quarter of the season.
