First I have to start this off by saying last summer when Andrew and Nate joined forces, who wouldn't take a 35-18 record after the all-star break? At that time the Blazers had crowned themselves Co-Champions of the World and we were all preparing for the Nuggets to fight the uphill battle in an improved Western Conference. Right now we still sit in a very desirable position. As a fan I've seen some truly inspiring moments out of this group yet I'm haunted by visions of AC at shooting guard and so many missed opportunities already. That's all in the past now (hopefully - Ty and Chauncey please do not ever get hurt). There is still so much room for this team to improve.
Still, after "losing" at home to San Antonio (that word isn't really strong enough) and realizing that the trade deadline will come and go uneventfully next week - I can't help but sense the gloom setting in. Why? After getting 6 full days off the Nugs get to play on the road against the hottest team in the league, who also happen to have the best record and best home record and have also been resting a full week too. Oh yeah, and the schedule the rest of the way isn't the friendliest either (more on that later), but this is actually not a bad time to be catching Cleveland or setting the table for the task they have in front of them
Cleveland is on a murderous rampage right now. They have won 13 in a row and their last loss came on a desperation three at the buzzer by Sundiata Gaines. In fact, had that shot not gone in Cleveland would be on a 16 game win streak going back to 99-97 loss at the Pepsi Center, where the Nuggets were without Carmelo Anthony. They've also done this without the services of former All-Star point guard Mo Williams. It sounds bad, but when you have to catch the best team on the road doing it after 6 days rest is not a bad deal. We've fought them hard once and I think the Nuggets have a good chance at winning. If you don't like those odds, you need to get used to it because the schedule down the stretch is a doozy.
There are 29 games left. Only 13 at home and the other 16 on the road. Over half the total games will be played against winning teams which isn't as bad as it seems - we actually have a better record against winning teams than losers. March will be one of the most road-heavy months I can remember, with a 4 and 5-game roadies thrown in.
The way I see it is this - If the Nugs win all of their home games and go .500 on the road, they'll get 56 wins. My only point is we don't have to suddenly get perfect on the road, just better. Whatever side of last years record we end up gets earned on the road. In some ways, the Nuggets need this test starting next Thursday in Cleveland, because we better do more than get fortunate to make it as far as we did last year. It's not over until we go into LA spot them home court and take it away from them anyways. Then it's still not over until we go into Cleveland, Boston, Orlando or whatever and take that shit too. Was it over when the Germans bombed Pearl Harbor ?!?!?!?
