"Fresh off the highest individual team scoring game in the NBA this season, Denver hopes to keep their foot on the gas in LaLa Land"
Pre-Game Thoughts: In doing my "research" for this game I came across this sparkling little gem that has nothing at all to do with anything:
"Kim [Kardashian] thinks Jordan [Clarkson] isn’t famous enough [to date Kendall Jenner]," a source told Life & Style magazine. "He’s a nice guy, but he barely has 150,000 followers on Twitter and she’d never heard of him until Kendall brought him up. [She] told Kendall that dating Jordan isn’t a smart move, and that she should be dating a famous rapper or musician if she wants to gain popularity."
Poor Blake...With that unpleasantness out of the way... Please tell me Lakers fans, that you'll consider letting "The Admiral" stick as a nickname for Alex Caruso and no, I don't really wish the Kardashians on your promising youngster Kuzma, but I'm just sayin' he's getting a lot of followers, o K?
In terms of what brings you here, tonight's game, The Nuggets are coming off maybe not their best game but unquestionably the most fluid in terms of offensive flow, as evidenced by the 146 they laid on the Pelicans on Friday. More importantly as I see it, Jokic is actually starting to look more and more like he's developing a defensive BBIQ, something I've always expected given his overall BBIQ but have been waiting patiently for. He'll never be athletic enough to be an elite defender but with his mind, there is no reason not to believe that he is starting to pick up veteran "tricks" from the big men he faces that consternate him so, leaving him in seemingly perpetual, one-sided discussions that rarely end well, with the officials.
He's not there yet but if his understanding of where he needs to be combined with his quick hands and anticipatory (if plodding) footwork becomes a consistent exhibition, I'll be willing to go where 90% of all Nuggets fans have already ventured and say he's officially a star. I'm not very generous with my utilization of the highly subjective term "super-star". Sorry... LeBron James, Russell Westbrook, James Harden, Kevin Durant, & Stephen Curry. That's the list as of present if you ask me.
As for the Lakers, I'm awaiting the pre-game thread from SS&R so I can get acquainted since clearly this is not the same Lake-Show as last year's edition. In their comment section I eventually discovered the cause of Nance's absence. Step up your pre-game pieces fellas. Don't make me use the four letter network for "news".
All I can tell you having not yet seen them play this year is that LA has an odd combination of steely vets (Bogut, Lopez & Deng), promising youngsters (Ingram, Ball, Kuzma & Zubac) and a few who fall somewhere in between (KCP, Clarkson, Randle & Nance). They are coming in after losing two straight and have a 6-10 record, 1.5 games out of playoff contention, and 3.5 games from the Cellar. Without looking at the contract situations it would seem they are in full rebuild mode and that they are just waiting for the contracts of the older guys to expire but in the meantime a lot could be learned from the vets, especially Bogut. Still I'd imagine that they'd prefer to see Zubac on the floor so it's hard to envision Bogut and or Lopez' contracts wont be moved if an opportunity to do so arises.
I need to borrow something that is unquantifiable but unequivocally certain here, that you've likely already read in the Denver Stiffs pre-game article by head-writer Adam Mares, Can the Denver Nuggets take their high-scoring offense on the road against the Los Angeles Lakers which applies not only to LA but to varying degrees NY, Chicago, Atlanta, Houston & Miami, and definitely bears repeating:
A Saturday night in L.A.
For decades, the Los Angeles Lakers have had a secret advantage that wins them a handful of games each year: Saturday night in Los Angeles. Teams playing against the Lakers on Sunday night often look like a team that spent a few too many hours soaking up L.A.’s nightlife. As the start of a short road trip and the first game of a back to back, Denver will need all of the energy they can muster.
I hate to single players out, but that seemed like more of an issue for past Nuggets teams with the likes of Ty Lawson and JaVale McGee, though Faried has made his way onto TMZ more than once. Fortunately for Denver, none of these three are likely to see much action tonight. Hell, Murray isn't even old enough to Drink yet and we all know that precludes wealthy youngsters from getting into the clubs in LA.
Denver Roster:
Will "The People's Champion" Barton,
Juancho "Ironically, No Room For A Nickname" Hernangomez
Richard "The Dragon Slayer" Jefferson
Kenneth "The Manimal" Faried
Trey "Bien" Lyles
Darrell "Darth" Arthur
Tyler "Not just Anunobody" Lydon
Nikola "Big Honey" Jokic
Mason "Plumdog Millionaire" Plumlee
Michael "Mr Imagination" Malone
L.A. Lakers Roster:
Lonzo "It Was My Brother!" Ball
Jordan "Dodged That Kardashian Bullet" Clarkson
Kentavious "The Pontiff" Caldwell-Pope
Alex "Robinson... Er... David... Hell, Call Me The Admiral" Caruso
Josh "Not The One With The Sex Tape (I Assume)" Hart
Luol "Am I Seriously Still Here?" Deng
Andrew "The Crostrailian" Bogut
Thomas "The Best Laker Ever Named" Bryant
Ivica "Make Some Trades, I'm Not G-League Material" Zubac
Update: Everyone is good to go for the Nuggets. As for the Lakers, It looks like semi-local product Larry Nance Jr is still out with a broken hand. Lonzo meanwhile, is suffering from high expectations and poor shooting, both caused by a ridiculous father.
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Data: Open this link in a new tab for the definition of TPM™
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TPM™ Game 16 LAL
Jamal Murray: +7
Emmanuel Mudiay: +10
Monte Morris: N/A
Gary Harris: +17
Will Barton: -3
Malik Beasley: +9
Torrey Craig: N/A
Wilson Chandler: +4
Juancho Hernangomez: +4
Richard Jefferson: +0
Paul Millsap: -1
Kenneth Faried: -8
Trey Lyles: +5
Darrell Arthur: N/A
Tyler Lydon: N/A
Nikola Jokic: -2
Mason Plumlee -4
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Total TPM™ starting Game 1 vs. Uta
Jamal Murray: 16 Games +165
Emmanuel Mudiay: 16 Games +216
Monte Morris: 0 Games +0
Gary Harris: 14 Games +176
Will Barton: 16 Games +141
Malik Beasley: 15 Games +18
Torrey Craig: 0 Games +0
Wilson Chandler: 16 Games +101
Juancho Hernangomez: 5 Games -12
Richard Jefferson: 5 Games -7
Paul Millsap: 16 Games +173
Kenneth Faried: 14 Games +34
Trey Lyles: 11 Games +21
Darrell Arthur: 2 Games -4
Tyler Lydon: 0 Games +0
Nikola Jokic: 16 Games +235
Mason Plumlee: 16 Games +50
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Avg. TPM™ Per Game
Jamal Murray: +10.31
Emmanuel Mudiay: +13.50
Monte Morris: N/A
Gary Harris: +12.57
Will Barton: +8.81
Malik Beasley: +1.20
Torrey Craig: N/A
Wilson Chandler: +6.31
Juancho Hernangomez: -2.40
Richard Jefferson: -1.40
Paul Millsap: +10.81
Kenneth Faried: +2.43
Trey Lyles: +1.91
Darrell Arthur: -2.00
Tyler Lydon: N/A
Nikola Jokic: +14.69
Mason Plumlee: +3.13
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TPM™ Per-Minute Splits Through Game 14:
*Credit to DomP on the Spreadsheet. It's as if my (very nerdy) baby (TPM™) is learning to speak
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Analysis:
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Qtr1- The Nuggets trot out their normal starting five. LA counters with Ball, Pope, Ingram, Kuzma & Lopez; a downright formidable lineup in comparison to last years team, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The Nuggets have won 14 of the last 18 match-ups with LA however, Millsap is 0-15 on opening tips. Make that 0-16 as we are underway. Ally is dressed in an understated but classy black dress today; a stark contrast from the frilly red number she wore in the last game. By my estimation this indicates that Denver is more glamorous than Hollywood. Interestingly, LA seems to be guarding Jokic early with the vastly undersized Kuzma. Marlowe immediately echoes this sentiment as though he is reading along (he is). Sap is struggling to close out on threes again. Jokic's passing thus far is extraordinary even for him, as Denver leads 11-8 at 8:01. Ball ain't so bad at it his own self. Ingram dishes to Jokic for two under the Nuggets basket. Big Honey picks up his 2nd foul at 6:05 and he's replaced by Plumlee. As per usual, Barton also checks in at this time. Mudiay is in at 4:20. Smoke 'em if you got 'em. Uh-oh; Sap is heading to the locker room for what looks to be a wrist injury. Ingram nabs his 2nd foul at 3:28 & Denver is in the bonus. The Nuggets are going small with 3 guards, Chandler and Plumlee. Denver's bench is not getting it done and the Lakers unit, a mix of bench players and starters are pulling ahead, 32-22 with just under two to play. Ally says Sap is just fine thankfully. Denver is paced in TPM by Murray +5 and this surprisingly low number for their leading player is indicative of the score. LA leads, 32-26 after one.
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Qtr2- Juancho is in to start the 2nd. Hopefully this is a sign that he's starting to get over his bout with Mono. Faried is also in along with Jokic, who's playing with 2 fouls. The Lakers are spreading their fouls out nicely so far. Not a good start for this unit, primarily Mudiay and Juancho. Denver has got to get someone going offensively. Mudiay makes a supremely athletic steal as the lone defender on a 5-1 break, leading to a Barton breakaway; hopefully that will stem the tide. Nobody on this unit knows how to pass right now but Jokic, and he's the only man not touching the ball of course, as LA leads 44-30 at 8:37. There are still no Nuggets even close to double digits in scoring at the moment. The starting five is back in, and they proceed to turn it over on the first two plays as well. Sea-Brew do what Sea-Brew do. Wake the fuck up Nuggets! They are down by 20 with 7 to go.
Unbelievable! Rodney Mott just tossed both Jokic and Malone out of the game after Big Honey was hacked and complained lightly. Malone earned his T, and perhaps a boot. One T for each? More appropriate... Maybe. Wtf did I just see? Clearly Jokic has a reputation amongst officials, But Mott should be suspended for a game for this egregious, emotional display. Well that escalated fast. Murray's turn to get into the Rodney Mott suspension evidence-technical reel. Hehehehahahah; Mott Just called carrying on Ball as make-up call. Thanks Pal. Ingram goes out at 5:15 with his 3rd foul, up 22. I can't believe I have to watch Plumlee shoot FT's for the duration. Harris is the first Nugget in double figures at 3:15 and frankly, the only guy playing like a veteran. Lonzo is starting to hoist from distance which may be Denver's only hope at this point. This is simply put, ugly basketball. The Nuggets need to get over this wilting under pressure mentality, like... yesterday. Chandler is the 2nd Nugget in double digits. Terrific, Sap is likely out for the remainder with a wrist sprain, I heard Ally say as I get to watch Plumlee shoot FT's. Just to be an asshole, he sinks them both. Denver is Paced in TPM by Murray and Harris, both +7. LITERALLY ALL OTHER NUGGETS WHO HAVE PLAYED ARE EITHER AT 0 OR NEGATIVE TPM! Incredible! LA leads 70-48 at the half.
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Halftime: Smoke break? Don't mind if I do! I'm smoking two at once, this night.
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Qtr3- Well, this should be fun. Plumlee and Barton start in the places of Jokic and Sap, and Chandler proceeds to drill two 3's to open the period, cutting the lead to 16. Lonzo Ball is DEFINITELY getting a 3d tonight with 9-8-8 already. The two teams trade buckets for a bit, but LA is starting to look like the young team they are. The lead is down to 15 after 2 Murray FT's at 9:15. For the first time all night, the Nuggets seem semi-composed. Ingram nabs his 4th foul, offensively at 8:39. Murray is an ice cold 0-5 tonight from the floor. Denver needs to make hay and attack the rim while the refs are swallowing their whistles. LA is now getting the better shots, and extend the lead back to 20 at 6:58. Denver could use a Mudiay hot streak once he enters. This can ONLY happen if he's not playing alongside Murray, if the rest of this young season is any indication, which may not be an option with the bench shortened by two starters' early exits. Man, Chrissy Teagan and John Legend are a perfectly matched couple. Harris nails 2 straight threes and the lead is 17 after yes, Unseld (unlike Malone) inserted Mudiay FOR Murray. Well played chap! Unfortunately, he also inserted Faried as opposed to Lyles or Darth, and I can't envision a segment of multiverse in which this unit will function well on either end. Everything is iso for some strange reason now and LA stretches the lead back to 23. So entirely predictable! Now Lyles comes in, along with Juancho at 3:55. Lopez picks up his 4th at 3:17 and must grab some pine. Now that we have shooters and thus spacing on the floor, Mudiay is starting to look good. Imagine that Mr. Imagination. Denver is back in this game, down 16 but Faried unfortunately is not. By this of course I'm speaking figuratively, 'cause unfortunately he literally is on the court. Darth maybe? Mudiay to Juancho who drills a three, cutting the lead to 15. Good to see him finally hit one. Barton is the third Nugget in double digits. Denver is paced in TPM by Mudiay+10 and Harris +17, but still trail by fifteen, 99-84 after three.
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Qtr4- Murray checks in for Mudiay to begin the 4th. LA scores the first 4. Questionable timing on that substitution. Faried FINALLY comes out at 10:57. Murray is still Frozen. Let it go Unseld. This 4th quarter unit of Plumlee, Lyles, Murray, Barton and Juancho doesn't work either, especially on defense and the lead is back to 23. Denver has to re-insert Chandler, Harris & Mudiay, all likely very tired, be judicious with their timeouts and go for it following this commercial break or it's over. They of course do not. None of them in fact. LA opens the 4th on a 10-2 run at 9:31. Apparently they are just going to let Barton go iso the rest of the way, lick their wounds on the flight and be content. Did Unseld really wave the white flag at 9:31? Five players for LA have 4 fouls; no Nuggets have more than 2. That tells me something about the effort given tonight. Murray FINALLY nets his first bucket, a tip-in of his own miss and one. Ball has his 3d. Mudiay is in to play alongside Murray at 6:45 down 20. Why not at this point eh? The referee saves the ball for Murray. It's the least you could do Mr. Mott. Lyles has yet to have a bad showing and it's time he surpassed Faried on the depth chart. R.J. checks in and the fat lady has officially sung. Ingram gets his 5th foul at 2:02, as if it matters. Denver is paced in TPM by Mudiay +14 & Harris +17 and this nightmare is finally over. The Lakers win 127-109
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Final Thoughts: No thank you.
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