Basket weavers, both.

Let's hope we see more of The Anchorman than Big Honey on El Cocodrilo.

The band is FINALLY back together!

Nuggets vs San Antonio III: Crocodile Rock on the river walk.

When last these two teams squared off in game 33 of this season the Nuggets (lap) enjoyed double figure TPM contributions from four players led by Jamal Murray: +24. Only Mason Plumlee: -3 was in the red for that match-up as the Nuggets eked out a victory, 102-99 in The Mile High City.

In that game, it would be a drastic understatement to have described the Nuggets as undermanned:

Denver Nuggets post-game non-injury report: G-League rookies Welsh & Goodwin, second year players who barely played last season Morris, Craig & Lydon, third year pros Juancho & Lyles, fourth year pro Jokic, Plumlee and break glass in case of emergency player Swaggy fucking Pee! That means 10 players are in / eight players are out. The roster is supposed to be 15 with an additional two G-League two-way contracts, not 18 with eight players out due to injury and zero players afforded to the G-League. Never seen anything like it.

It's no surprise to me as to why the then first place Nuggets were upset the next night in Phoenix but without context of course, the four letter network took off with it and ran.

As for this game, yes IT has been bad. I personally am more willing than most to be patient with him as I am not emotionally attached to shiny new things (Monte/Beasley) the way most Stiffs are and I remember a time in the not so distant past in which IT was amongst the very best players in the league. Moreover, he's the ONLY player on the roster who can currently be counted on to hit big shots in the playoffs which as anyone who actually watches them knows, may as well be a different sport altogether.

It's important to also understand that not all efficiency is created equal. Juancho is a perfect example. When healthy/confident, he's an excellent floor spacer who is 100% reliant on others to create each and every opportunity for him, as he's entirely inept when attempting to dribble or hold on to the round thing. When you couple the month long funk he's been in with the negative impact he has on the team defensively, he's demonstrably, decidedly, deplorably un-deployable.

Donovan Mitchell on the other hand has come up bitterly in conversation lately, as being an inferior player to the drastically more efficient Malik Beasley but that is a perfect example of disembodied numbers getting in the way of the truth. There are exactly zero GM's in the NBA who would currently take Malik over Donovan and that includes Tim Connolly. Ok, maybe Vlade could fuck that up.

Do I think IT will ever be that player again to the same degree? Absolutely not. Do I think it's worth risking a bit of playoff seeding in an attempt to get him close? You bet your ass I do.

Having not seen the team they follow reach the post-season for the past decade, Stiffs are prone to relying solely on that which is quantifiable without any context. Well we can do that with ONLY IT and Millsap when it comes to playoff numbers so while I'm not a stat nerd myself, I've at least provided those of you who are with an avenue for which to do so.

It's also important to recall that 'Sap is only over the course of the last handful of games, regaining the form he had prior to his early December injury, Barton is only now after about 20 games back from injury starting to get his legs under him, Murray has yet to fully recover from numerous leg and elbow injuries he's played through and Harris has been in and out of the lineup all season and has YET to gain his trademark consistency. Why are we so quick to assume that IT who missed an entire season is finito after a mere six games played? He looks NO less rusty than Barton did one week ago IMHO.

A fair argument can be made that 20 games is not enough time to get IT up to speed and that alone is worth ending the experiment. That places entirely too much faith however, in two very young guards in Monte/Malik, who are for the first time in their careers making a contribution. It also throws away the book of common playoff knowledge that states clearly, as illustrated both in numbers and anecdotally, that experience and star power are at a premium above inexperienced talent.

I'm of the opinion that people who wish to end the IT experience are falling into the trappings of focusing far too much on the here and now and not on the end goal. IT will never be new again but if things go right, we'll be thankful to see him shine in a Nuggets uniform.

The Rx for integrating IT into the lineup is below (see food for thought) mmmmm... sea food.

I'd like to sprinkle in some seasoning for this clam bake, adding that when he's paired with Monte, he should be playing off the ball and Monte should be instructed to be the primary ball handler so that more of IT's shots come from within the offense, as a catch and shoot option where he's always been deadly.

Sorry for the lack of in-depth pre-game analysis on your squad Spurs fans but IT has been a hot button topic in Denver that I wanted to address. I would also like to ask if I was fed bad information by you guys last time and if "The Crocodile" Is indeed Aldridge's local nickname? Either way I'm sticking with it and I'd almost prefer that it is bullshit as that is the type of legend that produces a proper nickname. None of this Manimal/Swaggy Pee nonsense.

Here are some numbers you can use:

San Antonio gives up 111.2 PPG by their opponents on average, to Denver's 107.2

The Spurs average 112.0 PPG offensively to the Nuggets 112.2

This results in a net rating for San Antonio of +0.8 and +5.0 for Denver

San Antonio is an impressive 24-7 at home while Denver is 15-14 away from the friendly confines of The Pepsi Can.

In terms of conference record, the Spurs are 25-19 to the Nuggets 27-12 mark which is important only in as much as understanding the strength of schedule involved, as the Western Conference has been as much as ever, the stiffer competition

Denver of course is 2nd in the Western Conference standings, just 1.5 games behind the Warriors while San Antonio currently resides in 8th place in the Western Conference, 9.5 games out.

When it comes to the other meaningful statistical box-score production the comparison is as follows:

(team with advantage in bold)
SAS: RPG 44.5 APG 24.3 SPG 6.1 BPG 4.5 FG% 47.7 FT% 82.3 3% 40.2

DEN: RPG 46.9 APG 27.6 SPG 7.9 BPG 4.5 FG% 46.9 FT% 75.4 3% 35.4

The numbers on whole are are fairly even but as anyone who reads my piece knows, I don't believe any statistic or even a complex, predictive conglomeration of statistics are nearly as accurate in indicating actual results as are the unquantifiable variables of "Mo & flow™" momentum and the ability to find the zone.

To that end, the Nuggets have won 13 of their last 20 & 5 of their last 10 games, while the Spurs have been victorious in 11 of their last 20 & 3 of their last 10.

There are of course many other variables at play including match-ups; styles make fights. For example, Aldridge traditionally torches the Nuggets but at least on this night, Denver has the services of Millsap who doesn't necessarily match-up well with the deadly mid-range shooting of Aldridge but at least this means that Jokic can stay out of foul trouble and avoid exerting defensive energy unnecessarily.

San Antonio is ELITE from both beyond the arc and from the free throw line. Giving up a fair percentage from three is inevitable. It's what the 2019 Nuggets do unfortunately, so limiting the amount of trips to the line, particularly for DeRozan will be crucial to stealing a W, in one of the toughest environments of which to do so in the NBA.

For this young Nuggets group, (fourth youngest in the NBA; they were the youngest at the start of the season but tank-moves made by CHI/NY/PHO have rendered them younger, since) individual consistency is simply not a thing so it's more difficult to predict how a player will contribute based upon trends; particularly so as the starters begin filtering back from injury and roles are altered/redefined in the coming games. Jokic has been consistently good but in different ways seemingly every night. The Nuggets have missed more man-games to injury by a wide margin, than any team in the league. This includes three starters having played fewer games than they have missed. As they and IT are worked back into the rotation, neither can team consistency be expected.

Having said that, Big Honey is a legit MVP candidate and an emerging superstar, while Murray is coming into his own as Robin to The Joker's Batman (I'm not certain how that works either) while Millsap/Harris provide secondary options when things get problematic on offense; simultaneously carrying the bulk of the defensive burden and Barton is the much needed secondary ball handler/play-maker for when things go awry; a natural scorer/creator and the Nuggets boast one of the deepest benches in the league, even without Lyles and MPJ.

When Jokic gets a 3D at home, over the course of his career, the Nuggets are undefeated and only once in his 28 career 3D's have the Nuggets lost. In short, these are not hollow, stat seeking ventures but Jokic playing within the offense. He's come up short of a 3D no less than a dozen times this season alone, by one or two P/R/A due to the Nuggets leading big and his sitting out fourth quarters. In such occasions he can be found laughing and cheering his teammates on from the pine.

The man cares about one thing only and that is winning. Ok two things... deriding officials being the other. Let's make that four actually. Dancing (poorly/datedly) and hurling children into the sky. I guess he also likes horses and fish stew. He cares a lot come to think of it, just not about 3D's or indeed any statistic other than W's.

It can not be overstated what an advantage it is to have two creators in P&R sets in Jokic/Murray, a seven footer who played PG as a youth and a 6'4 PG who played C as a youth, who are able to swap roles seamlessly. Murray is widely regarded as the best screen-setter on the team while it's well documented what a virtuoso Big Honey is in terms of distribution.

I do expect the Nuggets' rotation to tighten up a bit, so it will likely be a nine man unit, which leaves Craig/Juancho and likely Lyles upon return, out.

Food for thought: With Harris again starting, this is what Denver's rotation should consist of:

PG Murray/Morris/IT

SG Harris/IT/Beasley

SF Barton/Harris/Beasley

PF Millsap/Plumlee

C Jokic/Plumlee

A combination unique amongst the NBA, of being very small in positions 1-3 while exceptionally large at the 4-5. For this to work Plumlee has got to curtail his fouling, Jokic has GOT to stop taking "Jokic only" fouls to prove a point to officials and defensive communication has got to be at a premium. Got it? Or as the immortal Syd Barrett might say, "Have you got it yet?" Do yourself a favor and click that link which illustrates his tragic brilliance as succinctly as can be displayed without listening to his innovative music. It goes without saying, you should of course explore that too, particularly Pink Floyd's '67 Debut album "The Piper at the Gates of Dawn" and his final solo album from '70, "Barrett."

Prediction: Denver (lap ) 105 - San Antonio 111

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If you are viewing the pre-game version of the TPM piece; and you enjoy Gonzo-basketball reporting, I invite you to please join me after the game where the same link will lead you to the post game version. In it, all of the disjointed/unsightly blanks below will be filled, complete with data/analysis and more snark than "Snarknado VI: Snakenado", which I'm told is about a pessimistic, albino, black mamba who emerges from micro-bursts to torment the people of Los Angeles with shady tweets.

There be monsters; shameless, personal plug alert by permission of Denver Stiffs: If you are in the market for clothing, featuring the four major Denver sports franchises as well as CU, please open this link in a new tab to see if there is anything you are interested in. You don't have to order from the link of course if you are in the Denver Metro area, as I'm more than happy to meet up with you (please refrain from bringing rotten tomatoes), drastically lowering the cost, as Poshmark takes a healthy cut as well as shipping & handling. Thanks in advance!

Unique, hard to find, one of a kind and custom gear of your favorite team

Also, my DIY music production and videos can be heard/seen here if you don't value your ear-balls & eye-drums.

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And now what none of you come here for; how about some basketball nerdery?!?!

(After these messages... Er Nicknames)

San Antonio Spurs Roster

NO	Name	POS	Age	HT	WT	College	Salary
12	LaMarcus "El Cocodrilo" Aldridge	PF	33	6' 11"	260 lbs	Texas	$22,347,015
18	Marco "Life Is Beautiful" Belinelli	G	32	6' 5"	210 lbs	Italia	$6,153,846
42	Davis "The Brow" Bertans	SF	26	6' 10"	225 lbs	Latvia	$7,000,000
33	Dante "Randal" Cunningham	SF	31	6' 8"	230 lbs	Villanova	$2,487,000
10	DeMar "De Myth" DeRozan	SG	29	6' 7"	220 lbs	USC	$27,739,975
14	Drew "Bob" Eubanks	PF	21	6' 10"	245 lbs	Oregon State	G-Money
11	Bryn "Top 100" Forbes	G	25	6' 3"	190 lbs	Michigan State	$3,125,000
16	Pau "The Great Petrolio" Gasol	C	38	7' 0"	250 lbs	Espania	$16,800,000
22	Rudy "Not That There's Anything Wrong With That" Gay	SF	32	6' 8"	230 lbs	Connecticut	$10,087,200
7	Chimezie "Me Too" Metu	PF	21	6' 10"	225 lbs	USC	$838,464
8	Patty "Was Once Charged For Traveling During A Walkabout" Mills	PG	30	6' 0"	180 lbs	Saint Mary's	$11,571,429
26	Ben "The Painter" Moore	PF	23	6' 8"	220 lbs	SMU	$1,349,383
5	Dejounte "BillMurray" Murray	PG	22	6' 5"	170 lbs	Washington	$1,544,951
25	Jakob "The Turtle" Poeltl	C	23	7' 0"	230 lbs	Utah	$2,947,320
3	Quincy "Bust A Move" Pondexter	SF	30	6' 7"	230 lbs	Washington	$1,512,601
1	Lonnie "Lineage" Walker IV	SG	20	6' 5"	205 lbs	Miami (FL)	$2,357,160
4	Derrick "Off" White	PG	24	6' 4"	190 lbs	Colorado	$1,667,160

Denver Nuggets Roster

NO	Name	POS	Age	HT	WT	College	Salary
5	Will "The People's Champion" Barton	SG	27	6' 6"	190 lbs	Memphis	$11,830,358
25	"Mutant" Malik Beasley	SG	22	6' 5"	195 lbs	Florida State	$1,773,840
3	Torrey "FUCKING" Craig	SF	27	6' 7"	215 lbs	USC Upstate	$2,000,000
2	Brandon "Hopefully Contributes To Many The" Goodwin	PG	23	6' 2"	180 lbs	Florida Gulf Coast	$630,032
14	"Just" Gary Harris	SG	24	6' 4"	210 lbs	Michigan State	$16,517,857
41	Juancho "The Mouthful" Hernangomez	PF	23	6' 9"	230 lbs	Espana	$2,166,360
15	Nikola "Big Honey" Jokic (AKA The Joker)	C	23	7' 0"	250 lbs	Gotham	$24,605,181
20	Tyler "Not just Anunobody" Lydon	PF	22	6' 10"	225 lbs	Syracuse	$1,874,640
7	Trey "The Swiss Army Spork" Lyles	PF	23	6' 10"	234 lbs	Kentucky	$3,364,249
4	Paul "The Anchorman" Millsap	PF	33	6' 8"	246 lbs	Louisiana Tech	$29,230,769
11	Monte "Ratio" Morris	PG	23	6' 3"	175 lbs	Iowa State	$1,349,383
27	Jamal "The Blue Arrow" Murray	PG	21	6' 4"	207 lbs	Kentucky	$3,499,800
24	Mason "Plumdog Millionaire" Plumlee	PF	28	6' 11"	235 lbs	Duke	$12,917,808
1	Michael "The Sleeper Cell" Porter Jr.	PF	20	6' 10"	210 lbs	Missouri	$2,894,160
0	Isaiah "Ice" Thomas	PG	29	5' 9"	185 lbs	Washington	$1,512,601
8	Jarred "The Amalgamated Version Of A Dude I Once Bought Weed From On Haight Ashbury" Vanderbilt	PF	19	6' 9"	214 lbs	Kentucky	$838,464
45	Thomas "Irvine" Welsh	C	22	7' 0"	255 lbs	UCLA	G-Money

Update: MPJ is still waiting to make his Denver Nuggets/pro debut as he rehabs from multiple back surgeries. Lyles is out with a Hammy. Wow! That was short! As for the Spurs, Murray is still out indefinitely with a knee injury while Forbes is a game time decision with a calf injury.

Re-up: Yes I'm aware that trades have been made and the above roster for the opposing team is inaccurate. Hopefully you are aware that the fan-post format isn't equipped to make adjustments to the above template so it often results in entire pieces being destroyed and or hours of work being lost. Simply put, it's not worth the additional effort/risk to change once the Nuggets have faced an opponent once. No disrespect intended. Tune in next season and I assure you the first time Denver plays your team, the roster will be up to date :)

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Data:

TPM™ Game 63 SAS (Starters in bold)

Nikola Jokic: +22

Jamal Murray: +32

Gary Harris: +7

Monte Morris: +0

Paul Millsap: +2

Isaiah Thomas: +9

Mason Plumlee: -8

Will Barton: -7

Malik Beasley: +17

Juancho: N/A

Torrey Craig: +3

Jared Vanderbilt: N/A

Thomas Welsh: N/A

Tyler Lydon: G-league

Brandon Goodwin: G-league

Trey Lyles: Injured

Michael Porter Jr.: Injured

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Total TPM™

Nikola Jokic: 62 games +1437

Jamal Murray: 57 games +983

Gary Harris: 38 games +493

Monte Morris: 63 games +737

Paul Millsap: 51 games +471

Isaiah Thomas: 7 games 62

Mason Plumlee: 63 games +515

Will Barton: 24 games +191

Malik Beasley: 63 games +496

Juancho: 58 games -5

Torrey Craig: 59 games -11

Jared Vanderbilt: 6 games +12

Thomas Welsh: 9 games +18

Tyler Lydon: 24 games -2

Brandon Goodwin: 16 games +28

Trey Lyles: 55 games +303

Michael Porter Jr.: 0 games +0

Nick Young: 3 games -2

DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell: 6 games +5

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Avg. TPM™ Per Game

Nikola Jokic: +23.18

Jamal Murray: +17.25

Gary Harris: +12.97

Monte Morris: +11.70

Paul Millsap: +9.24

Isaiah Thomas:+8.86

Mason Plumlee: +8.17

Will Barton: +7.96

Malik Beasley: +7.87

Juancho: -0.09

Torrey Craig: -0.19

Jared Vanderbilt: +2.00

Thomas Welsh: +2.00

Tyler Lydon: -0.08

Brandon Goodwin: +1.75

Trey Lyles: +5.70

Michael Porter Jr.: N/A

Nick Young: -0.67

DeVaughn Akoon-Purcell: +0.83

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TPM™ Per-Minute Splits Through Game 60:

*Credit DomP on the Spreadsheet. It's as if my (nerdy) baby (TPM™) learned to speak

Qtr1- For only the fourth time this season, the Nuggets go with their opening night starting five, consisting of Murray, Harris, Barton, Millsap & Jokic. The Spurs counter with White, Forbes, DeRozan, Aldridge & Poeltl. Big Honey is sporting his ruby slippers tonight in case things go south early, Problem being that this is a road trip, not just a one and done. The Spurs score seven straight to open the game and Barton is disengaged against the dangerous DeRozan. Denver is 0-4 prior to an alley-oop from Gary to Will. The Nuggets trail by six at the time of the first break at 7:42. The Spurs are choosing not to double Jokic so he's being posted up with positive results. Poeltl nabs his second foul and checks out, which is huge given how undermanned this team is at the 5.

He's replaced by Gay, moving LA over to the 4. This has the unfortunate effect for Denver of forcing Jokic to defend LA. The Spurs lead by 10 as Malik/Plumlee are first off the pine for the good guys at 5:30. Monte is also in following a commercial break at 4:15. Denver is ice cold and now trail by 12 with 3:00 remaining. Barton is predictably struggling to stay ahead of DeRozan defensively and he's 0-3 from distance on the other end. IT enters for him at 1:24, trailing by 13. Plumlee has his second foul already and Denver can do no right & they are doubled up 34-17 with 43 seconds remaining, as the Spurs enter the bonus. Jokic = 3-4, the rest of the team = 4-18 from the floor. May as well click those heels together Nikola. Denver is paced in TPM by Nikola Jokic/Jamal Murray: +3 as they've already lost this one it would seem, 36-17 after one. Blame this one on IT Stiffs!

Nikola Jokic: +3 Jamal Murray: +3 Gary Harris: +2 Monte Morris: -3 Paul Millsap: -5 Isaiah Thomas: -2 Mason Plumlee: -2 Will Barton: -4 Malik Beasley: +2 Juancho: N/A Torrey Craig: N/A Jared Vanderbilt: N/A Thomas Welsh: N/A

Qtr2- Torrey is in to open the second, trailing by 19 and he immediately clanks one from three. The defense seems to be more sound for the Nuggets however with Barton on the bench. "Best tipper on his tippy-toes in the NBA, Nikola Jokic" says Marlowe after The Joker cuts it to 18 on a tip-in. The Nuggets are going with four guards + Jokic and cut it to 14 on a layup by Malik. Big Honey is first to reach double digits for Denver as they trail by 16 at 5:40. The starters - Jokic + Craig are in tact at 5:08, down 14. To his credit, Torrey has played some energetic and sound minutes thus-far. The officials have swallowed their whistles this period until DeRozan is T-ed up with 4:34 to go. Jamal cuts it to 13 at the line. 'Sap as the aggressor, is getting the better end of the whistle/non-whistle vs LA and he cuts it to 11 at 3:50 as Denver has some mo & flow for the first time tonight.

The Anchorman is starting to really assert his will down low. Denver is 2-15 from downtown and Jokic is forced to re-enter after a very short blow, trailing by 14 at 3:12. The starting unit is now in tact to close out the half. Murray is being allowed to shoot by the Spurs as they go under every screen and he's simply failing to make them pay. Barton may as well rotate to the secondary man defensively as he is hopelessly behind his man after every screen. Jokic assists on, then scores on B2B baskets and the lead is down to ten with just over a minute remaining. Major props to this Nuggets squad for not surrendering after a dreadful first period, to make this a game at halftime. Denver is paced in TPM by Jamal Murray/Malik Beasley: +11 as they trail 48-58 at the half

Nikola Jokic: +8 Jamal Murray: +11 Gary Harris: +4 Monte Morris: -1 Paul Millsap: -1 Isaiah Thomas: +3 Mason Plumlee: -2 Will Barton: -5 Malik Beasley: +11 Juancho: N/A Torrey Craig: +2 Jared Vanderbilt: N/A Thomas Welsh: N/A

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Qtr3- I just caught this quote from Coach Malone that I couldn't agree more with, via Chris Dempsey:

Back to our story... yes back to our story. If Denver is to pull this one out, Barton is going to have to catch fire offensively to make up for his dreadfully distant, defensive deficiencies. Murray sticks a three and it's a seven point game. The teams exchange buckets through the first three minutes and it remains a seven point game at 8:55. The three-ball is beginning to fall and 'Sap draws the second offensive foul on LA. Murray cuts it to five, forcing Pop to call a timeout at 8:08 and in doing so becomes the second player to reach double digits for Denver. It doesn't appear that these Spurs are welcome to Marlowe's famous half-time orange slices. Atta boy Chris! You see Jokic, when 'Sap complains to the refs, they listen. You know why right? Moving right along, Jokic just got called for a charge against Bertans who was both moving, & reaching AND within the circle.

Gary cuts it to three from downtown at 5:55, prior to Belly answering with Harris right on him. Big Honey is on 3D watch with 19-9-5. Two straight threes after Harris checks out for the Spurs and the lead is up to 11. Plumlee and Barton are brutal in their three point defense tonight. San Antonio is starting to get the favorable whistle now that they have the momentum. They lead by 12 as IT/Sap check in for Jokic/Barton at 3:05. Denver is shooting to draw fouls as opposed to shooting with the intent to score which is never a good idea, particularly so when the whistle favors the other squad. The biggest factor in the Spurs resurgence appears to be Denver removing Harris and his perimeter D. Plumlee and Barton have really been the only negative impact players for DENVER OVERALL, BUT THEY HAVE BEEN, MASSIVELY SO. Didn't mean to yell there, but fuck it. Meant to curse there, however. Jokic has a 2D with 19-10-5. Denver is paced in TPM by Nikola Jokic: +20 as they trail 69-85 after three.

Nikola Jokic: +23 Jamal Murray: +15 Gary Harris: +4 Monte Morris: +1 Paul Millsap: -1 Isaiah Thomas: +3 Mason Plumlee: -7 Will Barton: -1 Malik Beasley: +10 Juancho: N/A Torrey Craig: +2 Jared Vanderbilt: N/A Thomas Welsh: N/A

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Qtr4- The Nuggets obviously have their work cut out for them, trailing by 16 heading into the fourth. The real problem with these IT lineups as I see it is they are all standing around watching him and refusing to shoot when he passes it to them, open or not. The lead remains 16 for the Spurs after three minutes of action and Denver is running out of time. Jokic enters at 8:51, trailing by 17. Beasley converts on an &-1 and cuts it to 14. Harris re-enters at this point. Lets see if he can make the same defensive impact he did in the third. Malik becomes just the third player to reach double digits for Denver. B2B threes for Jokic/'Sap and it's a 12 point lead. Denver just can seem to capitalize in transition or in getting stops defensively tonight, by converting on the other end. Murray cuts it to 11 on a three at 4:01. Two in a row for Jamal and it's down to eight with 3:02 to go. Barton may as well double off DeRozan onto someone else as he simply can not stay in front of him. Nuanced, but I realize that this is similar to my second period analysis of Barton so I'll take a lap. Screw that; not my fault he's failing to adjust! B2B three's by Murray & Barton and the lead is down to four at 1:31. The Spurs will be in the bonus with the next Denver foul. Murray sticks yet another three and the lead is one with 45 seconds to go.

After another defensive stop for Denver, he attempts a step-back heat-check three which BARELY misses. The ball goes out off of Gay but it's being reviewed. It looks like Denver will have the ball with the shot clock off and 13.7 seconds to go. The officials are taking their sweet ass time in reviewing it and all angles seemed inconclusive. It's confirmed, Denver ball which is obviously huge. Murray misses a relatively easy and VERY early floater, 'Sap boards it and it's again out of bounds off of Gay. The Nuggets will now inbound with 8.4 seconds remaining and one timeout left. I've preemptively deleted the "Nuggets win" gif for good luck. Jokic has an impossible look swatted by two people on a terribly executed play and that is how to keep a seven year streak of losing in San Antonio in tact. Denver fouls Gay who inexplicably misses both. Denver advances the ball with a timeout and can win it with a three or tie with a deuce, with 3 seconds to go. Harris is fouled wisely by the Spurs, who had a foul to give. Now Jokic inbounds with 2.4 seconds to go he gets it in to Gary who's shot rattles out at the horn. Hell of a second half but one shitty, disheartening result. Denver is paced in TPM by Jamal Murray: +32 as they endure a devastating defeat in Texas, 103-104.

Nikola Jokic: +22 Jamal Murray: +32 Gary Harris: +7 Monte Morris: +0 Paul Millsap: +2 Isaiah Thomas: +9 Mason Plumlee: -8 Will Barton: -7 Malik Beasley: +17 Juancho: N/A Torrey Craig: +3 Jared Vanderbilt: N/A Thomas Welsh: N/A

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We Suck Again!

Final Thoughts: So like... they've gotta play the barely-recovered Harris for 48 minutes in order to play any amount of perimeter D? Also, I promise to never delete the victory gif, or at least to mention it, until victory is at hand. This one's on me Stiffs. Barton needs to start showing some genuine interest on the defensive side of the ball and in boxing out. I can't wait to see all of the cherry picked, disembodied statistics indicating that this one was on IT tonight.

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For context pertaining to the statistical aspects of this piece, please open this link: TPM™

A brief statement with regard to this piece on whole:

As a means to avoid repeating myself I will include this descriptive diatribe in all TPM posts going forward.

Sure I like statistics; ever since I was a child collecting sports cards and later a pre-teen who ran pre-internet fantasy sports leagues on ink/paper/spreadsheet for the four major US pro-leagues, I've been fascinated by box-score stats but I'm by no means an expert.

I created TPM (which has been around longer than RPM incidentally and unlike them, I fully disclose my non-proprietary system and I contextualize the action rather than being a boring, mysterious, predictive metric) because it does add immediate and accessible context to what we see and what the numbers indicate, which I like.

While the data is meticulously tracked and demonstrably sound, I'm a creative type, not an engineer. Algorithm is the bane of my existence in fact. I'd far rather approach life with the intrigue of expected surprise than attempt to get to the bottom of why things are the way they are. There are many engineers in my family so I totally understand that joy can be derived from finding solutions to problems, I just can't relate. It's not fun for me. THIS is for the most part, not fun for me.

Now I'm a 42 year old man who was born the year after the team I love joined the NBA. I happen to have a lifetime of experience with this sport in several different capacities, including playing (highly underrated within the writing community) so I understand basketball theory in a way most (by no means all) pundits do not.

I was in this case interested in a data-driven approach, which if I'm honest has sapped nearly all fun out of taking in games for me. I get very few days/nights off during the season. One piece requires several hours of research and data entry and all tracking/analysis is done in real time and published mere moments after each game's completion, 82 times (more this season) per year.

As such, the analysis portion is about 90% (I've run the numbers) creative writing with sarcasm generally indicated through italics, non-sequitur humor and hyperbole, in an attempt to steal back some of the joy this endeavor has snatched away.

Hopefully there is a little something here for everyone but if you came just for data or are averse to colorful language, this is not the place for you. I have no way of knowing how many people even read this so I'll not be affected even remotely if you choose not to indulge. For those of you who do, I greatly thank you for the support.

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