For the third time this preseason, the Nuggets came out victorious - defeating the Golden State Warriors 104-98. The Nuggets were led by Danilo Gallinari's 18 points (6-12 shooting), Kosta Koufos' 13 rebounds (8 offensive), and Andre Iguodala's 7 assists.
If you're keeping tabs on the center position, for the third game in a row we saw a different starter. Timofey Mozgov got his chance to start in the middle tonight and responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds in 16 minutes of action. JaVale McGee played 19 minutes and scored 9 points and just 4-12 shooting. McGee also grabbed 4 rebounds (3 offensive) and 1 block, but committed 4 turnovers on the night. Koufos played just 16 minutes and put up 6 points and the previously mentioned team-high 13 rebounds.
Jordan Hamilton had a strong night in just 18 minutes of action - scoring 11 points on 4-9 shooting (3-6 from deep). Gallo (2-7) and Iguodala (1-6) combined to shoot 3-13 from downtown. Gallo's long distance shooting has looked pretty good in the preseason; while Iguodala has had a little bit of an issue connecting from the outside. Hamilton could easily make a role for himself as a sharp-shooter this season and expand his game/role from there.
After not getting any playing time against the Spurs, Anthony Randolph was back in action tonight. He played 13 minutes and scored 7 points (3-8 shooting) and grabbed 6 rebounds (1 offensive). Randolph is very comfortable playing on the perimeter and he's a nice mix to Kenneth Faried's inside game, but he's got to get inside and mix it up a little more. He has an aggressive side to him and might play a little better with some fire in him. I continue to be, like many others before me, enamored with Randolph's physical tools ... will be fun to see how he develops in Denver.
On to the links ...
Sizing Up Small Ball - Zach Lowe, Grantland.com
A nice read about what teams are doing to contend against the Miami Heat.
Seattle officials approve NBA arena deal as threat of lawsuit looms - Jonathan Kominsky, Reuters
Self-explanatory title here folks.
Delonte West suspended by Mavs - Tim MacMahon, ESPN Dallas
Things not going well for West again, sad to hear as he's a valuable player.
ESPN's "NBA Countdown" will undergo a talent shake-up this season. The new crew is supposedly going to be: Magic Johnson, Michael Wilbon, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons. I'm not sure how well Simmons will mix with that crew, but he should provide some laughs as the "pop culture/off the wall guy".