I don't have NBA league pass so I haven't been able to catch any of the nuggets games. Why are they so awesome lately? Did the coaching change really make THAT much of a difference? Last six games: Anthony points: 23, 24, 18, 26, 24, 32. Miller Assists: 6, 7, 6, 8, 15, 17, 16. If Duncan is not 110%, will they be able to avoid a repeat of Mutombo's Revenge?
Yes I think it did. The Nuggets always had the talent, but had trouble playing together as a team. George Karl is one tough cookie and managed to get through the individual egos.
nothing. they're rolling as we were rolling during that 8 game win streak. if they keep rolling then maybe they'll make some noise but just like us one day it might just turn.
I'll tell ya what he didnt compare it to was your 5-18 record from The start of December to mid January...
It's kind of funny because I remember you were not really very excited about Karl's hiring. The Nuggets have been on a great run but don't get too cocky.
I've been wondering the same thing recently, especially after watching them on TV the other night. They still don't play that great of defense and really do not have any outside shooting (outside of Wesley Person). They score from middle distance to inside the paint. I noticed they run ALOT more now than they did earlier in the season. Even the commentators for the game I recently watched mentioned they just try to outscore their opponents. I think George Karl just gave them a spark or a fire under their butts and it's not like they have had a real tough schedule since the break. They have played Phoenix twice and lost both, San Antonio twice with Duncan out and Seattle without half their roster. Outside of those teams, they have had a long string of winnable games. It's not like the Rockets who have had two west road trips against all the tops teams in the span of a month. I'm not trying to discredit the Nuggets as they do have talent, but I think they picked it up at the right time in their schedule. It will be interesting how they do in the playoffs when the other team makes them beat them from the outside.
I'll be at the Nuggets/Rockets game on Saturday, now officially dubbed "avoid an ass kicking by the Spurs night".
I think it's mainly a perfect fit between coach and team. The Nuggets suit Karl almost exactly: they're athletic and young...and almost every player is a threat. Karl would be a poor coach for the Rockets, Miami, or San Antonio, where you're dependent on a half-court game with superstars. He's a great coach for a team in which all 5 guys contribute and that is suited to run and play athletic defense.
I don't know what exactly they are doing different... are they going to the hole more? are they just hitting their shots now? what are they doing?
Nuggets remind me of the Pistons of last year Ben Wallace- Camby Rasheed- Keyon Prince- Anthony billups- andre miller
Yup, that's basically my question as well. And yes, I'm bitter that Miller did not play this good for the Clips.
From Jan 31 to Mar 16 the Rockets went 15-4 including an 8 game winning streak. During that span they beat 10 playoff teams and 2 others that were on the outside of the bubble. Of those 12 victories, 8 came on the road. Since the beginning of Jan they are 32-16. From Feb 23 to April 11 the Nuggest have gone 22-2. They've had two 8 game win streaks but nothing longer. During that span they beat only 9 playoff teams and 1 on the outisde of the bubble. Of those 10 victories only 4 came on the road. And of those 10 victories, 3 came against teams w/ serious injuy problems (i.e. injuries to key starters). Since the beginning of Jan they are 32-16. Conclusion: yeah I think he just did compare a 22-2 streak to an 8 game win streak. Both are impressive, and no question the Nugs are the hottest team in the league right now. But factor in quality of opponent and road vs. home wins and its not that much more impressive than what the Rockets have accomplished. In my opinion, I think the Rocks have shown more cause they've had a tougher schedule. Plus, they've proven to be successful in the face of adversity, w/ banged up starters and one in J. Howard who is not returning. Denver is healthy. My opinion: Impressive as the Nugs have been as of late...I don't buy it...they're a good team but I don't think it'll last in the playoffs. And of the lower seeds I'd pick the Rockets (and not just cause I'm a homer) as the team nobody wants to play because they are BUILT for the playoffs, for the 7 seven game sereis, for the half-court sets, the slow-tempo, the low-scoring, the defense.
Hollinger did a long piece correlating their good-ness with a tremendous rise in their 3 pt %, which is probably both symptomatic and causitive...
bit of a stretch.. i can maybe see camby and wallace, but then rest are completely different.. the only one of the 4 on the nuggz side that plays D is camby with his blocks. pistons suffocate, while the nuggz have better offense, individually
i shouldve elaborated more - both teams are very deep - neither team have a franchise type player - neither team has a true post up game from their big men - both of the teams have SPECIALIST type center - neither team shoots the 3 pter very well - both teams have physical inside presence
?? Denver was the 2nd worst 3 point shooting team in the league prior to Karl, but since his arrival has been near the best in the league. from the article I referred to
