Buzz Kill in Utah

Denver fans, welcome back to Earth.

The Utah Jazz hosted the Denver Nuggets in the last meeting between the two Northwest Division rivals this season.  Denver was playing its second leg of a back to back, which began with a triumphant win in LA against the Lakers.  In Friday night’s game Chauncey Billups sprained his ankle and had to take a night off.  The game was also played without Carmelo Anthony, who is still out with his ankle sprain.  Due to the schedule over the next couple weeks, this was probably the best game for Chauncey to miss because Denver has already clinched the season series against Utah.

Utah, who has crept up to second place in the division and third in the conference, is currently one of the league’s hottest teams.  Denver beat Utah earlier this season without Melo and Chauncey, but Utah found redemption.

If there is one thing that is needed in the NBA, it’s having a short memory.  After Friday’s big win, Denver dropped a game in Utah 106-116.

Consistent offense and lack of defense, which were to be expected under the circumstances, were prevalent throughout the game.  Denver was expected to lose this game, but had a couple of opportunities in the fourth quarter when they closed the deficit to six.   Deron Williams made some big shots as he had a point to prove to Ty Lawson, after the rookie owned Williams in the last meeting.

Although Denver lost this game, there is no doubt that they are the better team when healthy.

Utah’s crowd showed why they have such a strong home court advantage as ever as they felt that this was a must win game for their Jazz and wanted to help avoid another embarrassing loss to a depleted Nuggets lineup.

Aaron Afflalo came down wrong on his ankle going in for a layup, but was able to stay in the game.  The last thing Denver can afford is another injury to anyone let alone Afflalo, who has been great this season.  Nene was only able to play 21 minutes as he went out with an injury, let’s hope it’s not serious.

Birdman’s hair has been all natural for this road trip due to leaving his hair product back in Denver.  We will see if this is a possible change of look for Andersen.

George Karl played Anthony Carter a lot and AC managed to put a dunk down, maybe the only time that will happen all season.

Denver has a break until Tuesday and need to use the time to get healthy.  The Western Conference has become tight.  The Jazz are now only 2 games back.