Nuggets Closing In on Los Angeles Faults; Not Alone

With 19 games remaining, Dallas stride-for-stride to their left, and Utah grabbing at their laces from behind, Denver can still keep a visual on the front-running Lakers.

At 42-21, the Nuggets are having the winningest season in their storied franchise history. With that in mind, they still sit 5 games back of the rival Lakers in the West. But coming down the stretch L.A. has carelessly stumbled upon a 3-game losing streak, unseen since the 2008 season.

A long way from a wish to make the playoffs, the hungry Nuggets and their fans now expect bigger, greater things; winning the division and getting to the conference finals. With such a great season keeping the expectation alive, surging Dallas and the pesky Jazz have decided to join the race to the finish.

Just to keep pace, Denver must maintain their winning gallop. After taking 7 of their last 10, the Nuggets go into a 2-day break coming off a secure stomping of the divisional Portland Blazers. George Karl, alongside his team of players and supporters, displayed a fresh look to the starting lineup tonight. Coach Karl substituted the French Wall in Johan Petro for the injured Kenyon Martin. Rookie Ty Lawson sat yet another game after injuring his shoulder last Sunday against the Lose…I mean Lakers.

Despite the injuries and the rotation shakeup, Carmelo Anthony rounded out a dominant night with 30 points. J.R. Smith made the most of his 29 minutes, scoring 22 points, and the Nuggets won as they should have, brushing aside Portland 118-106.

With no moves made at the break, and Denver managing to overcome a string of injuries & rehab to lead the Northwest Division, the usually constrained feelings I see in this team have suddenly broken free.

We must come to terms with this medley of rough, smooth, fresh & big athletes. They are the best chance Denver has had and will have for a Championship run over the next 2-3 years.

The Rough: Chris “Birdman” Andersen and Kenyon Martin regulate the paint for the Nuggets while J.R. Smith regulates the beating hearts of onlookers.

When not breaking ankles and smoking opponents, Anderson and Martin know how their roles, which include intimidate at the rim and kick out to the arch.

Great at dropping jaws and wearing seat edges, Smith is the best puzzle piece we force to fit in its place. If you stare at it long enough, you may actually see a ball player.

The Smooth: “Mr. Big Shot” and Melo are the floor managers.

Chauncey is averaging 20 points and nearly 6 assists per game. Melo has been abusing the nylon for 29 points per game this season. There is no argument that this season is built around and balanced on these two men’s shoulders.

The Fresh: Additions of the fast paced Ty Lawson and the hot-handed Aaron Afflalo have landed youth and experience in one basket.

Lawson seems at ease since his days in North Carolina, still driving up the court as though he is being timed.

Afflalo has been a consistent contributor through 62 games this season.

The Big: After doubts swirled above fans heads about Nene’s toughness inside at the beginning of this season, the big Brazilian Center has gone toe-to-toe with every big-name Center in the league.

Averaging 14 points per game, Nene’s quick step and smooth touch have encouraged Coach Karl and others to lean on “The Brazilian” through another run-in with Pau Gasol and the Lakers.

Last 3 Games:

Oklahoma City: 119-90 (Win)

Indiana: 122-114 (Win)

Portland: 118-106 (Win)

Next 3 Games:

@Minnesota: Wednesday

@New Orleans: Friday

@Memphis: Saturday

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