Nuggets week: 3 wins with defense, consistency

This week brought more highs and lows for the Denver Nuggets. The week consisted of three wins and a loss. The wins came against Phoenix (17-9), Oklahoma City (12-12) and Houston (14-11). The single loss came in New Orleans (11-13) against Chris Paul’s Hornets.

The wins this week were more than just wins because each win said a lot about the character of the team. By beating Phoenix, Denver has now played and beaten every playoff-bound team in the West except Dallas. This win cemented Denver as the No. 2 team behind the Los Angeles Lakers. The win came in an unfamiliar fashion for both Denver and Phoenix. Denver won the game with defense. It held the high-scoring, run-and-gun Suns to under 100 points, only the fourth time this has happened all season. The new passion for defense displayed by Denver was the high of the week.

The Oklahoma City game was also a game that proved the Nuggets are for real. In a game where there was absolutely no energy or rhythm, the Nuggets were content to grind out the fourth quarter of the game. In years past, Denver would have started to force action by turning the game into a fast- break, run-and-gun, one-on-one style of game. This shows that players like Carmelo Anthony and J.R. Smith have matured into championship-caliber players. It also proved that the Nuggets can bring consistency with their play, another high of the week.

The Houston game was another win for the Nuggets, but it also brought the low for the week. Chauncey Billups left the game with a strained his left groin, and it has become a day-to-day injury. He will most likely return against Atlanta on Wednesday in Denver.

Friday night’s game in New Orleans was the single loss of the week. Without Billups in the lineup, the Nuggets lacked leadership and rhythm. You hope this is the last time it will be said this season, but if Denver is going to succeed, it must stay healthy.

The All-Star voting is officially over, and the voting is a low for the NBA. A high importance is placed on making the All-Star team. This year proves that being an All-Star shouldn’t be held to such a high standard. Anthony has received a large number of votes, but it’s looking like he might be the only Nugget to make the team. Houston’s Tracy McGrady was receiving a lot of votes, even though he has been injured most of the season and has played only a few games. Nene should be in the All-Star game this year, but because it is becoming a popularity contest, it looks as if he will get the snub.

In the coming week, Denver will look to continue its consistent play against Memphis on the road Sunday afternoon, and then against playoff-caliber teams Atlanta (Wednesday at home) and Portland (Friday in Portland).