Denver Nuggets - The Next Level [Game 3 + 4]

[Kenny]

All-Star Selections

Durant the only one in the main event

After a surprisingly hot-and-cold start to the year, the Denver Nuggets only have one player in the All-Star game. Kevin Durant will be the sole representative of the Mile High city, as he'll be on the bench for the West. He was beaten in the voting by forwards Luther Rutherford (OKC) and LeBron James (PHX). This game will be the first time the Suns' big three will be reunited since Stephen Curry signed with the Memphis Grizzlies during the off-season.

East

C: Dwight Howard (ORL)
PF: Tristan Lehmann (DET)
SF: Doran Coutts (DET)
SG: Patrick McNamara (CHA)
PG: Jason Everett (MIA)

Bench

Lawrence Coutts (TOR)
Vince Rousseau (TOR)
Luis Johnston (CHA)
Chuck O'Farrell (PHI)
Matthew Clement (CHI)
Eric Gordon (MIL)
OJ Mayo (CLE)

West

C: Ken O'Farrell (UTA)
PF: Luther Rutherford (OKC)
SF: LeBron James (PHX)
SG: Ollie Rose (LAC)
PG: Stephen Curry (MEM)

Bench

Greg Oden (PHX)
Armando Ferrer (HOU)
Kevin Durant (DEN)
Stanley Alston (LAL)
Cody Duffy (OKC)
Alejandro Carlos (SAN)
Roy Kohler (OKC)

Reed and Power to start; DDC snubbed

Denver for another year will have a starter in both teams for the Rookie Challenge. Sharp shooter Ed Reed will start at shooting guard for the Rookies, while reigning Rookie of the Year winner George Power was a surprise starting selection for the Sophomores. Teammate Dennis Da Conceicao has arguably had a better season than George Power and has an array of eye-popping dunks, but is a surprise omission from the game.

Rookies

C: Miguel Carlos (MIL)
PF: Theo Werner (NYK)
SF: Lawrence Ryan (GSW)
SG: Ed Reed (DEN)
PG: Dickey Freeman (NYK)

Bench

Murray Koch (IND)
Jesse Wolf (TOR)
Dickey Hogan (NJN)
Leon Gerard (GSW)

Sophomores

C: Archibald Sheehan (DAL)
PF: George Power (DEN)
SF: Todd Griffin (UTA)
SG: Wayne Brauer (LAL)
PG: Morgan Tuttle (ATL)

Bench

Quint Meyers (ORL)
Tristan Gray (MIL)
Victor Gil (OKC)
Artemes Kane (PHX)

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The All-Star weekend will be split up into two posts. Up next will be the Rookie Challenge.

[Andrew]

At least the Nuggets will be represented in both games. As always, hoping for at least one of your players to bring home some hardware from the Weekend!

[kibaxx7]

Greg. Freakin'. Oden. In the ASG.

[megarover]

The NBA's greatest showcase doesn't even have J.R Smith.

[Kenny]

At least the Nuggets will be represented in both games. As always, hoping for at least one of your players to bring home some hardware from the Weekend!

That's true, Kevin Durant is always a good chance for MVP and having double the chance in the Rookie Challenge is always nice.

Greg. Freakin'. Oden. In the ASG.

In this world, injury doesn't limit his potential

The NBA's greatest showcase doesn't even have J.R Smith.

It's a shame not to have him in there but it's a fun game nonetheless controlling Stanley Alston.

[Kenny]

All-Star Weekend: The Rookie Challenge

Rookies Upstage Sophomores



In a surprise result, the Rookies held on to beat the Sophomores by 66-63. Ed Reed was the top scorer for the entire game with 19 points, proving he's one of the best rookies in the league despite his limited minutes during the season. Rookie Point Guard Dickey Freeman grabbed the MVP trophy with 15 points and 9 assists, while Leon Gerard from the Warriors picked up 11 points.

As for the Sophomores, Archibald Sheehan arguably had the stat-line of the night with 14 points, 13 rebounds and 5 blocks. Utah's Todd Griffin scored 13, while last year's top rookie George Power had a return to form in this game. After a lacklustre start to the season, he turned in a solid performance for this game with 12 points, 9 rebounds and 3 blocked shots. Lakers sharp shooter Wyatt Brauer would be the last of the double-digit scorers with 10 points.

The loss was a painful one for the Sophomores, as it would represent their second defeat in the last two years, losing as Rookies in 2018. On the otherhand, the Rookies have somewhat put to bed that it has been a weak draft class this year.

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Rookies Vs Sophomores

Rookies: 66 (Reed 19, Freeman 15, Gerard 11)
Sophomores: 63 (Sheehan 14, Griffin 13, Power 12)

Rebounds

Rookies: Werner 13
Sophomores: Sheehan 13

Assists

Rookies: Freeman 9
Sophomores: Power, Tuttle 3


15 points 1 rebound 9 assists 1 steal

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The Denver Contigent


Ed Reed: 19 points 3 rebounds 1 assist 1 steal


George Power: 12 points 9 rebounds 3 assists 3 blocks 1 steal

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Gallery


Archibald Sheehan was the pick of the Sophomores


Todd Griffin with a LeBron-esque dunk

[megarover]

Ed Reed had a pretty nice game. How good is that rookie Dickey Freeman seeing as how he is on the knicks.

[Andrew]

Shame Reed couldn't take home MVP honours, nor Power get the hardware and a victory for the Sophomores. At least the game showed the right player being presented with the trophy though.

[rise]

Greg. Freakin'. Oden. In the ASG.

lol that happened to me once in Live 03 too. In that same ASG, Kahn's prediction of Darko becoming an All-Star came true as well.

Not a bad game form Reed.

[Warlock95]

Archibald Sheehan was the pick of the Sophomores

Is that Luke Walton on the left side?

[Andrew]

No, that's a generated rookie.

[Houndy]

You do realize that we're in like 2019, right?

[Kenny]

Ed Reed had a pretty nice game. How good is that rookie Dickey Freeman seeing as how he is on the knicks.

He's pretty good but I was surprised by his selection for MVP; his performance didn't seem as great as Archibald Sheehan or Ed Reed.

Shame Reed couldn't take home MVP honours, nor Power get the hardware and a victory for the Sophomores. At least the game showed the right player being presented with the trophy though.

The Sprite Performer of the Game was actually Archibald Sheehan but when I saw Freeman with the trophy, I thought I'd discount that fact since it's not the one that's going to show up on the trophy itself. I really thought Reed would be the one taking it home if it wasn't Sheehan. I liked Power's performance as well. He definitely stepped it up a notch from where he's been during the season.

Greg. Freakin'. Oden. In the ASG.

lol that happened to me once in Live 03 too. In that same ASG, Kahn's prediction of Darko becoming an All-Star came true as well.

Not a bad game form Reed.

I don't think it's the first time Oden has been in the game either (in fact, he may have been a starter one year, but I can't remember at this point). Darko definitely hasn't made it my story though... he just faded into oblivion like I thought he would a few seasons ago.

Is that Luke Walton on the left side?

No, that's a generated rookie.

You do realize that we're in like 2019, right?

If Luke Walton was still in the game, he'd be sitting on my IR being the only Laker player I like other than Shannon Brown

Also he'd be far from being a rookie/sophomore player and I'm pretty sure he's white... the player in question is Wyatt Brauer.

[Kenny]

All-Star Weekend: The Main Event

West Continues Dominance Over East



The Western Conference All-Stars once again flexed their muscles over a sub-par East with an 82-74 win. The two shining lights of the game for the West were no other than the top two picks of the 2007 NBA draft. Greg Oden took home the hardware with 18 points, 11 rebounds, 1 block and 3 steals, while his draft class partner Kevin Durant equalled his scoring effort with 18 points of his own. Stanley Alston was the next best with 9 points, while a host of other players scored slightly less significant tallies.

The East side had 4 double-digit scorers with MVP candidate Patrick McNamara leading all of them with 20 points. Heat point guard Jason Everett had a double-double with 13 points and 10 assists. Dwight Howard (13 rebounds) and Tristan Lehmann (12 rebounds) also picked up double-doubles with 12 points each.

Another year has gone past and the undeniable depth of the West prevailed once again. With the exception of Patrick McNamara, the MVP race is dominated by the West and has been for several years now.

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East Vs West

West: 82 (Durant 18, Oden 18, Alston 9)
East: 74 (McNamara 20, Everett 13, Howard 12)

Rebounds

West: Oden 11
East: Howard 13

Assists

West: James, Oden, Rose 3
East: Everett 10


18 points 11 rebounds 1 block 3 steals

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The Denver Contingent


Kevin Durant: 18 points 2 rebounds 1 block

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Gallery


McNamara did his best to turn the tide


Howard Vs Oden was the highlight of the game. This was one of Howard's 3 blocks

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Things will be back to normal after this. A 5 game summary will be up next

[Axel The Great]

Sucks to not see Power or Reed take MVP.

If this dynasty is something to go by, the West will continue to be better than the East in the next decade. Good to see a handful of real players in the ASG though.

[Houndy]

That pic of Dwight is beast

[megarover]

The East just can't seem to get a win. 8 years later D12 is still sending shots into the stands.

[Andrew]

The Sprite Performer of the Game was actually Archibald Sheehan but when I saw Freeman with the trophy, I thought I'd discount that fact since it's not the one that's going to show up on the trophy itself. I really thought Reed would be the one taking it home if it wasn't Sheehan. I liked Power's performance as well. He definitely stepped it up a notch from where he's been during the season.

I stand corrected. Good decision.

You should've gone nuts and scored over 30 with Durant, racked up a few assists here and there and forced some rebounds for the MVP.

[Kenny]

Sucks to not see Power or Reed take MVP.

If this dynasty is something to go by, the West will continue to be better than the East in the next decade. Good to see a handful of real players in the ASG though.

It was a shame I didn't get the MVP with either of them but it's not something I'm particularly worried about anymore since I've done it. I only thing I really want to achieve in this game (apart from more championships) is a Most Improved Player trophy. That one remains illusive.

That pic of Dwight is beast

I was happy with how it turned out as well

The East just can't seem to get a win. 8 years later D12 is still sending shots into the stands.

And still the starting centre in the East, it's been a great career for him in my dynasty.

The Sprite Performer of the Game was actually Archibald Sheehan but when I saw Freeman with the trophy, I thought I'd discount that fact since it's not the one that's going to show up on the trophy itself. I really thought Reed would be the one taking it home if it wasn't Sheehan. I liked Power's performance as well. He definitely stepped it up a notch from where he's been during the season.

I stand corrected. Good decision.

You should've gone nuts and scored over 30 with Durant, racked up a few assists here and there and forced some rebounds for the MVP.

It's a decision I've had to veto a few times. I think the performer of the game goes off who's the best midway through the 4th, where the MVP is based off who had the best stats and/or won the game for their team.

As tempted as I was to get KD35 another MVP trophy in the all-star game (and on his page as well), it was hard not to stack Oden's stats. I guess I'm one to jump on the bandwagon of the underdog

[Kenny]

5 Game Summary

This 5 game stretch saw all of Nuggets' games played in Denver. Unfortunately they were unable to completely capitalise on this, losing to both New Orleans and Portland to go 3-2 over this round. While they won convincingly against Memphis and new rivals Minnesota, Houston provided great resistance and this game is the feature:

Nuggets win in OT off Robin's historic game



Denver escaped with a 106-102 overtime win against the Rockets thanks to the heroics of Robin Lopez and J.R. Smith. Trailing by 2 points on the final play, J.R. Smith took this shot to tie it up at 84-84 and send it to overtime:

phpBB [video]

J.R. Smith scored 31 on the night, but the game belonged to Robin Lopez. Lopez became the first man since Moses Malone in 1982 to record a 30-30 game. He scored 34 points and grabbed a massive 31 rebounds, 8 of which came in the first quarter. It was an absolutely dominant display and possibly a statement being made the game before the all-star break. All-star selection Kevin Durant was the 3rd highest scorer of the night for Denver with 17.

Houston put up a great fight, with 3 players scoring 20 or more. Carl Ellis led the way with 28 points. Brice Alan was close to a double-double (25 points 9 assists), while Armando Ferrer's outstanding performance would usually be enough for him to pick up the performer of the game, as he recorded 24 points and 19 rebounds. Nathan Bing also had a meaningful game on offense with 16.

Despite a well rounded game by the Rockets, the combination of Lopez and Smith proved to be too much. Will this become the moment where Lopez takes on a bigger role with the organisation?

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HOU@DEN

(OT)

DEN: 106 (Lopez 34, Smith 31, Durant 17)
HOU: 102 (Ellis 28, Alan 25, Ferrer 24)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Robin Lopez 34 points 31 rebounds 4 assists 3 blocks 1 steal

Rebounds

DEN: Lopez 31
HOU: Ferrer 19

Assists

DEN: Lopez, Mills, Smith 4
HOU: Alan 9

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Last 5 Games

HOU: 106-102 W (OT)
MEM: 95-85 W
NOH: 90-78 L
MIN: 86-74 W
POR: 79-73 L

Denver are now 30-20

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Challenge Completed: Points

J.R. Smith completed a KD35 challenge against Carmelo Anthony's Timberwolves by scoring 49 points. In fact, his 5 game stretch has been pretty damn good:

Vs Houston: 31 points
Vs Memphis: 21 points
Vs New Orleans: 13 points
Vs Minnesota: 49 points
Vs Portland: 25 points

With the exception of the Hornets game, J.R. is back in vintage form.

The New 6-man

The Nuggets have loved Pat's energy off the bench and against the Hornets he held his own against CP3. He had 24 points and 6 assists on the night to be the best Denver player in the loss.

A First

Crispin Erwin used some rare playing time to record his first career double-double against the Grizzlies. He had 15 points and 10 rebounds. He still turns the ball over far too much, but the potential is definitely there.

Old Friends, New Situations

A lot has changed since Kevin Durant and Jeff Green were teammates on the OKC team. Durant has been to 3 other teams (Dallas, Minnesota and now Denver) and kept up his all-star status, while Jeff Green has solidified himself as a franchise player in Portland. Green actually had the better of this matchup with 23 points, 7 rebounds, 2 assists and 2 steals to pick up the Sprite Performer of the Game. Kevin Durant had 19 points, 2 rebounds and 1 block. Two guys who were great allies have become one of the better matchups in the league.

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Next 5 Games

TBA

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With a monthly report to come, the 5 blocks mark is likely to remain untouched on page 35. I came close with 4 blocks with Bogut though. The report for February will be up next.

EDIT: Please note- I already know that Kevin Love reached the 30-30 mark this season, but as far as this dynasty is concerned, he has not. Just thought I'd cover that base

[The X]

Great to see this one still rolling & you finding added motivation with self-challenges

[Andrew]

It's a decision I've had to veto a few times. I think the performer of the game goes off who's the best midway through the 4th, where the MVP is based off who had the best stats and/or won the game for their team.

Yeah, that could be it. Seems the Player of the Game selection doesn't gel very well with the MVP selections at the All-Star Weekend. Something else for the Wishlist, I guess.

Shame about the blocks challenge and the two losses, but that's an awesome game by Lopez. Great to see the clutch shots still coming.

[Houndy]

Great win over Houston. Nice job by JR

Page 36 baby!

[Axel The Great]

Great game by Lopez. Kinda sucks that after almost 40 years someone else had a 30-30 game. Sucks to not see the blocks challenge completed, but at least you got four out of five.

[megarover]

What an dominating game by Lopez. All the hype Love had this season Lopez deserves just as much.