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

[kibaxx7]

Yep, is a great trade for you. You still have Lawson, why did you add Chalmers? Or just for salary purposes?

[Fresh8]

Chalmers + Beasley = Very nice.

[Kenny]

Love the trade for your team, not for my Heat though.

Beasley can be a beast down low and his mid-range game is superb.

Yeah, I really like Beasley's game. I saw him play against the Trail Blazers yesterday and I was really impressed.

Yep, is a great trade for you. You still have Lawson, why did you add Chalmers? Or just for salary purposes?

I had to match up Nene's salary, and Chalmers' helped do that. However, I really rate Chalmers as well as Beasley. Ty Lawson is actually really underrated in this game. Chalmers overall is 74, while Lawson is in the high 60s, so I'm not sure what's going to happen there.

Chalmers + Beasley = Very nice.

I really like the trade as well. I wasn't quite sure how much I could get for Nene, but I ended up getting two quality players

[Lamrock]

Trade is better for Miami in my opinion. They get one of the best centers in the league for an underachieving prospect forward and a mediocre PG.

[Kenny]

Trade is better for Miami in my opinion. They get one of the best centers in the league for an underachieving prospect forward and a mediocre PG.

I like your honesty. Initially I was a bit worried about the trade and giving away too much for someone who's still unproven, but in the end I felt like I had to make a change somewhere. As much as Nene is a great player, I couldn't see myself parting with Melo or Billups.

[Kenny]

20 games have now been played in the season. Denver are 11-9 and currently sit on a winning streak of two games. However losses in both games against the Lakers see them at a point where they're at the bottom half of the 8 playoff contenders in the West. The feature game is the second game against the Lakers:

Lakers outmuscle Denver



Despite an impressive debut game for Denver by Michael Beasley, the Nuggets have gone down against the Lakers 81-75. In his first game since the trade, Beasley got a double-double with 19 points and 11 rebounds. However the story of the game was Paul Gasol, with an MVP performance of 27 points and 12 rebounds. Only team mate Andrew Bynum got more boards, with 13.

It seemed the whole game, Denver's lack of size was exploited by the big Lakers front court. They also proved that they don't have to rely Kobe in order to win games, as he scored only 10 points, but dishing off 5 assists, which was a team high. On the offensive end, Derek Fisher also got into the act, with 21 points of his own.

-------------------------------

DEN@LAL

LAL: 81 (Gasol 27, Fisher 21, Bryant 10)
DEN: 75 (Smith 23, Beasley 19, Billups 16)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Pau Gasol 27 points 12 rebounds

Rebounds

Denver: Beasley 11
LA Lakers: Bynum 13

Assists

Denver: Billups 6
LA Lakers: Bryant 5

DOUBLE-DOUBLES

Denver: Beasley (19 points, 11 rebounds)
LA Lakers: Gasol (27 points, 12 rebounds)

-----------------------------------------

5 Games

DEN@GSW: 90-77 W
DEN@LAL: 79-68 L
DEN@LAL: 81-75 L
POR@DEN: 82-72 W
UTA@DEN: 73-62 W

-----------------------------------------

Beasley's first 3 games



Despite being outmuscled by Pau Gasol in his first game, he has been in great form. He was the Sprite Performer of the Game against Portland with 26 points, 9 rebounds and 2 blocks. His mid-range shot has been sublime, however I'm yet to hit a 3 with him and he came to my team with the best three point percentage... even better than Matt Bonner, who's shooting at 41 percent from beyond the arc. Here are his stats from the first 3 games:

vs Lakers: 19 points 11 rebounds
vs Portland: 26 points, 9 rebounds, 2 blocks
vs Utah: 12 points, 8 rebounds, 6 assists, 2 steals

Mario Chalmers' impact

Chalmers is settling into a different role in Denver as the team's backup point guard, however, the minutes he's getting haven't been at the expense of Chauncey Billups. George Karl has decided to leave Billups out on the floor with him as the 2, while Mario handles the point. He hasn't been hitting many shots; in fact, he's only got an accumulative of 4 points from his 3 games. However, he's been providing nice passes to his team mates and has taken some pressure off Billups, as well as giving Earl Smith a chance to be rested. His minutes might be at the expense of Louis Williams and Ty Lawson, but if the Nuggets keep winning, that's all that really counts.

-----------------------------------------
Earl's free throw shooting

It's been a seldom mentioned feature of his game, but currently Earl Smith has hit 62 consecutive free throws, as well as having a 100 percent free throw percentage. Like the feature games, I'll probably have a good chance of jinxing him bringing this to light, but I figured it was something pretty special.

-----------------------------------------
Next 5 Games

Indiana
New Jersey
New York
Toronto
Houston

I'm thinking the feature game will be the Houston game, since I played them in the playoffs previously and beat them in a 7 game series.

------------------------------------------

So after the trade, Denver are 2-1. It's too early to tell whether the trade will turn out to be a master stroke, however the early signs are good.

[kibaxx7]

Feature game? Go with the Nets, that's a safe W.

[cavs4872]

I'm loving this dynasty. Keep it up.

[Kenny]

Feature game? Go with the Nets, that's a safe W.

One thing I learnt about this dynasty is, there's no such thing as a safe win

I'm loving this dynasty. Keep it up.

Thanks mate. Keep reading and I'll keep posting

[Kenny]

Time for another 5 game recap. After 20 games, Denver now sit 14-11. This round's feature game is Houston at Denver. Both teams have quite a rivalry, with Denver eliminating Houston out of the first round of last year's playoffs in 7 games. Here's how it went:

Nuggets inflict more pain on Houston



The Nuggets have demolished the Rockets in the grudge match at Denver, winning 84-69. Earl Smith was awarded the Sprite performer of the game, with his huge performance of 34 points and 5 rebounds. He was complimented nicely by Melo (20 points). This all came despite yet another dominant performance by Yao Ming, in which he grabbed a massive 19 boards, along with 16 points. He had little help though, with the next highest rebounder being Shane Battier, who only picked up 4 rebounds on the night. He did however score the most points for Houston, with 17.

On a side note, Mario Chalmers had possibly his best game with Denver. With Chauncey Billups in foul trouble the whole game, he had to step up, and he did with 8 points and 5 assists. He always looked dangerous on offense, driving into the lane frequently and setting up his team mates with nice passes.


-------------------------------

HOU@DEN

DEN: 84 (Smith 34, Anthony 20, Beasley 8, Chalmers 8)
HOU: 69 (Battier 17, Yao 16, McGrady 15)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Earl Smith 34 points 5 rebounds

Rebounds

Denver: Andersen 9
Houston: Yao 19

Assists

Denver: Billups 9
Houston: Brooks 5

DOUBLE-DOUBLES

Denver: None
Houston: Yao (16 points, 19 rebounds)

-----------------------------------------
The 5 Games

IND@DEN: 97-81 W
NJN@DEN: 77-71 L (@Thierry. I'm glad I didnt cover that one )
NYK@DEN: 73-68 W
TOR@DEN: 91-87 L
HOU@DEN: 84-69 W

Mario Vs Yao


Chalmers proved to be valuable off the bench against Houston. This layup against Yao was the highlight.

Melo's new poster


Melo throws down a huge dunk on Yi

Next 5 Games

Memphis
New Orleans
San Antonio
Minnesota
@Phoenix

The feature game will be against San Antonio

[thaKEAF]

Is that Amare playing for NJ?

[Martti.]

Mario and Beasley have been very good so far, glad to see that.

[Kenny]

Is that Amare playing for NJ?

Yes it is. They picked him up in the off-season. Strangely enough, he's playing small forward, with Yi at PF and Lopez at C. Historically I tend to struggle against the bigger teams, so this makes them tough.

Mario and Beasley have been very good so far, glad to see that.

It took me a while to get the hang of Mario's game, but once I got the hang of it, he's a very valuable member of my bench. As for Beasley, he's worked out even better than I expected.

[cavs4872]

Don't worry man. Nobody can stop a beast like Shane Battier. Very good win though.

[Kenny]

Don't worry man. Nobody can stop a beast like Shane Battier. Very good win though.

Exactly what I thought as well
----------------------------------------

It's time for another 5 game summary and guess what? Denver got 5 wins this round! This extends their winning streak to 6 and puts them 19-11. How things can turn around. The feature game for this round is their home game against San Antonio. Regular readers of this dynasty would appreciate the recent rivalry forged between these two teams. Not only this, but it's a chance for two former players both teams (Matt Bonner and Johan Petro) to show their old side what they traded away. Here it is:





The Nuggets were on a mission to exorcise some demons in this game after being eliminated in the 6th game of last year's playoffs by San Antonio. And what a way to do it! The ended up routing San Antonio by 16 points, making it 4 wins in a row for them.

The sprite performer of the game ended up being one of Denver's playoff heroes from last year, the Birdman. He registered a double-double with 14 points and 10 rebounds. He also tallied 4 assists and 3 blocks for a nice looking stat line. On the offensive end, he was helped out by usual suspects Earl Smith (24) and Carmelo Anthony (18), which was orchestrated by Chauncey Billups with 8 assists.

For San Antonio, Richard Jefferson tallied 21 points. However, a key factor in the game was Tim Duncan was kept to only 10. Despite ending up with a double-double, his influence on the game was stifled by Denver's defense. Parker (11) and Ginobili (10) also had minor contributions.

-------------------------------

SAN@DEN

DEN: 76 (Smith 24, Anthony 18, Andersen 17)
SAN: 60 (Jefferson 21, Parker 11, Duncan 10, Ginobili 10)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Chris Andersen 14 points 10 rebounds 4 assists 3 blocks

Rebounds

Denver: Andersen 10
San Antonio: Duncan 10

Assists

Denver: Billups 8
San Antonio: Parker 5

DOUBLE-DOUBLES

Denver: Andersen (14 points 10 rebounds
San Antonio: Duncan (10 points 10 rebounds)

-----------------------------------------

Before and after

Last Season



This Season



Last 5 Games

MEM@DEN: 79-70 W
NOH@DEN: 84-75 W
SAN@DEN: 76-60 W
MIN@DEN: 70-51 W
DEN@PHO: 91-78 W

---------------------------

The next update will be the end of the month (in game). The wins and losses will be the same, but there will be other stuff like the MVP race, standings and more pictures from the month of December.

[Azzdogs]

Great pics man and mad 2nd year. A bit late on the beasley chalmers trade but nice, so worth it.

[Kenny]

Great pics man and mad 2nd year. A bit late on the beasley chalmers trade but nice, so worth it.

Glad you like the pics. And I think the trade has paid dividends so far

[Kenny]

December Summary

After an inconsistent November, the Denver Nuggets have finished December in style, being placed 3rd in the Western Conference with a record of 19-11. So what have been the contributing factors of the success? Well, Earl Smith is the second leading scorer in the league, but with Michael Beasley's arrival, the pressure has been taken off him to score, which in turn, has made him even more successful. He has also been supported well by Melo, who sits 10th in the scoring stakes. Birdman is also having a stellar season, leading the league in rebounds and blocked shots. He looks to be an early favourite for defensive player of the year.

But probably the most influential player has been Chauncey Billups. He's currently sitting 3rd on the MVP candidates table, almost averaging a double-double in points and assists. A big concern with the trade earlier in the month was how he was going to work with Mario Chalmers, but all worries have been laid aside as they're working well together.

Two things you didn't know about Steve Nash


He has mad hops


He makes a great step ladder

Absolutely no disrespect to Steve Nash intended. He always goes for 30+ points and 10+ assists against me. It's just nice to make fun of him since he manages to torch the Nuggets all the time

In contrast

Denver Nuggets have re-established a winning culture in the team, while Indiana are sitting last in the Eastern conference.
It just proves that winners are grinners.
----------------------------------------------------------------------

Around the League

Monthly Awards

East Player: [MIA] Dwyane Wade (26ppg, 3.4apg, 1.5spg)
West Player: [LAL] Pau Gasol (19.4ppg, 8.1rpg, 1.1bpg)
East Rookie: [MIA] Reuben Walker (12.3ppg, 5.9apg)
West Rookie: [OKC] Stanley Alston (9.8ppg, 2.6apg, 2.6 blocks/steals combined)

MVP Race

[CLE] Mo Williams (17.6ppg, 5.2apg)
[NJN] Devin Harris (16.2ppg, 5.6apg)
[DEN] Chauncey Billups (11.3ppg, 9.8apg, 2 rpg, 2.2 spg)
[OKC] Kevin Durant (20.3ppg, 3.2rpg, 2.2 blocks/steals combined)
[MIA] Dwyane Wade (22.7ppg, 3apg, 2.4rpg, 1.3spg)

Standings

WEST
---------
Oklahoma City 23-8
Houston 20-11
Denver 19-11
LA Lakers 20-12
Sacramento 20-12
LA Clippers 21-14
Portland 18-19
San Antonio 15-16
---
Phoenix 12-19
Memphis 11-19
Minnesota 11-21
Dallas 10-21
Utah 9-21
Golden State 9-22
New Orleans 8-22
----------------------

EAST
------
Cleveland 25-6
Orlando 22-10
New Jersey 22-11
Atlanta 19-10
Washington 18-13
Boston 15-14
Detroit 16-15
Philadelphia 15-16
---
Miami 14-15
Charlotte 13-16
Milwaukee 13-17
Chicago 13-18
Toronto 11-18
New York 12-20
Indiana 10-19
--------------------------------

So hopefully in the year 2011, Denver can keep up their winning form. Beating Phoenix was a huge step in being a contender, since Phoenix is one of Denver's bogey teams. The real test will come if they can match it with the likes of the Lakers or the Magic.

[Dee.]

Those screens with Steve Nash are Faaantastic.

[Martti.]

Damn, is that Matt Bonner dunking? Just checked that he is a beast, having dunked once this season.

[kibaxx7]

Looking awesome... glad you didn't recap the Nets game!

[Alpha_]

good lineup.. more Ws to come.. OKC 23-8? wow... cant believe it..

[Kenny]

Those screens with Steve Nash are Faaantastic.

Yeah, I got so sick of him absolutely killing me on the court. Once he dunked on me, I had to get another picture of me dunking on him.

Damn, is that Matt Bonner dunking? Just checked that he is a beast, having dunked once this season.

I saw that footage as well. They called him the Red Rocket... rather unfortunate nickname.

Looking awesome... glad you didn't recap the Nets game!

As am I. If my dynasty is something they can learn by, all they need to do next season is pick up Amare Stoudemire and Luke Ridnour.

good lineup.. more Ws to come.. OKC 23-8? wow... cant believe it..

OKC is the bolter this year. But really, you look at their lineup and it doesn't surprise me. Durant, Gay, Westbrook, Przybilla and Green coming off the bench. It's a great core there with plenty of youth. Hopefully this is my year though

[Kenny]

Here again with the 5 game recap and there's no doubt that the Denver Nuggets are the hottest team in the league right now. Previously to this, their winning streak was at 6... it has now sky-rocketed to 11 (24-11), which means they once again won all 5 games this round, starting January in style eclipsing Oklahoma City as the top team in the West. Both Melo and Smith are putting up the big points, while Chauncey is once again orchestrated the team's offense. The feature game of the round is Denver Vs Cleveland. Melo Vs the King... not much to be said really. One of the great matchups of the last decade. Two young players at the peak of their powers, and here's how the game went:

Denver takes down Cleveland



After an incredible run, the Denver Nuggets extend their winning streak to 10 after a 7 point victory against East top seed Cleveland (93-86). A game that has two of the greatest small forwards in the game, neither disappointed their team. However, Melo came out the better of the two, scoring 33 points, as well as picking up 2 rebounds and 3 blocks. The King wasn't shamed though, scoring 28 points of his own. Top MVP candidate Mo Williams (25) and Hakim Warrick (18) provided great support for Lebron James, however the Big Diesel failed to register a point, which proved to be a telling point of the game.

For Denver, Earl Smith and Matt Bonner picked up 15 points a piece, while the Birdman proved dominant on the boards, with 18. Hakim Warrick registered the only double-double of the game (18 points, 12 rebounds).
-----------------------------------------
DEN@CLE

DEN: 93 (Anthony 33, Smith 15, Bonner 15)
CLE: 86 (James 28, Williams 25, Warrick 18)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Carmelo Anthony 33 points 2 rebounds 3 blocks

Rebounds

Denver: Andersen 18
Cleveland: O'Neal 13

Assists

Denver: Billups 6
Cleveland: Williams 7
-----------------------------------------
Something for Martti

Beasley's huge dunk in the 4th against the Kings.

JR Swish

Earl had a huge game against the Bobcats, registering 45 points. 22 of which were scored in the first quarter. As well as 33 points against the Clippers, Smith is making a strong claim for Wade's scoring title.

Last 5 Games

DEN@LAC: 109-101 (OT) W
DEN@SAC: 85-71 W
DEN@IND: 80-71 W
DEN@CLE: 93-86 W
DEN@CHA: 91-81 W

Melo's last 5 games

Melo has been hot the last 5 games, scoring atleast 24 in all of them.
@LAC: 35
@SAC: 26
@IND: 24
@CLE: 33
@CHA: 24

Next 5 games
@MIA
@DAL
@DAL
@NOH
UTA

The feature game will clearly be the Miami game. Beasley and Chalmers to face their former team, while ex-Nugget Nene will face Denver for the first time.

After an inconsistent start to the season, Denver is now fairing as the team to beat in the league right now. People would have to think they're the real deal now, however it's not even halfway through the season. They must continue to play at a high level to get the elusive championship

[kibaxx7]

You're on fire man. Great streak by Carmelo.