Since the surmise (made by myself) of a 23-12 record to finish off the 35 games remaining on their schedule, the Nuggets are 13-7 and I still believe Denver has followed the time line and will continue to do so to take second place in the West.
Just making out the light at the end of a 15 game tunnel ahead, including tonight against Washington, Denver is in a hoof race with the surging Dallas Mavs who have gone on an incredible 13 game rip before losing Saturday night against the Knicks.
Denver is 7-3 over the last 10 games, and managed to take 3 victories on their 4 game road trip which ended with a loss last night in Houston. Coming off a tough, high scoring loss (123-125) will not be an easy task for Denver; however, there is no time to waste if the Nuggets hope to secure a second place seat in the West. Melo did pad his stats last night adding 45 points with 10 rebounds, but bricked the last second game winner.
With 15 games left, here are a few DN stats to brew over:
Denver sits 2 games ahead of Utah in first place of the Northwest Division
Denver is .500 on the road this season (17-17)
The Nuggets are 28-5 at home this season
Denver is averaging 108 points per game; second most behind the Phoenix Suns
Melo is averaging 28.8 points per game; 4 points above his career average
Billups is averaging 20.1 points per game; 5 points above his career average
All stats aside, this Denver squad has an undeniable swagger and an approach to charge into the playoffs not a feeling of protecting a division lead. Teams that succeed in the playoffs in any sport know that peak performance must be reached down the stretch, and I believe Denver is at arm’s length from reaching their peak potential.
Nuggets Future Forecast:
Coming off a 4 game road stint, Denver will play the next 3 games on home turf:
Washington: Tonight
New Orleans: Thursday
Milwaukee: Saturday
Denver better get their fill of the Mile High life, because after this short home stand the Nuggets will embark on a 5 game excursion including two East coast battles in Boston and Orlando.
