Three Nuggets scored 20+ points, led by Lawson (23) and followed closely by Felton (22) and Chandler (21). This new Democratic scoring approach has replaced the former ‘All Melo All the Time’ Denver offense.
Six Nuggets (Anthony, Afflalo, Billups, Nene, Harrington & Lawson) scored double-digit points in this 110-88 rote dismantling of the Jazz.
Denver will host the division nemisis Utah Jazz to kick off what could be Melo’s last year, month or week with the club… depending on which trade rumors you believe.
Young Josh Kroenke taking over, coupled with Warkentein’s departure, left potential free agents unwilling to take a chance on a club in transition. Without Carmelo’s signature on a fresh contract, Denver looked to be in decline.
The Nuggets were scary good when they were all healthy in the first half of ’09-’10. Kenyon’s potency at 100%, combined with Harrington’s added length (6’9â€) off the bench and the inspiring return of coach George Karl could be enough to keep Denver afloat in the stacked West.
With a suddenly glaring weakness at power forward, the Denver Nuggets need to make a move to compete in the loaded Western Conference next season.
Down three games to one in the opening round of the 2010 NBA Playoffs, Denver needed a big victory on Wednesday night. More than that, they needed a big outing from absent star Chauncey Billups. The Nuggets got both in Game 5 at Pepsi Center, part of their 116-102 win.
Wednesday night’s game against Oklahoma City will be Brian Butch’s first test in the big leagues, and may go far in foretelling the Nuggets’ playoff future.
The Denver Nugget’s bench fueled the overwhelming comeback with physical defense, great ball movement, and at least one hot hand.
Coach Karl has made his impression on each one of these players and it shows. When the Nuggets play in accordance with his principles, they don’t necessarily need him courtside to be successful.
