Denver Nuggets News

Carmelo Anthony's return still questionable for Dallas game
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February 9
Denver Post
 
"Carmelo Anthony was again non-committal on Monday afternoon when asked if he would play on Tuesday against Dallas. But the Nuggets star said he continues to improve in coming back from an ankle injury. "Hopefully I can get back out there tomorrow," Anthony said after practice today in Denver. "It felt good out there today. It's getting better each day. Pretty much I was doing a lot that I could do before I got hurt." Anthony has missed eight straight games with a sprained left ankle, but does appear to be closing in on playing either against Dallas or Thursday against San Antonio."
Nuggets' Nene listed as day to day with injured foot
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February 8
Denver Post
 
"A half-hour after Saturday's game, and after carefully placing his left foot into his loafer, Nene was asked to describe the injury to his foot muscle: "I can't run," the center succinctly said. A day later, the Nuggets center got treatment on his painful foot and is listed as day to day, as is Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, Denver's all-stars who sat out Saturday's game. Meanwhile, shooting guard Arron Afflalo's ankle is possibly a little more serious, and it's unsure whether he will play in Tuesday's big game against Dallas. The Nuggets didn't practice Sunday, but the wounded players came in for treatment. Denver is in the middle of its toughest stretch of the season — losing to ..."
Nuggets had eyes for Williams
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February 7
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Had things gone differently in the 2005 draft, George Karl might be coaching a different Denver Nuggets point guard at next Sunday's All-Star Game in Dallas. Not Chauncey Billups , but Deron Williams . As he revealed Saturday, Karl was so impressed by Williams coming out of Illinois that the Nuggets "had a trade on the table" to acquire the No. 2 overall pick from Atlanta and were prepared to select Williams with it. "There is no question that I thought he was going to be a great player," Karl said. "I like him because he has a passion and an energy for the game that's contagious. It's fun to watch, I think it's probably fun to play with, and it's very difficult to play against." Karl ..."
Return to form
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February 7
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Carlos Boozer returned from his calf injury. Paul Millsap returned to the bench. The Utah Jazz continued their winning ways. Boozer and Millsap combined for 35 points and 19 rebounds Saturday night, helping Utah score a 116-106 win over Denver at EnergySolutions Arena. The Jazz's eighth straight win came in Boozer's first game since he suffered strained calf on Jan. 27 against Portland. "I felt great," said Boozer, who finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds. "I think I'm going to continue to get better and better." Boozer played 34 minutes in his comeback game, despite early foul trouble. "He did OK," coach Jerry Sloan said. "He hasn't been able to practice [except] a day or so. ..."
Nuggets had eyes for Williams
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February 7
Salt Lake Tribune
 
"Had things gone differently in the 2005 draft, George Karl might be coaching a different Denver Nuggets point guard at next Sunday's All-Star Game in Dallas. Not Chauncey Billups , but Deron Williams . As he revealed Saturday, Karl was so impressed by Williams coming out of Illinois that the Nuggets "had a trade on the table" to acquire the No. 2 overall pick from Atlanta and were prepared toWilliams with it. "There is no question that I thought he was going to be a great player," Karl said. "I like him because he has a passion and an energy for the game that's contagious. It's fun to watch, I think it's probably fun to play with, and it's very difficult to play against." Karl said he ..."
Nuggets' effort earns Karl's salute despite loss
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February 7
Denver Post
 
"As Nuggets guard Anthony Carter soared for a baseline dunk in the fourth quarter Saturday night, one wondered what was more improbable: That Carter soared for a baseline dunk? That Carter was on the court with Johan Petro, Malik Allen, J.R. Smith and Joey Graham in the fourth quarter? Or that Carter's dunk cut the Utah Jazz's lead, once 18 points in the third quarter, to three? Beleaguered and banged up, the Nuggets indeed hung around. But the Jazz pulled away for a 116-106 victory, its lone win against the Nuggets this season. "After the way we started in the first quarter, a lot of teams could have thrown it in and collapsed," said Nuggets coach George Karl, whose team beat the Lakers ..."
Nuggets had eyes for Jazz's Williams
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February 7
Denver Post
 
"At the NBA All-Star Game next weekend, George Karl will coach Deron Williams and Carmelo Anthony. That could have been an everyday occurrence if fate hadn't detoured. The Nuggets coach said Saturday that back in 2005, Denver had a trade on the table with Atlanta, which had the No. 2 pick in the draft. The plan was for the Nuggets to draft Williams, now an all-star for the Jazz. "I don't know why we didn't do it or what happened, but there's no question that I thought he'd be a great player," Karl said. "I like him because his passion and energy for the game is contagious. It's fun to watch and it's difficult to play against." Atlanta ultimately kept that pick and selected Marvin Williams. ..."
Melo and Chauncey sit out in loss to Jazz; Melo hoping to return Tuesday
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February 7
Denver Post
 
"As Nuggets guard Anthony Carter soared for a baseline dunk in the fourth quarter Saturday night, one wondered what was more improbable: That Carter soared for a baseline dunk? That Carter was on the court with Johan Petro, Malik Allen, J.R. Smith and Joey Graham in the fourth quarter? Or that Carter's dunk cut the Utah Jazz's lead, once 18 points in the third quarter, to three? Beleaguered and banged up, the Nuggets indeed hung around. But the Jazz pulled away for a 116-106 victory, its lone win against the Nuggets this season. "After the way we started in the first quarter, a lot of teams could have thrown it in and collapsed," said Nuggets coach George Karl, whose team beat the Lakers ..."
Karl believes smart offense will bode well
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February 6
Denver Post
 
"Can the Nuggets beat the Lakers in a playoff series? That's the big question after two seasons of losing to the Lakers in the postseason. The Nuggets have "a respectful belief" they can win, according to coach George Karl. "I think we know how we have to play, but if we play that way, that doesn't mean we're going to beat their way, there'll be a high percentage of playing, but if we play the way we think we have to play, we think we can have a chance to make it a game and win it down the stretch," Karl said. So George, what does Denver have to do? "We have to be the team that is creating the action rather than reacting to the action," he said. "And offensively, if their defense is strong ..."
Billups bullies L.A. in huge road victory
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February 6
Denver Post
 
"One by one, they popped up from their courtside seats and shuffled toward the exits, and not even their surgically squeezed faces could prevent the frowns. At the Staples Center on Friday night, the visiting Nuggets sent the Lakers and their chic fans home in a hissy after a remarkable 126-113 win. This was Avatar big. In fact, it was the biggest win of the season for numerous reasons — Denver won on the road, against the hated Lakers — and did so without the injured Carmelo Anthony. Before the game, Lakers coach Phil Jackson was asked to describe Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups: "He's a director, a conductor of what's going on. . . . And if he sees his team needs scoring, he finds a way to ..."
Lakers are defenseless in ugly loss to Nuggets
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February 6
Los Angeles Times
 
"The pattern remained the same, almost predictably, the Lakers playing against a team without its best player and somehow turning a blowout opportunity into a mess. The Denver Nuggets rolled into town with an unhealthy Carmelo Anthony, who happened to be tied for the NBA's scoring lead, but still stunned the Lakers, 126-113, Friday at Staples Center. The Lakers played about as much defense as the Western Conference All-Stars will play next weekend, and it cost them. Chauncey Billups had 39 points and nine three-pointers, both career highs, easily overshadowing Kobe Bryant's 33 points, and creating a new problem spot for the Lakers -- an inability to beat the best of the best in the NBA. To ..."
Melo says that he "probably" won't play tonight
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February 6
Denver Post
 (scroll down)
"Meanwhile, Denver all-star Anthony missed his sixth straight game because of a left ankle injury. Anthony fully participated in a Friday morning shootaround, but afterward said he wouldn't play that evening and "probably" won't play tonight against Utah."
Melo out, Graham in for Nuggets vs. Lakers tonight
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February 5
Denver Post
 
"Tonight, playing the role of Carmelo Anthony, will be Joey Graham. Yes, Joey "The Understudy" Graham will start at small forward tonight for Denver against the Lakers, because Melo is out for a sixth-straight game with a left ankle injury. Anthony said Friday morning at shootaround that he "probably" also will miss Saturday's second of back-to-back games, at Utah. Graham has logged a curious season thus far. Basically, he either starts for the injured Melo and plays big minutes — or doesn't play at all. "On any given day, he can be a big part of our offense and defense," Anthony said of Graham. "He's an agressor." Melo reiterated that he could play Tuesday against Dallas and in regard to ..."
Afflalo's work ethic has helped make him a 3-point threat and solid defender
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February 5
Denver Post
 
"On a team generally full of hard workers, Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo still stands out. You can find him at shootaround — every shootaround — among the last to leave because he's working on a 3-point shot or some other detail to better his game. He came to Denver with the reputation of a tireless work ethic, buoyed by being a gym rat. "He's a worker, man," said guard Chauncey Billups, who has been able to see Afflalo up close in Detroit and Denver. "He's here, 7 in the morning, all the time." And it's paying off. Afflalo is among the NBA's leaders in 3-point percentage, is a heady defender and lately has been picking up the scoring as well. He has scored in double figures in 12 of his past ..."
All-star berth in jeopardy for Carmelo?
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February 5
Denver Post
 
"Carmelo Anthony's ankle injury is persistent. It has kept the Nuggets star sidelined for six games, and now could threaten his ability to play in the All-Star Game. If the injury keeps the Nuggets forward out of the team's last four games before the all-star break, Anthony said he would not play in the All-Star Game on Feb. 14. "I wouldn't do that," Anthony said. "I couldn't have people talking bad about me like that. I care about the All-Star Game, but I really care about my team first." Anthony went through a full practice Thursday and sounded nothing like a player who will return soon. "I got up and down the court. I ran, shot the ball well, I could slide left to right," Anthony said. ..."
Lakers' Bryant to be game-time decision against Denver
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February 5
L.A. Daily News
 
"Kobe Bryant did not practice Thursday because of a sprained left ankle suffered last Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers and aggravated Wednesday against the Charlotte Bobcats. It's uncertain whether he'll play tonight against the Denver Nuggets. "He didn't come out on the court and practice," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said. "He's trying a variety of therapies to see what will work out. I'm sure he wants to (play against the Nuggets), but we'll see what that's about (tonight)." Bryant's participation tonight against Denver will be a game-time decision. He was unavailable for comment Thursday. He has played in 234 consecutive regular-season games. The last time he sat and watched the ..."
Suns nab road win in Denver
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February 4
Arizona Republic
 
"The Suns were lost at sea for two months but have turned around like a fish with a hook in its mouth. At the beginning of the season, the Suns felt disregarded as a contender and came out 14-3 with three four-game winning streaks. They didn't win three in a row again until they felt as though were they were battling for their playoff lives and now have their best four-game winning streak of the season. The Suns dominated Denver 109-97 at the Pepsi Center on Wednesday night for their third consecutive road win, matching a season best, and their fourth consecutive overall win with each coming against a winning team. "As far as the class of team and quality of team, it's probably the best ..."
Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups added to All-Star team
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February 4
Denver Post
 
"NBA commissioner David Stern today added Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups to the Western Conference all-star team, the league said. Billups, a Denver native, will take the spot of New Orleans guard Chris Paul, who is out with a knee injury. Teammate Carmelo Anthony is starting at forward, and Denver coach George Karl is coaching the West on Feb. 14 in Dallas. Billups, who will be making his fifth all-star appearance, had plans to go to Mexico for the long weekend. At shootaround this morning before the announcement, Billups said he was not campaigning on his behalf, that's for sure. "Nah, not doing that," Billups said. "I do what I do. If it gets recognized, then fine. If it doesn't that's ..."
Nuggets try to keep "big mo" with tough road ahead
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February 4
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets have played like one of the best in the West, which is good, since they're now playing the best in the West. After hosting the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the Nuggets take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday, the Jazz in Utah on Sunday, the Mavericks in Denver on Monday and finally the Spurs in Denver on Thursday. Sheesh. "It's pretty simple," coach George Karl said. "You're going to play five top playoff teams, five teams that could be your playoff opponent in first, second or third round and five teams that you're playing and trying to sustain (momentum) and keep a distance between the other teams in the standings." All five of those opponents are either in first or second ..."
Nugs can't slow Suns
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February 4
Denver Post
 
"Grunt, lunge, sigh, repeat. Such was Denver on defense Wednesday night, a step slow defending the 3-ball, over and over and over. In the visiting Suns' 109-97 victory, Denver was diced by penetrating dribblers and decimated by Phoenix's pick-and-roll. When a fellow named Goran Dragic drained a 3-pointer with 8:32 remaining in the fourth, the Suns became 9-for-16 from 3-point range (56.3 percent) — and the Nuggets trailed by 20. "Our game plan started off where we were switching on everything (defensively), and I think we should have stuck with our same principles that we've been doing — staying with our man and rotating how we're supposed to rotate," said Denver's Joey Graham, who started ..."
Melo misses 6th game, Nuggets can't slow Suns
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February 4
Denver Post
 
"Grunt, lunge, sigh, repeat. Such was Denver on defense Wednesday night, a step slow defending the 3-ball, over and over and over. In the visiting Suns' 109-97 victory, Denver was diced by penetrating dribblers and decimated by Phoenix's pick-and-roll. When a fellow named Goran Dragic drained a 3-pointer with 8:32 remaining in the fourth, the Suns became 9-for-16 from 3-point range (56.3 percent) — and the Nuggets trailed by 20. "Our game plan started off where we were switching on everything (defensively), and I think we should have stuck with our same principles that we've been doing — staying with our man and rotating how we're supposed to rotate," said Denver's Joey Graham, who started ..."
Melo a game-time decision; Billups OK
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February 3
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony did not participate in today's morning shootaround and is a game-time decision for tonight's contest against the Suns at the Pepsi Center. "I'd say when he comes in tonight we'll see how it goes," coach George Karl said. Instead of attending the walk-through with the rest of the team on the main Pepsi Center court, Anthony worked with trainer Steve Hess on the Nuggets' practice court, and received treatment afterward. He did not speak with assembled media. Anthony has missed five straight games with a left ankle sprain. He will get back on the practice court prior to the game to see how it feels and make a decision from there on an injury that has taken 11 ..."
Balance? Kenyon Martin brings it
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February 3
Denver Post
 columnist Benjamin Hochman
"It was such a crummy Christmas, even the Grinch would have let them keep it. The Nuggets had to spend the holiday in Portland, Ore. They led by two points entering the fourth quarter — and lost by 11. And Chauncey Billups tried to return from his groin injury, but only played a half, returning to the sideline until Jan. 8. But the Nuggets did get a gift that day. Kenyon Martin scored 12 points and grabbed 14 rebounds, which at the time, was chalked up as an admirable effort. But since that night, Martin has nine or more rebounds in every game he's played (except for the one when he was ejected). Moreover, more scoring. Martin averaged 10 points per game before Christmas — and is at 15.2 ..."
Anthony confident he will face Suns
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February 3
Denver Post
 
"Carmelo Anthony will likely play tonight. Such has been the Nuggets' proclamation the past few games as Anthony recovers from a left ankle sprain. But Tuesday, Anthony and coach George Karl were confident the all-star starter will start against Phoenix tonight. "I'm going to try," Anthony said after Tuesday's treatment and workout sessions. "I did a lot more today than I did yesterday. It's getting better. I'm just trying to work on my explosiveness." Anthony, who leads the NBA with 29.7 points per game, has missed the past five games. As for Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups, he also has a left ankle sprain, but not as severe, and he is probable for the game against the Suns (29-21). The ..."
Nuggets' Karl named coach of month
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February 2
Denver Post
 
"George Karl is the Western Conference's coach of the decade... so far. The Nuggets coach was named the conference's coach of the month for January, thanks to Denver's 12-3 record (.800) and stellar play despite injuries to Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony. During January, the Nuggets defeated the likes of Cleveland, Houston, Orlando, San Antonio and playoff-bound Charlotte, coached by Larry Brown, the Eastern Conference coach of the month."
Nuggets coach Karl wants all his assistants on all-star bench
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February 2
Denver Post
 
"The all-star coach from each conference is allowed to bring three assistants to the game, but Western Conference coach George Karl, who moonlights as the Nuggets coach, said he will try to find a way to get all of his assistants to Dallas. "As of now, that's the goal, to figure it out financially," Karl said Monday, "but three on the bench. There's some rules we've got to follow." Karl always speaks highly of his stable of assistants, including Hall of Fame player Adrian Dantley, longtime Karl confidant Tim Grgurich, former Air Force assistant Larry Mangino, X's-and-O's man John Welch, former CU player Jamahl Mosley, former UNLV star Stacey Augmon and Regis Jesuit grad Chad Iske. The coach ..."
Nuggets rally to defeat Kings in overtime
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February 2
Denver Post
 
"Mr. Big Shot couldn't make a thing. The Nuggets trailed by 17 points (at home!) to the sub.-500 Sacramento Kings. Their coach said his team approached the game like it was preseason. It's games like these that you remember in April. But Denver won, doggone it, 112-109 in overtime Monday night. The Nuggets dug deep and dug out of the hole, making key shots and stops, forcing overtime without Carmelo Anthony active. Arron Afflalo, not Chauncey Billups, hit the big shot. Best comeback of the season. Such is the optical illusion that was Monday's win. "I'm not sure I liked a lot about tonight, other than winning," said Denver coach George Karl, whose team is 33-15. "There's some numbers on ..."
Carmelo Anthony hopes to be ready for Wednesday
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February 2
Denver Post
 (scroll down)
"Anthony again, didn't play because of a sprained left ankle, his fifth straight game out of the lineup. "It has gotten a lot better, man," Anthony said after the game. "I was in for three hours today, shooting, running, doing some drills.""
Nuggets' Martin scores 27 in Melo's absence to lead 103-89 road win against Spurs
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February 1
Denver Post
 
"Going back to his days with the New Jersey Nets, Kenyon Martin knows his jump shots will be open when he plays against a team coached by Gregg Popovich. Respect goes only as far as what you believe your opponent can't do. Popovich has always backed off of Martin's jumper. Wisely, in some years. Not so wisely Sunday afternoon. Martin made shots from all angles in the Nuggets' 103-89 win over the San Antonio Spurs at the AT&T Center. His game-high 27 points and 11 rebounds closed out the Nuggets' three-game trip in style, despite playing again without Carmelo Anthony, who missed his fourth consecutive game because of a sprained ankle. The Nuggets finished 2-1 on the trip, and Sunday's win ..."
Nuggets coach Karl says Carmelo Anthony will try to play tonight
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February 1
Denver Post
 
"A weird week of setbacks and "not quites" has Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony looking at each day, wondering if it's the one when he actually will play again. Sunday was not that day. But according to coach George Karl, today may be. "I think he'll try to play against Sacramento," Karl said. "(Not playing against the Spurs), it was maybe the pace of the game, and it's going to be another 36 hours (of rest)." Anthony has missed four consecutive games and may not be out of the woods yet. His biggest setback of the week occurred during the team's flight from Houston to Oklahoma City, when his ankle became more swollen. Although Anthony was fine after the flight from Oklahoma City to San Antonio, ..."
Nuggets change, as does West
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February 1
San Antonio Express-News
 
"The Spurs were once better. They were once smarter, too. They especially were when they played a Nuggets franchise that couldn't spell IQ. The Spurs beat Denver in the first round in each of their last two championship runs with superior poise and patience and discipline. Now the Nuggets have all of these qualities, and credit goes to George Karl. He lets Chauncey Billups play point guard for him. Karl raged in the dumb Denver days, and sometimes at the Spurs. Once, after Manu Ginobili shredded the Nuggets in a 2005 playoff game, Karl announced Ginobili had effectively ruined the sport of basketball for a generation. "I don't like watching him," Karl said then. Who he really didn't like ..."
Melo out for today's game vs. Spurs
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January 31
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has been ruled out of today's game against the Spurs at the AT&T Center after going through some pre-game drills. It means Anthony will miss his fourth straight game. Nuggets coach George Karl said Anthony wasn't entirely comfortable with his ability to run and cut in a game that expected to be fast-paced."
Wait-and-see reality for Anthony's return
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January 31
Denver Post
 
"Winning has afforded the Nuggets the opportunity to be cautious with injured players. Carmelo Anthony is the latest case. The star forward has missed three consecutive games with a sprained left ankle, although he's optimistic he will start today against San Antonio. If the Nuggets were in dire straits as far as their record, he might have played earlier. But the Nuggets have a big-picture focus, and rushing players back isn't in the plan. "I think because of our good start and everything like that, even with Chauncey (Billups), we haven't rushed injuries back," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "If this was the end of March and we're fighting for that second seed, I think we might be more ..."
Oklahoma City Cools off Denver
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January 30
InDenverTimes.com
 
"Call it a "heat check". The Denver Nuggets snapped their eight game winning streak in an ice cold Oklahoma City. During one of the city's worst snow/ice storms in history, Oklahoma City was able to cool off the red hot Denver Nuggets. Oklahoma City won 101-84. Denver was out of sync and rhythm almost the majority of the game, except for a few spotty minutes here and there. With critics swirling as the trade deadline approaches, JR Smith was able to find his shot once again. He was 5-10 from behind the arc and seemed to have his swagger back. Unfortunately he will not be able to silence his critics as his good shooting game was mirrored by sloppy, thoughtless play. With seconds ..."
OKC needs both offense and defense
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January 30
The Oklahoman
 
"For all the buzz surrounding the Thunder's vastly improved defense, they're going to need their offense to be more consistent if they're to remain in the NBA playoff chase all season. Defense has been the catalyst to a dramatic turnaround. Defense once again was pivotal Friday night in a 101-84 win over Denver as an estimated 10,000 fans at the Ford Center braved icy road conditions.But the Thunder also needs consistent offensive production other than All-Star forward Kevin Durant routinely scoring 30 points."It's a matter of making shots when we're open," Durant said. "Tonight, we also cut hard (off screens) and passed the ball well. If we continue to pass the ball to each other, and also ..."
Thunder gets back on track with win over Denver Nuggets
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January 30
The Oklahoman
 
"With Carmelo Anthony in street clothes, Oklahoma City found that the Denver Nuggets are not quite the same nagging nemesis. And that was just fine by the Thunder.While the NBA's second-best scorer nursed an ankle injury, the Thunder cruised to a 101-84 win before a sparse but spirited crowd that braved a winter storm to cheer on the home team inside the Ford Center.But even Anthony, who twice broke Thunder fans' hearts a year ago with game-winners, might not have been much help to the Nuggets on this night. The Thunder assembled a rare collective effort in which players carried out their assignments to near perfection.Ball movement was crisp. Mistakes were few. Players made hard cuts ..."
Storm stifles OKC attendance
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"An ice storm that moved through Oklahoma on Thursday and turned into snow Friday kept attendance at Friday's game down. The game was officially a sellout, but large groups of seats were left empty, making the Ford Center a quieter place than normal. Still, an estimated crowd of more than 10,000 braved the elements. The storm also extended the Nuggets' stay in Oklahoma. The team left Houston on Wednesday night to beat the storm, then had to stay overnight in Oklahoma City, with a planned shootaround this morning here before leaving for Sunday morning's game in San Antonio around 1 p.m. "This is not considered a storm in Denver," Karl said. "It's a dusting in Denver.""
Nuggets' coach Karl miffed at Billups' All-Star snub
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"Chauncey Billups may be taking his All-Star snub in stride, but coach George Karl has a bone to pick at his guard's exclusion. And, for that matter, the exclusion of rookie Ty Lawson and sharp-shooting Arron Afflalo as well. Let him explain. "I can't deny that I'm highly disappointed that Chauncey, Ty and Afflalo didn't get more recognition," Karl said Friday afternoon. "I think all of them deserve to be. Arron in the 3-point contest, Ty I think has proven to be a top-five, top-10 rookie easily in my mind. But the abundance of guards probably forced him out, and the same reason for Chauncey."
Nuggets go stale in Oklahoma City
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"In their last two trips to Oklahoma City, the Nuggets needed Carmelo Anthony to hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds. Friday at the Ford Center, Anthony missed his third consecutive game and the Nuggets needed far more than a last-ditch shot, as the Thunder snapped the Nuggets' eight-game winning streak with a 101-84 win. The loss was just the Nuggets' second by more than 12 points this season and their lowest scoring output of the season. "It's the first really stale performance that we've had in a long time," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "We've been in every game we've played in all year, and tonight that wasn't the case.""
Carmelo Anthony misses third straight game, Nuggets fall in his absence
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January 30
Denver Post
 
"In their last two trips to Oklahoma City, the Nuggets needed Carmelo Anthony to hit a game-winning shot in the final seconds. Friday at the Ford Center, Anthony missed his third consecutive game and the Nuggets needed far more than a last-ditch shot, as the Thunder snapped the Nuggets' eight-game winning streak with a 101-84 win. The loss was just the Nuggets' second by more than 12 points this season and their lowest scoring output of the season. "It's the first really stale performance that we've had in a long time," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "We've been in every game we've played in all year, and tonight that wasn't the case." Karl said he would likely find out today whether ..."
Nuggets' Anthony doubtful vs. OKC with sprained ankle
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January 29
Denver Post
 
"An ankle injury that is taking longer than expected to heal will likely cause Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony to miss his third-straight game tonight against Oklahoma City. Nuggets coach George Karl put grim odds on Anthony's availability after seeing the star player practice during this morning's shootaround. "My gut says he probably won't go tonight," Karl said. "I'm not saying he probably won't try, but after the shootaround today I'd say he's 60-40 not going (to play)." If Anthony does not play, he'll miss his third-straight game because of a sprained left ankle. Asked after the Houston game whether he'd be ready to go, Anthony was cautious, saying "We'll see.""
Karl gets nod to coach West all-stars
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January 29
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets' George Karl is officially an all-star. He clinched the coaching spot by virtue of Dallas' loss to Phoenix on Thursday. The Nuggets are assured of finishing with the second-best record in the conference, and since Lakers coach Phil Jackson cannot coach the game, having done so last season, Karl is in. It is Karl's fourth time coaching an All-Star Game, and first since 1998. Karl has the tiebreaker over the Mavericks' Rick Carlisle because he coached the East in 2004, and Karl's last appearance came in 1998 for the West."
Nuggets' Billups left off the NBA all-star team
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January 29
Denver Post
 
"NBA coaches snubbed the Nuggets' Chauncey Billups, leaving him off the list of reserves for the All-Star game next month in Dallas. The reserves, chosen by a vote of the league's coaches, was announced tonight. But Billups wasn't be among the Western players. Instead, coaches picked: guards Chris Paul of New Orleans, Deron Williams of Utah and Brandon Roy of Portland; Lakers center Pau Gasol; forwards Kevin Durant of Oklahoma City and Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki; and forward-center Zach Randolph of Memphis. Denver's Carmelo Anthony was already voted a starter for the game. He will be the only Nuggets player, unless a West player doesn't play because of injury and Billups steps in."
Nuggets just miss dangerous ice storm in Oklahoma City
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January 28
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets slipped into Oklahoma City on Thursday just ahead of a terrible ice storm that is crippling the city today. Yet, as far-fetched as it may sound, there is a watch on the game itself. Meteorologists in Oklahoma City have described this storm — which has brought freezing rain and expected snow as much as six inches — as potentially one of the worst the area has seen. The biggest issue is the availability of each team, but with the Nuggets already in town, that's a large problem avoided. Referees have to make it into town as well, and arena personnel must get to the Ford Center. The game isn't until tomorrow night at 7 p.m. local, 6 p.m. mountain time, so there could be time for ..."
Smith pays debt to attorney just in time
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January 28
Denver Post
 
"At 5:52 p.m. Central Standard Time, J.R. Smith saved himself from being served court documents. After news of his unpaid debt to attorney Rusty Hardin, Smith, with the help of the organization, moved to settle it before it got to court. Hardin and his attorney, Dale Jefferson, wanted a down payment toward settling a debt of $22,753 by 6 p.m., and they got it eight minutes under the bell. "Obviously it's a situation they don't want to happen," Hardin said Wednesday night. "They didn't know it existed. It existed for a couple of years. We don't have an interest in really embarrassing anybody. They say they're going to get it taken care of, and I think that's what will happen." Smith now has ..."
J.R. trade likely just a dream
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January 28
Denver Post
 columnist Mark Kiszla
"The only shock is how long it took the Nuggets to wise up. Guard J.R. Smith is a loser. Trust him? No way. Any NBA team truly serious about winning a championship cannot have Smith on the court, the bench or the team bus. So what is Denver going to do about Smith, with the trade deadline looming in February? Absolutely nothing. It would be a dream scenario if the Nuggets could somehow trade Smith, his $6.1 million salary, tantalizing athletic potential and forever childish attitude for a reliable big man. How perfect would Brendan Haywood, who averages 9.8 points and 10.6 rebounds for Washington, look at center when Denver meets the Los Angeles Lakers in the playoffs? Heck, I would even ..."
Nuggets stay on a roll without Melo
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January 28
Denver Post
 
"A very familiar hole dug by the Nuggets in the first quarter dissipated into something more manageable by halftime Wednesday, and then morphed into a gritty win. It was rare, to be sure. Three years since the last win here, to be exact. But the unfamiliar territory of a 97-92 win in Houston was more than welcome, no matter how far removed it was from the last victory at the Toyota Center. "It wasn't easy," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "The way we started, we gave them confidence. It was a fourth-quarter type of game. It's a gutty win on our part." It pushed the Nuggets' win streak to eight, which ties for their longest since last season, when they won eight from March 25-April 8. The ..."
Nuggets' Smith beats the deadline buzzer
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January 28
Houston Chronicle
 
"Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith beat the clock before the game even began. Smith avoided the potential spectacle of being served a lawsuit at Wednesday's game at Toyota Center when he beat an agreed-upon deadline by just eight minutes to make a "good faith" down payment on a debt owed to Houston attorney Rusty Hardin. "It was a 3-pointer at the buzzer," said Dale Jefferson, who on Tuesday had filed the lawsuit naming Smith as a defendant for failing to pay legal fees on Hardin's behalf."