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Denver Nuggets News

Nuggets end five-game losing streak with win at Indiana
February 12
Denver Post
 
"The death of his father kept Corey Brewer away for three games. His return was a welcome sight for the Nuggets on Saturday night as the 6-foot-9 forward brought much-needed energy to the skidding team. Brewer scored 19 points and proved a catalyst along with Ty Lawson as the Nuggets ended their five-game losing streak with a 113-109 victory over the Pacers. "I always play for my dad. Ever since my dad's been sick, since I was in college, I always dedicated my play to him," Brewer said. "I know he's looking down on me. "It was a tough week with my dad, then the Nuggets were losing. Watching those games were tough, but I'm happy to be back. Happy to get a win." Denver weathered a hot start"
Nuggets' starting lineup continues to change
February 12
Denver Post
 
"While the results during the Nuggets' losing streak have been the same, the starting lineups haven't. Saturday night against the Pacers, coach George Karl used his sixth different starting lineup in the last six games. Corey Brewer returned after missing three games because of his father's death, and Kosta Koufos filled in for the injured Timofey Mozgov. The Pacers, meanwhile, have started the same five players in all but one game this season. "If you're changing the lineup because you're not playing well, it's one thing. But if you're changing the lineup because you have to, it's another thing. We're just forced to because of our injury situation," Karl said. "It's probably going to be"
Injuries made Nuggets tough stretch of six games in eight days even nastier than imagined
February 11
Denver Post
 
"Nene grimaced as he slowly lifted his left heel out of the ice tub while somberly seated in the losing locker room, each knee covered by an ice pack the size of Earl Boykins. The image speaks. It epitomizes the Nuggets' grueling, grinding stretch of six games in eight days, including a back-to-back and a back-to-back-to-back. On this particular night, the Nuggets' loss to Dallas was their fourth in a row — and Nene would jump the next tipoff in just 21 hours. "We're banged up, we're sore," coach George Karl said after that loss. "We're searching for confidence." The Nuggets knew. This lockout-shortened season meant games crammed onto calendars, little time to practice and even less time,"
Nuggets lose fifth in a row as Golden State dominates, 109-101
February 10
Denver Post
 
"During one particular possession Thursday night, when the Warriors' Dorell Wright received the ball in the left corner, the closest defender was somewhere near Wyoming. Wright could have tied his shoe before shooting a 3-pointer. As it was, the wide-open Wright actually missed the shot, but the slow-footed Nuggets couldn't get a hand on the rebound, which was scooped up by the Warriors. It was that type of night for the Nuggets, who were running on empty while the Warriors were running all over them. Golden State won Thursday at the Pepsi Center 109-101, handing Denver its fifth straight loss."
Denver misses on all-star selections
February 10
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets have been one of the better teams in the Western Conference, but they don't have a representative on the Western Conference all-star team. Some thought Ty Lawson could nab one of the seven bench spots that were announced Thursday, but instead the guards added were Oklahoma City's Russell Westbrook, Phoenix's Steve Nash and San Antonio's Tony Parker. Westbrook was a shoo-in, Nash is having one of his better statistical seasons and Parker has surged lately, his 18.9 points per game and 7.7 assists faring better than Lawson's 15.5 and 6.5."
Stephen Curry Dominates as Warriors Top Denver 109-101 in Rare Road Win
February 10
Oakland Tribune
 
"You might've expected Warriors guard Monta Ellis, who learned Thursday he was not selected as an All-Star reserve, to have one of his captivating performances. You know, prove they were wrong. Instead, the captivating performance was provided by his backcourt mate Stephen Curry. The Warriors' third-year point guard finished with 36 points in Golden State's 109-101 win over Denver. He was 13 of 17 shooting and had seven assists, seven rebounds, two blocks and a steal with just one turnover. Golden State (9-14) snapped a two-game losing streak and got a much-needed road victory. "You can rave about the shooting, rave about the points," coach Mark Jackson said of Curry, "but he played the"
Utah Jazz sign forward DeMarre Carroll
February 9
The Deseret News
 
"The Utah Jazz now have 14 players on their roster. The team has agreed to terms with former Missouri forward DeMarre Carroll, who was waived earlier this week by Denver. The 6-foot-8, 212-pound Carroll is an interesting pick up for the Jazz, considering he is not an outside scoring threat and has only shot 40 percent throughout his three-year career with Memphis, Houston and Denver."
Loss to champs is Denver's fourth straight
February 9
Denver Post
 
"The therapy session lasted 4 minutes, 56 seconds. George Karl, as blue as his brethren in North Carolina, answered Wednesday night's first media question for nearly five minutes, spilling his emotions about how and why his Nuggets lost, again. "I'm exasperated from losing," said Karl, whose team lost 105-95 to the Dallas Mavericks, the Nuggets' fourth consecutive defeat. "The weight of losing is definitely in our locker room." He talked about poor rebounding and poor shot selection, a lack of confidence and a lack of a poise, saying that point guard Ty Lawson "needs to be our stud, our responsible dude with the ball.""
'Twas a foul fortnight for Nuggets
February 9
Denver Post
 columnist Woody Paige
"Two weeks ago, the Nuggets were hotter than a habanero. They had won six straight — five of those on the rugged road from East (New York) to the Midwest (Milwaukee) to the West (Sacramento). They had won eight of nine, including a victory over the Heat. They were the deepest team in the NBA, and the highest-scoring — with the most assists and the No. 2 shooting percentage. And they were painting by the numbers in the paint. Now, the Nuggets are colder than a miner's ax."
Karl calls on rookie Stone
February 9
Denver Post
 
"Wait, who? Yep, Nuggets undrafted rookie Julyan Stone has started the past two games for Denver. Now, coach George Karl has quality veterans on his bench, but the coach likes to keep those guys playing together, notably Andre Miller, Rudy Fernandez and Al Harrington. So with Danilo Gallinari (ankle) out for a month — and Corey Brewer with family after the death of his father — Stone got the call (Stone started for Arron Afflalo the previous game). At 6-foot-7, Stone is a long, active defender who can play numerous backcourt positions."
Dirk Nowitzki helps Mavericks snap 3-game skid in Denver
February 9
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
 
"Dirk Nowitzki put in one last eye-popping performance in an attempt to get himself in the All-Star game. And what a performance. Nowitzki scored a game-high 25 points -- passing Adrian Dantley along the way -- as the Dallas Mavericks carved up the Denver Nuggets 105-95 on Wednesday before 15,970 at the Pepsi Center. The Mavericks (15-11) snapped a three-game losing streak by sending the Nuggets to their fourth consecutive loss. Afterward, when asked about Nowitzki's game, Mavericks coach Rick Carlisle said: "An All-Star performance, didn't you think? He's getting back into a groove offensively and he's looking like his old self in terms of moving around on the court. So it's a lot of"
Will Arron Afflalo and Birdman Andersen rebound for Denver?
February 8
Denver Post
 columnist Benjamin Hochman
"George Karl brought up an interesting point on your question topic, Shawn. Indeed, Afflalo is not back to his level from last year. In the past five games, he's averaged 7.0 points. Karl said that he felt Afflalo, who missed most of camp because of contract negotiations, was "taking little steps" until he pulled a hamstring at Washington in late January. But Karl then pointed out Afflalo's workout regimen. Now, Afflalo is famous for working hard and Karl agreed that his shooting guard indeed does. But, as Karl explained, "He was getting better and more comfortable (before the injury) with how we were using him, where we were using him. People think it's easy to fit in and get a comfort"
Nuggets lose Danilo Gallinari for four weeks with "significant" ankle sprain
February 8
Denver Post
 
"The NBA's feel-good team is just that — a team. Seven players have led the Nuggets in scoring — and seven players have led the Nuggets in rebounding. "We play together, we run, we have fun," Rudy Fernandez saidTuesday. But any way you slice it, losing Danilo Gallinari hurts. Denver's top scorer said Tuesday he likely will miss a month because of a left ankle sprain suffered Monday night against Houston. X-rays also found a chip fracture in his left foot, but that was an injury doctors determined happened before Gallinari ever played professional basketball."
Nuggets' Gallinari could miss up to month with ankle injury
February 7
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets' top scorer Danilo Gallinari could miss at least a month, after X-rays found a chip fracture in his left foot, according to coach George Karl. Gallo will remain in a walking boot for three to five days. Treatment will be for a significant ankle sprain. Today's MRI determined that the chip was from an injury from before Gallinari played basketball. It could have been worse. In late January, the Bucks' Andrew Bogut suffered a similar injury to Gallinari - landing on his left ankle and fracturing it. Bogut is out for 8-12 weeks."
Short-handed Nuggets lose at home to Rockets; Danilo Gallinari injured
February 7
Denver Post
 
"Four starters injured. A key backup away from the team. Then the backup center, who made a start, fouled out. The Nuggets were short-handed Monday night against Houston at the Pepsi Center, but they trailed by only four points with 1:21 left before losing 99-90 to the Rockets. The Nuggets (15-10) also might have lost Danilo Gallinari, who suffered a sprained left ankle during the third quarter. X-rays revealed a chip fracture in the foot. Gallinari will have a CT scan today."
February will frequently be leap to action
February 7
Denver Post
 
"It's an NBA lockout-shortened year. It's also a leap year. And so, in 29 February days, the Nuggets have 15 February games on their rapid-fire schedule. Guess how many opponents are under .500. Two. Throw in the Nuggets' constant injury situation and, as coach George Karl said, "in February, if we just win our home games, we'll go into March in a good place." The Nuggets have a rare home back-to-back set Wednesday against the defending champs from Dallas and Thursday against Golden State, one of the sub-.500 teams. Phoenix, on Feb. 14, is the other."
Karl not buying fatigue factor in NBA
February 5
Denver Post
 
"It has become fashionable to rip the quality of basketball being played as NBA teams squeeze in their 66-game seasons. TNT's Charles Barkley has been the most vocal critic, calling the quality of play "an embarrassment." "I can't believe how bad the NBA is right now," Barkley said. "I feel bad for the fans." Barkley considers the Nuggets and Portland Trail Blazers two of the better teams in the Western Conference. So he probably was willing to give them a pass Saturday night, when the Nuggets played their third game in three nights and Portland — the "well-rested" team — played its third game in four nights. "I don't think about that stuff, man. Get that out of your head," said Nuggets"
Portland Trail Blazers beat tired Denver Nuggets 117-97
February 5
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets' legs weren't completely dead Saturday night, but completing a back-to-back-to-back set didn't come close to translating into a victory over the Portland Trail Blazers. Playing their third game in three nights, the step-slow Nuggets (15-9) lost their fifth consecutive game at the Rose Garden, this time 117-97. The snowstorm was in Denver, but it was a blizzard of 3-pointers in Rip City that did in coach George Karl's Nuggets. Portland appeared the much fresher team, even though the Blazers were playing for the third time in four nights. Blazer backup Nicolas Batum — who probably gets guarded closer in practice — did much of the damage with a career-high 33 points, including a"
K-mart to sign with Clippers, meet Nuggets
February 4
Denver Post
 
"Well this could be weird. Imagine the Nuggets, needing a basket late in the game, but being stymied on the defensive end by Kenyon Martin. It could happen. Denver's longtime defensive stopper is going to join the Clippers as a free agent. Denver plays the Clippers in L.A. on Feb. 22 and at home April 18. The Martin signing is an important one for the Clippers as they try to establish themselves in unlikely territory — among the top teams in the Western Conference. The longtime Nuggets power forward returned from playing in China and chose the Clippers and close friend Chauncey Billups, a former teammate with Denver. The Nuggets weren't in contention to re-sign the unrestricted free agent."
Clippers sign Kenyon Martin to one-year deal
February 4
Los Angeles Times
 
"The first call Kenyon Martin received came from former Denver Nuggets teammate Chauncey Billups, telling the 6-foot-9 power forward that the Clippers would be a nice fit. Then Clippers All-Star Chris Paul called Martin, reiterating that the Clippers would love to have his services. This all came around the same time Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro and vice president of basketball operations Neil Olshey had met with Martin to express the team's interest. Martin apparently was sold, because on Friday he signed a one-year, mini mid-level contract for $2.5 million to play for the Clippers. Del Negro said Martin will provide the Clippers with quality depth in the frontcourt off the bench to help"
Nuggets fall short to Lakers on missed 3-pointer
February 4
Denver Post
 
"The Pepsi Center held its breath as Al Harrington tried to pull a Carmelo. Harrington had been brilliant for Denver, but he couldn't make a fadeaway, 26-foot 3-point jumper in the finals ticks Friday night, and the Nuggets lost to the Lakers 93-89. (The Lakers made two free throws with 0.2 seconds left.) "A 'stepback' is my favorite shot," said Harrington, who finished with a game-high 24 points. "I felt like it was going to go in." But Harrington wasn't the first option. On the final shot, Denver coach George Karl said: "We were trying to go to Ty (Lawson) in the gap and then try to find the 3 if it was open and find Nene (in the low post) if he was open. For an end-of-the-game situation,"
China fighting decision to let Martin return to NBA
February 3
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Chinese Basketball Association officials are fighting FIBA's decision to allow Kenyon Martin to immediately return to the NBA, demanding that Martin be forbidden to play until later this month, sources told Yahoo! Sports. China has forwarded an affidavit to FIBA and the NBA – signed by Martin upon his departure in late December – that stipulates he wouldn't play in the NBA until his Xinjiang Guanghui Flying Tigers' season had ended. China is demanding the contract be honored and Martin have to wait until the Flying Tigers finish their season. The Flying Tigers have six games left and need a winning streak to catapult them into the playoffs. Their final regular-season game is Feb. 16.."
Clippers' four-game winning streak ends with a thud against Nuggets
February 3
Los Angeles Times
 
"A wet blanket dousing a roaring fire — that's one way to describe the Clippers' 112-91 loss to Denver on Thursday. The Clippers had been in the midst of a season-high four-game winning streak, having achieved three of their most impressive wins yet, and their meeting with Denver came on a night of historically good news: Chris Paul and Blake Griffin were named starters for the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game, becoming the first Clippers to start an All-Star game in 32 years."
Hawks notes: team has interest in Kenyon Martin
February 3
Atlanta Journal-Constitution
 
"The Hawks met Thursday with a representative of Kenyon Martin, according to a person with knowledge of the team's thinking. The 11-year veteran center is playing in China and can return to the NBA following the season in several weeks."
Nuggets dominate in L.A. as Gallinari, Lawson lead the way
February 3
Denver Post
 
"Lob City was more like a library. In Thursday's fourth quarter, with the Clippers trailing by 20, they tried to pull out all the stops during a timeout — the pump-up music, the T-shirt tosses, the dance team jumping up and down — and the residents of said city were quiet, as if they were studying for finals. How about those Nuggets? Denver had lost two straight, including the first one to these very Clippers on Sunday, but on Thursday they slapped around the home team, 112-91, defeating Chris Paul and Blake Griffin on the day both were named all-star starters."
Harrington hopes Nuggets have a sense of urgency beginning tonight vs. Clippers
February 2
Denver Post
 
"Al Harrington's voice — so deep, so smooth, so serious — makes Barry White sound like Betty White. When Harrington speaks, there's a resonance of importance. So, after the Nuggets lost Sunday's heartbreaker to the Los Angeles Clippers, Harrington's strong voice made his strong words echo. "I still feel," he said from the losing locker room, "that we're the better team." Better than the Clippers? Who have Chris Paul, Blake Griffin, Chauncey Billups and Caron Butler, plus top sixth-man candidate Mo Williams and up-and-coming center DeAndre Jordan?"
Sources: Clippers are willing to offer Kenyon Martin mini mid-level exception of $2.5 million
February 2
Los Angeles Times
 
"Count the Clippers as one of the many teams still trying to get free-agent power forward Kenyon Martin, according to two people not authorized to speak publicly on the situation. Martin recently met with Clippers Coach Vinny Del Negro and Neil Olshey, the team's vice president of basketball operations, to gauge his interest in playing for the team, both people said. The Clippers would be willing to offer Martin the mini mid-level exception of $2.5 million, though they haven't made him an offer yet, one person said."
Kenyon Martin deciding which contender to join
February 1
Yahoo! Sports
 
"Kenyon Martin is expected to decide by this weekend which NBA team he'll join, league sources told Yahoo! Sports. The Los Angeles Lakers, Los Angeles Clippers, Miami Heat, San Antonio Spurs, Atlanta Hawks and New York Knicks have expressed interest in signing the veteran forward. Martin signed with Xinjiang Gyang Hui of the Chinese Basketball Association, but has since returned to the United States. He's not eligible to sign with an NBA team until Xinjiang's season ends, which could be as soon as Feb. 16."
Memphis Grizzlies find their grind, put away Denver, 100-97 in OT
February 1
Memphis Commercial Appeal
 
"On perhaps the most important sequence of the night, the Grizzlies gave their grit and grind-starved fans a heavy dose. Tony Allen sprung from the court and met Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington at the apex of his shot attempt. Allen came up with an emphatic block and the Nuggets were assessed a 24-second, shot-clock violation late in the overtime period. On the other end of the floor, Mike Conley chased down an offensive rebound and then Allen later extended the possession by also hitting the offensive glass. The basketball eventually found O.J. Mayo for a straight-away 3-pointer that gave the Griz a lead for the first time since late in the first period."
Nuggets let one slip away in overtime loss at Memphis, 100-97
February 1
Denver Post
 
"The Nuggets, George Karl heatedly said, did not lose Tuesday because of missed shots at the buzzer — even though they missed two of them. Andre Miller missed a jumper, sending the game to overtime, and Rudy Fernandez missed a 3, sending the Grizzlies fans home happy. But after the Nuggets' 100-97 loss at Memphis, the Denver coach was steadfast that the lack of a closer — which Denver hasn't had since Carmelo Anthony forced a trade to New York — was not the main reason the Nuggets lost Tuesday. It was, Karl surmised, "fourth or fifth.""
Crystal ball says Denver can contend in NBA playoffs
February 1
Denver Post
 columnist Benjamin Hochman
"Hello from BHizzle! Hope you're doing well in Brooklyn home (did you happen to go to James Buchanan High? Six people got that reference). I chuckled at your "crystal ball" reference, because it reminded me of this scenario from the other day. This person I sort of know excitedly told me a story about how she has psychic powers, which I found fascinating, since she supposedly has these psychic powers -- yet doesn't have the capacity to recall she already told me this stupid story. As for the Nuggets' play in the postseason, well, that's the $65 million question (in reference to the contract extension signed by Carmelo Anthony and the Knicks, leaving the Nuggets with some great young talent,"
Lack of ball control comes back to hurt Nuggets
February 1
Denver Post
 
"Ty Lawson returned to the Nuggets on Tuesday, but coach George Karl was cautious before the game — and it had nothing to do with Lawson's sprained ankle. "The one thing with Ty and Andre (Miller), they create a lot of their offense with defensive steals and they're very good around the ball," Karl said at the shootaround. "We have to protect the ball. If we don't, they'll be in the game and they'll have a chance to beat us. If we have a low turnover game, I think they'll have trouble beating us." Well, after missing three games, Lawson tallied just four assists in Denver's 100-97 overtime loss, while committing five turnovers."
Nuggets' Ty Lawson says he'll play vs. Memphis
January 31
Denver Post
 
"Ty Lawson confirmed today that Chico will play. The Nuggets' Lawson, whose on-court alter-ego is nicknamed Chico, said at shootaround that he'll play in tonight's Nuggets-Grizzlies game here at Memphis. Denver's starting point guard had missed three-straight games due to a sprained ankle. "Especially coming off a loss, I definitely want to get back out here and get on a winning streak," Lawson said, in reference to the Nuggets heartbreaker at home against the Clippers on Sunday."
Ty Lawson's absence hurts Nuggets
January 31
Denver Post
 
"In just over two seasons, Ty Lawson has rocketed from a point guard whom Nuggets coach George Karl was reluctant to play as a rookie to, it appears, being the most indispensable cog on a 14-6 team. Never was that more evident than in Karl's comments Sunday night at the Pepsi Center after the Los Angeles Clippers snapped the Nuggets' six-game win streak. Karl called it "a good loss" to one of the Western Conference's most talented teams. Lawson missed his third consecutive game because of a sprained ankle."
Nuggets' six-game winning streak ended by Clippers
January 30
Denver Post
 
"The postgame L.A. Clippers locker room had an old Nuggets feel to it. There, in the center, was Chauncey Billups, always the man of the moment in the Mile High City. Around him were all of the familiar media faces peppering him with questions about another night, another big shot, another big victory. Only, this time, he left his old team with all the questions while he provided answers Sunday night. In his first game back since being traded, Billups was every bit Mr. Big Shot as he and Chris Paul took over in the fourth quarter to outlast the Nuggets 109-105 at the Pepsi Center."
Nuggets' Lawson still hurting; Miller starts at point
January 30
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets guard Ty Lawson was a late scratch from Sunday night's game against the Los Angeles because of a sprained left ankle that continues to give him problems. Lawson had hoped to play in the pivotal early Western Conference showdown between the second- and third-place teams, and had said he would Saturday afternoon. But after having difficulty in getting some things done on the court, and after going through a pregame workout, he was shelved. Andre Miller started in his place."
Clippers look game for the week with 109-105 victory at Denver
January 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"This is a week that could test the Clippers' resolve, demonstrating whether they are mentally and physically capable of playing five games in seven days and finding success. On the first night of this harrowing march, on a day when Chauncey Billups returned home to face a Denver team that has traded him twice, the Clippers stood tall in pulling out a 109-105 victory Sunday night at the Pepsi Center. They did so because Billups was outstanding in scoring a season-high 32 points, because Chris Paul had 13 of his 25 points and four of his seven assists in the fourth quarter, and because DeAndre Jordan made a clutch late-game free throw to go along with his 13 rebounds, five blocked shots and"
Clippers' Chauncey Billups gets warm welcome in Denver
January 30
Los Angeles Times
 
"Chauncey Billups was back home, back where he went to high school, in the same state where he went to college, at the University of Colorado, back facing the Denver Nuggets team that traded him twice. And he put on a show, scoring a season-high 32 points on 11-for-20 shooting, six for 12 from three-point range. Billups was a part of the Carmelo Anthony trade that sent them to the New York Knicks on Feb. 22, 2011, a deal that the 15-year veteran wasn't too happy about."
Pacers a Hoosier version of the Nuggets
January 29
Denver Post
 columnist Benjamin Hochman
"So the Eastern Conference has a Nuggets team too. With their budding point guard from the 2009 draft, their lack of a superstar and their litany of scorers in the teens, the Indiana Pacers have cooked up ways to win — and win big games. Coach Frank Vogel's squad (be honest, did you even know Frank Vogel was their coach?) has defeated Boston twice, as well as wins against the Hawks, at the Lakers and this past week at Chicago, where the Pacers made a statement, giving the Bulls their first home loss. Asked if he sees comparisons between his Nuggets and the Pacers, Denver coach George Karl said: "Success-wise, I do. I don't think they play as fast as we play. "I think they're a pretty young,"
As Clippers visit Nuggets, finally time to give regards to Billups
January 29
Denver Post
 
"When Masai Ujiri was hired as the Nuggets' executive director of basketball operations in the summer of 2010, his first order of business was to connect with the player who had recently taught the team how to win big. Chauncey Billups. So Ujiri flew to Turkey, where Billups was playing as part of the U.S. team in the FIBA World Championship. "I got the job at that time," Ujiri said. "And he was the first person I went to see." And why not? One leader was going to spend time with another. Billups' return to the Nuggets in 2008 resulted in a run to the Western Conference finals as the former George Washington High and Colorado star provided the team the proper tools for success."
Lawson's bad ankle puts him on sideline
January 28
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets starting point guard Ty Lawson missed Friday night's game against the Raptors because of a sprained ankle, but coach George Karl hopes to have him back for Sunday's meeting with the L.A. Clippers. "I think Ty wants to play," Karl said. "I have a feeling he'll play on Sunday. That's what my gut says." At 15.7 points per game, Lawson is the team's second-leading scorer. He's also second on the team in assists (6.5) and steals (1.53). Lawson was injured in Wednesday's win over Sacramento. He had missed only one game prior to Friday night and started all 17 games in which he's played. Veteran Andre Miller started in his place, and would do so again Sunday if Lawson is still unable to"
Nuggets roll past Toronto for sixth win in a row
January 28
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets coach George Karl likes to break a season down into bite-sized chunks. Win 10 games in a month and its a success. String a season's worth of those kinds of months together and you're likely staring at a top-four spot in the conference by playoff time. The Nuggets opened a big lead then kept Toronto at arm's length to collect a 96-81 win over Toronto on Friday night at the Pepsi Center in a game that was a tad more difficult at the end than the team would have liked. Nevertheless, it was the Nuggets' sixth consecutive victory and 12th win of the month. The last time the Nuggets won 12 games in a month was exactly two years ago, January 2010. And while that season ended like a"
Nuggets' roster depleted, but so deep it's still dangerous
January 27
Denver Post
 
"The Denver Nuggets are deeply dangerous — and dangerously deep. Tonight against Toronto, the Nuggets likely won't have their starting point guard. Or shooting guard. Or backup shooting guard. Yet the Nuggets are potent and unpredictable enough that recent history suggests someone will step in and have a big scoring night. In the past eight games, seven of which were wins, the Nuggets have had six different leading scorers. "This team is hard to guard. You can't predict us," said Nuggets point guard Ty Lawson, who is doubtful with a left ankle sprain. "You can't game plan against that, like if you're playing the Miami Heat. It's hard to plan defenses against us.""
Kings' defense vanishes in loss to Nuggets
January 26
Sacramento Bee
 
"It was almost fitting how Denver Nuggets guard Corey Brewer scored the final points for his team. They came on a dunk off a missed free throw. In short, they were an easy two points, and the Kings gave up way too many of those in a 122-93 loss Wednesday night at Power Balance Pavilion."
Denver Nuggets extend contracts of Danilo Gallinari, Kosta Koufos
January 26
Denver Post
 
"There he was this month, his stoic Fellini-film face, his squared shoulders, his feet tap dancing on the hardwood as he stayed torso to torso with LeBron, with Kobe, with Melo. It's unclear whether Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari ever will be a one-name star, but the symbolism of his defensive dedication is clear — he wants to challenge the best. Gallinari, 23, is having a breakout season on both ends of the court. So the Nuggets locked him up Wednesday for the next four seasons. Gallinari's acceptance of a $42 million-plus contract extension shows that the Denver front office believes what coach George Karl has said, that Gallo could be an NBA all-star someday."
Gallinari helps Nuggets rout Kings; Ty Lawson sprains his left ankle
January 26
Denver Post
 
"On a day when the Nuggets took major steps toward solidifying what they feel is a strong, talented young nucleus of players, the need for such depth was underscored. The Nuggets may be without a third young star as point guard Ty Lawson sprained his left ankle midway through the second quarter of a 122-93 destruction of the Kings at the Power Balance Pavilion on Wednesday night. The Nuggets scored a franchise-record 92 points in the paint. "I thought our passing tonight was spectacular," said Nuggets coach George Karl. "We were getting a lot of easy baskets underneath the defense.""
Nuggets, Gallinari agree to 4-year extension for $42 million
January 25
Denver Post
 
"Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari has agreed to a four-year contract extension. The 23-year-old small forward will make close to $42 million in that four year span, a league source told The Denver Post. The deal signifies Denver's dedication to building around a young nucleus, the same nucleus that was handed the keys after Denver traded Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups 13 months ago. "It was easy to say 'Yes' to this contract," Gallinari said at today's Nuggets shootaround. "It's very nice because we've been playing very well. We have a lot of very good young guys, very unselfish players and I'm looking forward to play with this team this year and with a lot of the guys in the next few"
Nuggets not resting on 12-5 record
January 25
Denver Post
 
"For 72 hours, the Nuggets could finally sit back and exhale. Bodies could heal a bit. Weary legs could be rested. After a whirlwind four games in five nights, the Nuggets welcomed a three-day break, which comes to an end today, with open arms. "It's good. It's good," Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo said. "We are a very deep team, and Coach has got a lot of guys in the rotation, but there are nicks and bruises here and there, so everybody appreciates it." Forward Danilo Gallinari agreed. "I was very tired (Sunday) when we came back," he said. "These days are very important for maintenance and taking care of your body and coming back with the right energy for the next game.""
Nuggets hitting slam dunk with bench players
January 24
Denver Post
 
"George Karl and the coaching staff have a plus-minus system they're fond of, which helps rate which combinations of players work well together on the court. Fifty combinations are charted. And? "Our top 50 combinations do not have a minus," Karl said. "There's not one of our top-50 combinations with a minus.""