Baby blue DC shoes? Check
Patron tequila? Check
Expecting another blowout? Check
I was expecting the worst, but was pleasantly infatuated with the energy, effort and heart that was presented in the second half, however, a rookie mistake (they DO happen) led to a tip-in made by Dante Cunningham from Rudy Gay's miss with less than 1 second remaining; 103-102 with Denver falling to the Grizzlies.
This was a learning experience and something to build off of for the injured rattled Denver team. How do I feel??? Pretty damn good.
Wait, what??
Think about this?? Denver had a 23-point deficit, were being out rebounded, had only 6 assists at the half, basically, there wasn't one Nugget player that showed up in the first. Until they returned from half-time, that is.
My Game Ball goes to Manimal and Brewer!! This CLOSE loss was all them!!
With the energy explosion from Kenneth Faried, whom by the way, earned his burn time tonight. Step aside Bird and Al, Manimal *should be* taking over your minutes. Kenneth Faried had 18 points on 9-for-15 shooting, 10 rebounds, 1 steal and 2 blocked shots in less than 25 minutes?!?!?!?!?!?!?!? UNLEASH THE MANIMAL, GEORGE!!!!!
Along with Manimal, Corey Brewer's back must be aching tonight. Why?? He, along with Faried, carried this team and nearly won the game. The same day that former Nuggets shooting guard J.R. Smith signs with the New York Knicks, Corey says with his shooting "JR WHO??" Corey led all scorers with 26 points on 10-for-14 shooting, ALL in the second half. He also had 5 rebounds, 1 steal and 1 blocked shot.
Kosta Koufos, which this has me scratching my head a bit, played 6 minutes, which I know had something to do with the fact that Mozzy is back. BUT, C'mon GEEOOORRGGGEE!!
Andre Miller I wanted to strangle through most of the game. He is an AWESOME facilitator, but couldn't shoot a loaded gun, half cocked. However, he came through with vital three-pointers. That has to be worth something. Al, sweet Al Harrington, it was fun while it lasted. However, Manimal deserves your playing time. Al and Arron just didn't contribute as much as fans expect them too. It's disappointing on there part.
Despite the lackluster performance by some of the other teammates, this is still a "good" loss....
In the words of one of my followers on twitter, James Fairbanks:
Pathetic start, stellar comeback, dagger ending . . .
Why I hate - I mean love - the NBA.
Until next time,
Mrs. NBA
Showing posts with label Memphis Grizzlies. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Memphis Grizzlies. Show all posts
Friday, February 17, 2012
Denver Nuggets: Will They Show Heart? (Denver - Memphis 6:00 MST)
This time Denver is in Memphis for their second matchup of the season, but will Denver show heart and mental toughness this time??
Denver Nuggets: 17-13 Record (8-7 at home, 9-6 on the road) Streak: 1 Loss
Memphis Grizzlies: 16-14 Record (10-5 at home,6-9 on the road) Streak: 2 Wins
Past Matchups
Denver has won 12 of the last 15 games against Memphis. On the road, Denver is 15-16 against Memphis, and 0-1 this season. All-time, Denver is 43-19 against the Grizzlies.
Grizzly Stats
They are the undefeated when they score 100 points or more and are the best in the league when holding teams under 100 points (26 times). Memphis has 3 players in top 10 steals: Allen, Gay and Conley. They are ranked 1st in the league for steals, 10.20 SPG.
What can I say about the Grizzlies that viewers don't already know??? Marc Gasol is defensively in tact, he is averaging 15PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.7 APG and 2.13 BPG and he is shooting nearly 50% from the field. Since Z-Bo has been injured, Marc Gasol continues to dominate on the floor. Tony Allen and Mike Conley are a force to be reckoned with on this Memphis squad. Both these players BURNED Denver in overtime last time they met. Mike Conley is pure aggression on the court and will NOT back down, and, whom is also averaging nearly 6 APG. Tony Allen, will slice up a defender's offense, as he is clocking nearly 4 SPG this season. O.J. Mayo, much like our old friend, J.R. Smith, is an instant spark off the bench and can kill the perimeter. Let's not forget Rudy Gay would, as fans know, can kill Denver's defense. Memphis, similar to Dallas, is a defensive team and Denver has to be on their A-game.
How Does Denver Win This Game:
Once again, I was painfully obvious.......
Until next time,
Mrs. NBA
Denver Nuggets: 17-13 Record (8-7 at home, 9-6 on the road) Streak: 1 Loss
Memphis Grizzlies: 16-14 Record (10-5 at home,6-9 on the road) Streak: 2 Wins
Past Matchups
Denver has won 12 of the last 15 games against Memphis. On the road, Denver is 15-16 against Memphis, and 0-1 this season. All-time, Denver is 43-19 against the Grizzlies.
Grizzly Stats
They are the undefeated when they score 100 points or more and are the best in the league when holding teams under 100 points (26 times). Memphis has 3 players in top 10 steals: Allen, Gay and Conley. They are ranked 1st in the league for steals, 10.20 SPG.
What can I say about the Grizzlies that viewers don't already know??? Marc Gasol is defensively in tact, he is averaging 15PPG, 9.8 RPG, 2.7 APG and 2.13 BPG and he is shooting nearly 50% from the field. Since Z-Bo has been injured, Marc Gasol continues to dominate on the floor. Tony Allen and Mike Conley are a force to be reckoned with on this Memphis squad. Both these players BURNED Denver in overtime last time they met. Mike Conley is pure aggression on the court and will NOT back down, and, whom is also averaging nearly 6 APG. Tony Allen, will slice up a defender's offense, as he is clocking nearly 4 SPG this season. O.J. Mayo, much like our old friend, J.R. Smith, is an instant spark off the bench and can kill the perimeter. Let's not forget Rudy Gay would, as fans know, can kill Denver's defense. Memphis, similar to Dallas, is a defensive team and Denver has to be on their A-game.
How Does Denver Win This Game:
- MENTAL toughness, which Denver has been lacking
- George Karl needs to bring his A-game with inspiration and rotations
- Defense LEADS to offense
- Guard the perimeter especially around Mayo
- Attack the basket, don't settle for shots, shot selection is key
- No LAZY defense, there is no room for error
- Make FT's
- OFFENSIVE REBOUNDS
- Get back to Denver's game; run the full court
Once again, I was painfully obvious.......
Until next time,
Mrs. NBA
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