Archive for the ‘Denver Nuggets’ Category

CHEST BUMPS, BLOCK PARTIES, & THE COMEBACK (NBA PLAYOFFS DAY 2)

No Comments
Posted 29 Apr 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category 2012 Playoffs, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

Photo By Jeff Gross/Getty Images

The Lakers…like always beat the Nuggets in a Playoff game. Andrew Bynum blocked eight shots in the first three quarters before surpassing Kareem Abdul-Jabbar’s franchise-record nine blocks in the fourth. He eventually equaled the NBA record set by Utah’s Mark Eaton on April 26, 1985, and matched by Hall of Famer Hakeem Olajuwon on April 29, 1990. Bynum became just the 6th Laker to record a triple-double in the playoffs. He needs 29 more to catch Magic. Lakers lead series 1-0

San Antonio not so surprisingly won easily 106-91. The Jazz fell to 1-4 against the Spurs this year, with their only win coming in Salt Lake City when Duncan, Ginobili and Parker didn’t play. Spurs lead series 1-0.

The Atlanta Hawks got a strong performance from Josh Smith who finished with 22 points, and 18 boards. The Celtics appeared frustrated with the way things were going. No one was more  annoyed then Rajon Rondo who was T’d up after arguing a foul on Brandon Bass late in the 4th quarter. Rondo then decided to get all chesty with an official and was ejected. A suspension for Ronfo will be forthcoming, but he is known for getting away with physicality in the Playoffs. (Brad Miller, and Kirk Hinrich know what I’m talking about.) Atlanta leads series 1-0.

Memphis lead by 27 points in the second half and let the Clippers…yes, the Los Angeles Clippers fight back to a 99-98 win. Whenever POINT GOD is on the court anything is possible; also Reggie Evans rebounding everything you miss helps too. The Grizzlies wait till Wednesday for revenge, and Chris Paul sort of dissed head coach Vinny Del Negro after the game:

Clippers lead series 1-0

 

Tags: , ,

(THE LAST) 2012 NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW

No Comments
Posted 27 Apr 2012 — by Phillip Pyle
Category 2012 Playoffs, Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Chicago Bulls, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, NBA, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, San Antonio Spurs, Utah Jazz

The season that began on Christmas day and crammed 66 games down our throats (pause) in the process has finally came to an end. Even in a shortened season there were many exceptional moments, and in this years NBA playoffs there isn’t one series that you want to miss. Okay maybe you can skip the Pacers sweeping the Howard-less Magic. Here is what to watch for in each of the first round match-ups.

(1) Chicago Bulls vs. (8) Philadelphia 76ers

Bulls coach Tom Thibodeau consistent nagging of defense, defense, defense, and the unusual amount of BIGS the Bulls have, has made the loss of Derrick Rose throughout the season barely noticeable. Of course this is the year where Derrick Rose figures it all out, and carries his team to the Finals and Scottie Pippen gets to photobomb everyone in the locker room when they celebrate. At least thats how Bulls fans would love for it to go, but the Basketball Gods never make it easy. Unfortunately for the 76ers, Muppet-Evan Turner decided to throw a quick jab Chicago’s way stating that the Sizers lost to the Knicks (which helped the Sixers avoid the Heat in the 1st Round) earlier this week was “Dodging the better team.” Not like the Bulls needed any more motivation but if anything can give Rip Hamilton reason to sharpen his fingernails then watch out.

Philadelphia has been one of my favorite teams to watch this season, and I will enjoy watching them put up a fun-filled effort, but the upset is going to take a miracle, or an absentee Derrick Rose. BULLS in 5

(2) Miami Heat vs. (7) New York Knicks

REUTERS/Jessica Rinaldi (UNITED STATES)

Gonna leave  @knicks247 to this one. Carmelo Anthony and LeBron James meeting in the NBA Playoffs for the first time and 10 years since their high school battles…swoon.

(3) Indiana Pacers vs. (6) Orlando Magic

Regardless of Dwight Howard’s back condition, the Magic wanted no part of the NBA Playoffs after the trade deadline had passed and “chocolate shoulders” was still around. This is the coming out party for the Indiana Pacers, and ultimately a first-round bye. PACERS in 4

 

(4) Boston Celtics vs. (5) Atlanta Hawks

We have been overtly bias of the Celtics, mainly due to the old adage of “respecting your elders”, and this by all accounts could be the last hurrah of Garnett, Pierce, and Allen. Everyone thought last year’s Playoff defeat by the Heat was the last time we would seee the Big 3 but due to the purchase of a hot tub time machine the Celtics(Spurs) are poised for yet another Finals run.  The Big 3, are now of course the Big 4 with Rajon Rondo reaching Superstar-Status. There is also Avery Bradley who should make Joe Johnson’s bones uneasy. Rondo has a knack for exceptional play when games are televised, and with every Playoff game being televised, look for Rondo to win at least 2 games by just diving for the ball a bunch of times.

Once again the Atlanta Hawks are back in the Playoffs!! The Atlanta Hawks are the NBA version of Temazepam. CELTICS in 6

Continue reading “(THE LAST) 2012 NBA PLAYOFF PREVIEW” »

Tags: , ,

2012 NBA NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!

No Comments
Posted 31 Dec 2011 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden St. Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards

Although the season has barely begun, each team will be making resolutions for the New Years that ultimately they will forget. Here a a team-by-team breakdown:

ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not. ( same as last years resolution)

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to let Rondo shoot nothing but threes for an entire game, just to see what happens….

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Paul Silas resolve to survive the entire season.

CHICAGO BULLS

I, Derrick Rose resolve to continue dominating basketball, postgame interviews  and my acne.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to continue to be a horrible team until Dan Gilbert can finally complete the cloning of LeBron James, let the clone grow to 18 years of age, then draft him with the #1 pick in the 2030 Draft.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Lamar Odom will drive to Galveston Beach each off day so I can look at the ocean and remember what once was.

DETROIT PISTONS

We the Pistons resolve to find some food for Austin Daye, and to have Ben Gordons arms chopped off!

DENVER NUGGETS

We the Nuggets resolve to be extremely grateful that Coach Karl is back and healthy!

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

I, Coach Mark Jackson resolve to stop yelling “Hands down, man down” to everyone on the team, every possession.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

We the Houston Rockets resolve to continue pitting Chase Budinger, and Chandler Parsons against each other until they are forced to fight to the death.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to let Physcho T run into the stands at least once this season.

L.A. CLIPPERS

We resolve to keep our racist ass owner away from Chris Paul, and keep Chris thinking that Frankie Muniz is indeed the owner of the team.

Continue reading “2012 NBA NEW YEARS RESOLUTIONS!” »

Tags: , , ,

RECAP: OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER-DENVER NUGGETS/GAME 1

1 Comment
Posted 18 Apr 2011 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Denver Nuggets, NBA, Oklahoma City Thunder

Photo by Dilip Vishwanat/Getty Images

The most exciting offensive game of the weekend goes to the Thunder and Nuggets. It wasn’t as dramatic a game as the Celtics-Knicks or as thrilling as Bulls-Pacers, it was simply non-stop quickness.

Kevin Durant scored 41 points, Westbrook added 31 points, and the OKC Thunder withstood a beat down from Nene to win Game 1, 107-103. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook became the first players since the franchise moved to Oklahoma City to each score 30 points in a playoff game. They were 25 for 45 from the field and provided all but 13 baskets for the Thunder.

Nene dunked on everyone in a Thunder uniform en route to 22 points and eight boards to lead Denver. Nene missed 71/2 minutes after bumping knees with Kendrick Perkins in the opening minutes of the second half.

Danilo Gallinari scored 18 points, Raymond Felton had 12, and Denver had eight players score at least eight points.

“There are a lot of ways to win games down the stretch, and I think big-time shooters, big-time scorers are one,” Karl said. “But there are also a lot of other ways to win close games.” With the departure of Carmelo Anthony the Nuggets role players appeared uneasy with the pressure of taking big shots. Except of course J.R. Smith who had 9 points on 3-8 shooting, and went 0-3 from downtown.

A controversial offensive goaltending call will take the majority of scrutiny. Westbrook’s jumper from the right side caromed off the rim and Perkins was credited for the tip-in with 1:06 remaining to put Oklahoma City up 102-101. Several Nuggets looked for it to be waved off as basket interference, and coach George Karl insisted after the game: “Obviously it was goaltending.”

Teams involved in the Carmelo trade: 0-2 Teams involved in Kendrick Perkins trade: 2-0

Game 2 at Oklahoma City, 8:00 p.m. ET, TNT/ Thunder lead series 1-0

Tags: , ,

NBA WESTERN CONFERENCE PLAYOFFS: 1ST ROUND PREVIEW

No Comments
Posted 15 Apr 2011 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, NBA, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, San Antonio Spurs

The Western Conference matchup’s werent decided to the last day of the season, and sadly only the Hornets are going to be an easy out. Let the preview begin……

 

 

 

#1. San Antonio Spurs vs. #8 Memphis Grizzlies

The Spurs  shot at the gate, surprising everyone outside of San Antonio en route to the best record in the West. The Grizzlies suffered a huge setback with the loss of Rudy gay for the Playoffs. The two headed defensive monster of Shane battier and Tony Allen were key reasons the Grizzlies were able to hold on to the bottom spot.

The key matchup of the series is Tim Duncan-Zach Randolph. Tim Duncan is no longer the offensive focal point and averaged a career-low 13.4 points, but is still effective enough to lure double teams. Memphis scored a league-high 51.6 points in the post and its interior size of Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol should pose problems for San Antonio. The Spurs are on a mission, but the Grizzlies have been playing great ball down the stretch. This series has the capabilities to go the distance.

Spurs in 6

 

 

 

 

 

#2 Los Angeles Lakers vs. #7 New Orleans Hornets

The Lakers earned the privilege to play the David West-less Hornets in the first round. If the Lakers don’t sweep the Hornets, prepare for panic out of Los Angeles. The Lakers swept the Hornets, 4-0, in the regular season.

Lakers in 4

 

 

 

#3 Dallas Mavericks vs. #6 Portland Trail Blazers

*The Best First Round Matchup* The loss of Caron Butler dealt a heavy blow to the Mavs. The toughest player taken from your team makes deep Playoff runs next to impossible. Despite nearly a decade’s worth of regular-season success, Dallas has advanced only once to the finals.

The Mavericks draw a tough first-round matchup in Portland, which benefited after a midseason trade by obtaining Gerald Wallace. Brandon Roy is somewhat back from injury, but the team now revolves around LaMarcus Aldridge (21.8 points, 8.8 rebounds), who is a native of Dallas. The teams split their regular-season games with each winning twice at home.

Portland in 6


 

 

 

 

#4 Oklahoma City Thunder vs. #5 Denver Nuggets

The most intriguing first-round matchups between the benefactors of deadline deals. The Thunder may pose the largest obstacle to the Lakers of escaping the Western Conference a fourth straight year. Denver hasn’t lost a step after dealing Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony to New York. Denver is similar to a college team complete with two ex-North Carolina Tar Heels in Raymond Felton and Ty Lawson.

Kevin Durant remains the best basketball player not named Kobe, or LeBron. The addition of Kendrick Perkins adds a touch of toughness the Thunder have yet to achieve. Oklahoma won the season series, 3-1, including taking two games after the trading deadline.

Thunder in 6

Tags: , ,

Melo FINALLY Gets Traded!

2 Comments
Posted 22 Feb 2011 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Denver Nuggets, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, New York Knicks

After what seemed like an eternity, Carmelo Anthony is finally a New York Knicks. The Denver Post reporting that the Knicks, Nuggets and for some odd reason the Timberwolves were all able to finally come to terms in which to completely revamped their teams.

As a part of the deal, the Knicks will send Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, Timofey Mozgov and a 2014 first-round draft pick to the Nuggets, who would get additional picks and cash. Along with Anthony, New York would acquire Chauncey Billups, Shelden Williams, Anthony Carter and Renaldo Balkman.

New York will send Anthony Randolph and Eddy Curry to Minnesota as part of the deal in exchange for Corey Brewer.

The Knicks new roster in alpabetical order is Carmelo Anthony(who will wear the #7), Kelenna Azubulke, Renaldo Balkman, Cory Brewer, Chauncey Billups, Anthony Carter, Toney Douglas, Landry Fields, Roger Mason, Andy Rautins, Amar’e Stoudemire, Ronny Turiaf, Bill Walker, Shawne Williams, and Shelden Williams. The Williams guys are gonna be a nigtmare for the Knicks equipment manager.

Will Shelden be displayed “SHE. Williams” on the back of his jersey?

The Knicks aren’t going to win a title this year. They ARE going to make the playoffs. That alone should please New Yorkers. The Knicks have added 2 of the 10 starters in this past weekends All-Star Game in under a year. Are the Knicks done? Billups is a free agent and of course Carmelo is. Will this roster be enough to keep Melo from New Jersey/Brooklyn, or will another move by the Knicks sweeten the deal for Melo?

The Nuggets Wilson Chandler, Raymond Felton, Danilo Gallinari, and Timofey Mozgov are solid additions. Denver was headed for an early exit from the playoffs if they made it. Adding 53.9% of the Knicks offense to your team is good when you traded away 50% of your offense. Billups will be missed as well, but the battle between Ty Lawson, and Raymond Felton should be a good one. Sadly for Denver J.R. Smith becomes the lone gunmen in town, unless Danilo wants it more.

The Minnesota Timberwolves, with ABSOLUTELY nothing to lose add Anthony Randolph to a team that needs anyone. Eddie Curry is and has been since he ate Oliver Miller, sadly CAP SPACE. Curry’s expiring contract gives the Timberwolves extra cash to burn in the fireplace to keep them warm come winter.

Tags: , ,

NBA 2011 RESOLUTIONS

No Comments
Posted 31 Dec 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Atlanta Hawks, Boston Celtics, Charlotte Bobcats, Chicago Bulls, Cleveland Cavaliers, Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons, Golden St. Warriors, Houston Rockets, Indiana Pacers, Los Angeles Clippers, Los Angeles Lakers, Memphis Grizzlies, Miami Heat, Milwaukee Bucks, Minnesota Timberwolves, NBA, New Jersey Nets, New Orleans Hornets, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder, Orlando Magic, Philadelphia 76ers, Phoenix Suns, Portland Trailblazers, Sacramento Kings, San Antonio Spurs, Toronto Raptors, Utah Jazz, Washington Wizards

With the start of a new year, teams make their own resolutions.  Here is a team by team look at those resolutions.

ATLANTA HAWKS

We resolve to get to the bottom of why we gave Joe Johnson so much damn money. He does lead us in points, but will we make it deep in the playoffs….of course not.

BOSTON CELTICS

We the Boston Celtics resolve to play at least one game with both O’Neal’s on the court at the same time. I, the Boston Celtics  fan resolve to relax and enjoy each game because if anyone gets injured the world will not end.

CHARLOTTE BOBCATS

I, Michael Jordan resolve to stop wearing all my rings on one necklace to every Bobcats meeting.

CHICAGO BULLS

We resolve to kept nurturing Derrick Rose, and to keep Carlos Boozer and his weird beard away from him.

CLEVELAND CAVALIERS

We resolve to simply exist before the NBA goes through with contraction and makes us a NBDL team. I, the Cavs fan will save up and buy the Fathead of Daniel Gibson for no reason whatsoever.

DALLAS MAVERICKS

I, Rick Carlisle resolve to stop making faces like Jim Carrey, and to let jason Terry do whatever he wants in the 4th quarter.

DETROIT PISTONS

I, Tayshaun Prince resolve to ask Joe Dumars nicely if I can be traded, then pray its not to Toronto.

DENVER NUGGETS

We resolve to trade Carmelo to the highest bidder, then struggle until we draft anthoer Carmelo and repeat the same process.

GOLDEN ST. WARRIORS

We resolve to never sign a legitimate big man so we can never truly play defense.

HOUSTON ROCKETS

I, the Houston Rockets fan resolve to lower our expectations until Michael Jordan goes and plays baseball for two years.

INDIANA PACERS

We resolve to sleep through the rest of this year, and promptly wake up during the lottery selection this summer.

L.A. CLIPPERS

I, Donald Sterling resolve to continue being concerned about only money, and as long as Blake Griffin makes me money he stays….for cheap of course.

L.A. LAKERS

We resolve to work all year so we actually play a competitive game on Christmas. We also resolve to never let Kobe and Nike convince us that Lime green sneakers are cool.

MEMPHIS GRIZZLIES

We resolve to save our money, to pay for the shipping of all the equipment to our new home in Seattle.

MIAMI HEAT

I, Miami Heat fan resolve to show up to games on time, especially once the playoffs start. At least we will make it seem that basketball games are more fun then the beach, or clubs full of young hispanic women.

MILWAUKEE BUCKS

We resolve to continue doing whatever it was we did to beat the Lakers. *Brandon Jennings didn’t play

MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES

I, Kevin Love resolve to rebound every ball, on every shot, from every basketball game in the world.

NEW JERSEY NETS

We resolve to never put an ad across from Madison Square Garden again. Unless of course, if we get Carmelo Anthony then we get to play in the Garden.

NEW ORLEANS HORNETS

We the NBA speak for the Hornets, and the Hornets have nothing to say.

NEW YORK KNICKS

I, Spike Lee resolve to continue wearing clothes too big for me to games, and my Landry Fields jersey, even if he gets traded.

OKLAHOMA CITY THUNDER

We resolve to take out as many loans as possible to keep Russell Westbrook away from Los Angeles.

ORLANDO MAGIC

I, Dwight Howard will work on my three point shooting so I can fit in better with the team.

PHILADELPHIA 76ERS

We resolve to hire Michael Vick as soon as the NFL season is over. He will suit up and be in the starting lineup, just for the player introductions, but he wont play any minutes.

PHOENIX SUNS

I, Marcin Gortat, will continue to plead with my teammates to play defense, even if they speak another language.

PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS

I, Trail Blazers fan will take a class in physical therapy so I can be more hands on with the players.

SACRAMENTO KINGS

We, the Maloof Brothers resolve to finish construction on our secret basketball stadium in Las Vegas. We also must sit Tyreke Evans down and ask that he not hit 50 footers to win games and instead keep piling on the loses.

SAN ANTONIO SPURS

We resolve to casually ignore the age of our Big 3, but encourage fans to purchase DeJuan Blair Bears from the gift shop

TORONTO RAPTORS

We resolve to call the NBA everyday, and send flowers so that they remember there is a team in Toronto.

UTAH JAZZ

We resolve to continue research into age-defying potions that can make it possible for Jerry Sloan to coach the Jazz forever.

WASHINGTON WIZARDS

We resolve to finally change our name back to the Bullets, and once again lose out on front page reports to real bullets.

Tags: , ,

J.R. Smith Teaches George Hill When NOT To Take Charges

No Comments
Posted 17 Dec 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Denver Nuggets, NBA

(AP Photo/Jack Dempsey)

After a day to let the J.R. Smith dunk marinate, and the vision of the Cool Grey Air Jordan XI’s he was wearing, I cant help but wonder,

WHAT THE F@%K WAS George Hill thinking?

He either undercuts Smith and seriously hurts him as he falls to the ground, or he gets dunked on and is unable to recover mentally for the rest of his career.

I love the entire Spurs team is in the highlight, and that the Spurs won the game after Carmelo is hit with another(bogus) late-game offensive foul.

If you haven’t seen the dunk of the year, enjoy, and be sure to let George Hill’s family now you miss him.

Tags: , , ,

Nets, Rockets, Lakers 3-Way Trade

No Comments
Posted 15 Dec 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Denver Nuggets, Houston Rockets, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, New Jersey Nets

New Jersey has sent swingman Terrence Williams to Houston in a three-team trade that gives the Nets two more first-round draft picks for potential use in a Carmelo Anthony deal.

Williams, who was inactive for the Nets’ 82-77 loss to Philadelphia on Tuesday, is averaging 6.7 points, 3.6 rebounds and 3.1 assists in a turbulent season that saw him fined for showing up late for practices and later sent to the franchise’s D-League team in Springfield.

The Nets got the Rockets’ first-round draft pick in 2012, the Los Angeles Lakers’ first-round pick in 2011 and shooting guard Sasha Vujacic from the Lakers. The Lakers get veteran forward Joe Smith in the trade.

Sasha joins his teammate Jordan Farmar in New Jersey, as they await the call that they have been sent to Denver.

On a second deal Wednesday, the Kings acquired Jermaine Taylor and cash considerations from the Rockets in exchange for a heavily-protected, second-round pick, and cash.

Rockets coach Rick Adelman said he’s “not going to rush into anything” and force Williams into Houston’s rotation without first seeing him in practice.

“He can break people down, he can pass the ball, so it’s just a matter of where he fits with the group we have,” Adelman said. “Unfortunately, we have a lot of games in a short time before Christmas. But we’ll see. It will work itself out.”

Tags: , , ,

Kobe, Karl, and Amare!

No Comments
Posted 10 Dec 2010 — by Phillip Pyle
Category Chicago Bulls, Denver Nuggets, Los Angeles Lakers, NBA, New York Knicks, Toronto Raptors, Washington Wizards

Friday night in the NBA breakdown:

Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl joins Don Nelson, Lenny Wilkens, Pat Riley, Jerry Sloan, Phil Jackson and Larry Brown as the only coaches with 1,000 wins. Karl survived prostate cancer in 2005 and was treated for neck and throat cancer earlier this year, missing the end of last season while undergoing treatment. “It’s unbelievable,” Billups said. “He’s got 1,000 wins and he beat cancer twice. Those are his biggest wins.”

Amare Stoudemire had 36 points and 10 rebounds to help overcome his 11 turnovers against the Washington Wizards.  The NBA’s first triple-double involving turnovers since February 2008. His seventh straight 30-point game is matched in franchise history only by Willie Naulls, who accomplished it way back in 1962. The Knicks have won 7 straight, and lead the NBA with 10 away wins.

Kobe Bryant passed John Havlicek for 11th on the NBA All-Time Scoring list. Kobe shot 23 shots and scored 23 points…thus the Lakers lost. Derrick Rose and the Chicago Bulls looked confident, playing tough defense and not backing down from the defending champs. It was the Bulls’ first win over the Lakers in nearly four years. Los Angeles had won seven straight against Chicago since a 94-89 Bulls victory on Dec. 19, 2006, at the United Center.

Tags: , , ,
← Previous Entries