Denver whistles officials

'Eurostep,' lack of Iverson free throws frustrate Nuggets

Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News

Friday, April 27, 2007

Nuggets coach George Karl had much to fault about a Texas (Game) Two Step. Now, J.R. Smith wonders if he should practice a "Eurostep."

After San Antonio's 97-88 win Wednesday in Game 2, Karl was amazed guard Allen Iverson didn't get a single free-throw attempt despite hoisting 25 shots.

On Thursday, Karl reiterated his frustration with the officials, and Smith said Spurs guard Manu Ginobili gets away with traveling.

"He's got that Eurostep that's unbelievable," the Nuggets guard said of Ginobili, a native of Argentina who once played in Italy. "It's really tough to guard him. . . . He takes an extra step every time he gets to the paint. It just so happens they never call a walk. It always works for him, so I might try it."

It's not the first time the Nuggets have questioned Ginobili in the playoffs. Two years ago, Karl said his physical style was "ugly."

Karl, who said 2005 criticism of Ginobili was designed to fire up his team, perhaps is resorting to other gamesmanship. He was displeased with two first-half Wednesday fouls on Nene.

"It's human nature when (the Spurs) complain about not getting a whistle and then they get a whistle," Karl said. "They say they're going to bring Nene into a foul situation and they get two early calls."

Karl also continued to express his frustration regarding Iverson.

"First time in A.I.'s career (of 64 playoff games) that he's never shot a free throw in a playoff game," Karl said. "Every time somebody goes to the rim, the whistles could blow, and he goes 25 times and doesn't get one."

Karl was asked if his comments could result in the Nuggets getting a more favorable whistle.

"I don't think so," he said. "But talk radio thinks so. I think referees are referees. They're human beings. They read the papers. They listen to the TVs. They have human nature. They're pretty damn good, too. . . . I think whatever we get is going to be earned by how we play."

STERN TO VISIT: Need further evidence center Marcus Camby should clear a shelf for a trophy?

Commissioner David Stern is scheduled to attend Game 3 at the Pepsi Center after being scheduled to attend tonight's Dallas at Golden State game. Camby is expected to be honored for winning Defensive Player of the Year. Golden State's Monta Ellis will be honored tonight for winning Most Improved Player.

Camby is expected to be named Defensive Player of the Year today. He would consider it a team honor.

"If it happens, it's great for the organization and my teammates and definitely for my family," he said.

BENCH PRESSED: Because of the defense's woes, Karl said it has been tough finding playing time for Smith, who has played 17 minutes in the series.

"It's not very much fun when you have to put J.R. Smith on Ginobili," Karl said. "You don't think (Spurs coach Gregg Popovich) knows that? Every play he runs when Ginobili is in the game is against (Smith). J.R. gets tricked."

But Karl isn't overly concerned about the bench having been outscored 66-13 in the series.

"I'll ask (Iverson) to come off the bench, and then we'll get 30 off the bench and everything will be fine," said Karl, referring to San Antonio using top players Ginobili and Robert Horry as reserves.

LAUDING NENE: Karl is impressed with Nene, who has improved rapidly after a slow start while recovering from right knee surgery.

"I can't tell you how proud I am of him other than I can tell you I've fallen in love with him as a basketball coach," Karl said. "He's great. He's head and shoulders, mountaintops further above what we could ever expect."

ETC.: While the starters rested, other Nuggets had a light workout. The Spurs didn't practice. . . . Former NBA and college coach Tates Locke is helping the Nuggets during the playoffs. Karl said he's offering advice on what Popovich might do.

Staff writer Aaron J. Lopez and Paul Willis contributed to this report.