Nuggets enter playoffs as No. 8 in West, draw No. 1 Lakers

By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)

Wednesday, April 16, 2008

Chris Schneider / The Rocky

Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza, who scored 12 points, has his path blocked by Grizzlies forward Andre Brown during the first quarter Wednesday at the Pepsi Center.

Chris Schneider / The Rocky

The Nuggets' Eduardo Najera dunks during the second half of a win Wednesday against the Grizzlies at the Pepsi Center.

As the clock wound down and the stands were mostly empty, a lone fan began to chant, "Beat L.A. Beat L.A."

That's what the Nuggets are looking to do.

"They beat us three times (in) the regular season, so what a better way to get revenge," guard Allen Iverson said after the Nuggets closed the regular season with a routine 120-111 win against the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night at the Pepsi Center and next will face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.

The Nuggets entered the game with a chance at the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference, and coach George Karl was shooting for that.

But by the end of the first quarter, that hope was gone when the Dallas Mavericks beat the New Orleans Hornets, ensuring the No. 8 Nuggets will meet the No. 1 Lakers in a series that will start at 1 p.m. MDT Sunday in Los Angeles.

The only drama left was whether the Nuggets would win 50 games for the first time in 20 years. With Iverson scoring 21 points in only 20 minutes of work, the Nuggets (50-32) delivered.

"Any time a team can get 50 wins in this league, it's a great regular season," said forward Carmelo Anthony, who scored 17 points in 21 minutes.

Anthony played his first game since being arrested Monday on suspicion of drunk driving. The crowd, announced at 17,892 but much smaller, gave him a good welcome.

"I was just happy to play my last game of the regular season here on my home court rather than being on the road," Anthony said. "The only thing I'm focused on right now is the playoffs. . . . I try to put everything behind me and focus on (this weekend)."

That's when the Nuggets will run into the Lakers (57-25) in what could be an intriguing series. Although he's unlikely to play, Karl's son, Coby, is a Lakers guard, and Karl said the trash talking has "probably already started" in the household.

But there's a Kobe by a different spelling who will be at center stage. Iverson is ready for Lakers star Kobe Bryant.

"Let's go," Iverson said. "This is what it's all about for me. You can't draw it up any better. People say that he's best basketball player on the planet, so I'm definitely looking forward to the challenge, especially with me believing that about myself.

"If you're scared, get a dog. If you're scared, go to church. . . . God gave those guys on that team talent and he gave it to us, too. Why put their talent above ours?"

Bryant had nothing but good words about Denver.

"They're definitely the best scoring duo in the NBA," he of Anthony and Iverson. "They both can fill it up and fill it up quickly. We have our work cut out."

Since his 2003 arrest in Colorado on a sexual assault charge that was dropped in 2004, Bryant has been booed regularly at the Pepsi Center. Asked about it, he said, "I just play."

It remains to be seen how Lakers fans will treat Anthony after his arrest.

"I can deal with it," Anthony said. "I've dealt with a lot of stuff in my lifetime on the road. I'm pretty sure I can deal with them."

Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin should get some time on Bryant and vows to make it "as tough as possible for him."

Martin is a confident man.

"It takes 16 wins to win the championship, and that's what we're aiming for," Martin said.

Karl, though, knows it won't be easy.

"We can do a lot of things better," Karl said of the 0-3 mark against the Lakers. "Our focus and our demand is going to have to be at a high level. Our defense is going to have to be at a high level."

Karl had planned to travel to Boise to see Coby play in an NBA Development League playoff game Friday. But he now will use the time for preparation.

"I'm just happy to be in the (NBA) playoffs," Coby Karl said. "Off the court, it would be great to see my dad."

If the Nuggets can get the revenge Iverson spoke of, Karl would love seeing his son.

ETC.: Karl wanted to give point guard Chucky Atkins increased minutes and he started him in the second half over Anthony Carter "just for fun." But Atkins looked rusty, shooting 5-of-17, including 1-of-7 on three-pointers, for 11 points in 35 minutes. The often-injured Atkins said he's "100 percent," and Karl said he can have a playoff role. . . . Guard Taurean Green, back with the Nuggets after an NBADL stint, was inactive along with Nene, who missed his sixth straight game because of a groin strain.

NUGGETS VS. LAKERS

All times Mountain; * If necessary

Game 1

1 p.m. Sunday at Los Angeles

Game 2

8:30 p.m. Wed. at Los Angeles

Game 3

3:30 p.m. April 26 at Denver

Game 4

8:30 p.m. April 28 at Denver

*Game 5

TBD April 30 at Los Angeles

*Game 6

TBD May 2 at Denver

*Game 7

TBD May 4 at Los Angeles

NUMBERS GAME

17 is the Nuggets' NBA attendance rank, the same as last season. They averaged 17,365 fans, an 0.8 percent increase.

CAMBY TIES MARK

Nuggets center Marcus Camby tied an NBA record by winning his fourth blocked-shots title with a 3.61 average. Mark Eaton and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar also won four.

Camby finished second in rebounding with a career-high 13.1 average. Allen Iverson was third in scoring at 26.4 points and Carmelo Anthony was fourth at 25.7.

Iverson played in all 82 games for the second time in his 12-year career and he was the only Denver player to do so. He led the NBA in minutes played at 3,424, a 41.8 average.

IVERSON SUPPORT

Iverson is supporting Anthony, arrested Monday on suspicion of drunk driving.

"People make mistakes," said Iverson, who has had well-chronicled problems in his career. "Nobody's perfect, and I think he handled the situation as good as you can handle it.

"We support him. We're right there for him. We understand that people make mistakes. I've been there plenty of times. I had to put incidents behind me and keep going. The whole thing now is knowing that a mistake is only a mistake unless you make it two times."

Iverson stood next to Anthony when he read a statement of apology Tuesday.

HIP REPLACEMENT

Karl said he'll have hip replacement surgery 30 days after the season ends.

Karl has been in a lot of pain recently. He has had treatments on his left hip that haven't worked.

NIFTY 50

The 50-win seasons in the Nuggets' 32-year NBA history:

Season Record Playoff result

1987-88 54-28 Lost in West semifinals

1984-85 52-30 Lost in West final

1976-77 50-32 Lost in West semifinals

2007-08 50-32 Open with Lakers

• April 16, 2008

  10:33 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Sweetpickle writes:

  All is forgiven. Our hero is back and scores 17.

• April 16, 2008

  11:23 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Hutch writes:

  Apparently the author of this story didn't attend the game. While I would agree that the crowd was late-arriving and relatively quiet, to call it "sparse" and "reminiscent of the lottery years" is a joke. Other than a few rows in each of the upper corners, the building was full by the second quarter.

• April 16, 2008

  11:32 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  LOUIE writes:

  He's not a bad kid, just hope somebody cares enough to keep him equally focused off the court. He's also a father and hopefully he'll realize all the beautiful opportunities he's been given. A kid with his background could really become an asset to our community, by reaching out to other kids coming up on the Rocky Road. Needs to seperate himself and be his own man, establish his place as a leader, and give something back. He has great potential. Carmelo, find a good church, learn how to sing, and give one day a week to God. I once heard of a Jewish kid who became a great pitcher, but he didn't pitch on the Sabbath day; Sandy was a truly a great professional pitcher, but he always had a higher priority.

• April 16, 2008

  11:45 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  Highcountry writes:

  Best of luck to Melo. It was a stupid move but let's move on and focus on the Lakers. (In the meantime, Melo, I recommend calling Abe Hutt. He's the best DUI attorney in Colorado hands down.) Looking ahead, Melo just needs to listen to his coaches (run, run run! defense, defense, defense!) and pass the rock to all the ballers around him. Iverson is going to step up big cuz he knows this is his best chance to win a championship. It's a new season. So it's time for everyone to learn D, K-Mart to play like a monster, and J.R. to shoot the lights out. But it starts with Melo. Let's do it this year.

• April 17, 2008

  12:04 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  ImDaMailinator writes:

  The lakers are the last team I would like the nuggets to meet. I like nuggets' chance against any playoff team but the lakers. Not that they are that great but you know. Now just can't help imagining another 1st round exit and probable sw...

  Looks like NO really prefer dallas to denver, can't be more apparent in the last 2+ minutes. But then who won't. And the nuggets have nobody but themselves to blame, only if they didn't blew either of the gimmes against Kings and Seattle.

  Yet, nice to see JR, kleiz, and najera playing well and confident. Maybe they can bring miracles, though I won't bet on a 2nd straight 8-1 upset, nevermind against the lakers.

• April 17, 2008

  12:53 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Condor writes:

  Hey Louie, He is a bad kid. Check his record. It has consisted bad behavior and people like you keep saying that he is not. Either you know what you are talking about or you don't, but don't sit at my table and pull that B.S. on my or my friends. We would eat you alive. We like to honest and truthful with everyone. What he needs is someone in his face telling him to straighten out or you will end up losing a lot.

  Denver was a team I some what like but as a Laker fan, I don't see Denver beating the Lakers in a seven game match up. Wait till next year folks. Call this faith, karma or what ever spin you want to put on this, but when the idiots keep booing Kobe after all this time is sad. Has anyone sitting next to those who are booing ever ask them if they ever done something wrong in their life and haven't they heard or read the Bible. To forgive is divine. This just needed to be said.

• April 17, 2008

  5:50 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  LOUIE writes:

  I walked out of Florida State Prison over twenty years ago; other than a tour of duty in the military, I was a career criminal. I grew up in 17 correctional facilities in three states, to include California, as Alaska had no correctional facilities when I was a kid. Today, I work for and with a very wealthy man and his friends which range from a billionaire to several law enforcement agencies. Although I possess only an 8th grade education, I walk with some of the brightest minds in America. The best come from the bottom baby, Carmelo has great potential because he also came from a disadvantaged background. I would not sit where I do today if it weren't for God, and the forgiveness of some very powerful people. Now I owe society something. So I reach out to criminals, kids in gangs, junkies, you name pal. Once Carmelo realizes what a great contribution he can return to society from his high profile position, he will become a great leader and asset. I keep a low profile, and everyday I meet some kid, who for what ever reason, decided to make bad choices. Carmelo hasn't destroyed his life yet...

• April 17, 2008

  8:40 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Squatch writes:

  Melo has bigger problems now its called Kobe Bryant I hope Melo is bringing his A game on Offense & Defense. This should be a very good series we just need JR to keep up with his game. Stay away from stupid technicals and make some free throws and the games will be tight.

• April 17, 2008

  8:56 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  BMat writes:

  "I was just happy to play my last game of the regular season here on my home court rather than being on the road," Anthony said.

  Melo doesn't like being on the road? How ironic . . .

  "Would you please step out of the vehicle Mr. Anthony?"

• April 17, 2008

  10:06 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  MGD writes:

  Condor, apparently your idea of a bad guy is different from Louie's and I side with Louie. Melo has made some stupid mistakes but from what I've seen, he has not yet hurt anyone. Of course, driving drunk makes you a potenital killer but like AI says, it's a mistake as long as he doesn't do it again.

  You claim that Kobe deserves to not be booed and yet you insist that Melo is a bad guy. I guess your version of the bible is bound in Laker's colors. Forgiveness can extend to other people including Melo.

  Louie, good first post. Melo can make a difference both on and off the court, he just needs to apply himself.

  Also, great story of redemption, keep it up brother!

• April 17, 2008

  10:34 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  notknowitall writes:

  A drunk is a drunk, is a drunk, is a drunk!
  Anyone that even thinks it's ok and and still wants to treat
  him as a hero is either stupid or unrespectful of himself and
  others.

• April 17, 2008

  11:03 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Squatch writes:

  Nobody on here claims he is a hero all they claim is he JUST like all of us is prone to moments of stupidity. Being a Millionaire doesnt mean you dont make mistakes ask Pete Coors his family of all people should know the effect of booze.

• April 17, 2008

  11:43 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  Kered writes:

  I think this is good news...now we have two criminals we can "Boo!" during this series. All kidding aside, the Nuggets have a better chance beating the Lakers than they ever had beating the Spurs but I highly doubt Denver advances past round one.

• April 17, 2008

  11:52 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  dr4sac writes:

  I am a L.A. resident and a Kings fan. I have seen all 82 laker games and would like to give you some insights on keys to beating the Lakers.
  
  * It all starts with guard penetration and getting easy baskets. However, you must also be mindful of getting them to foul. Iverson, Carter, Smith and Anthony must be relentless taking the ball to the basket every opportunity. I know you know how to score very well, but settling for jumpers does not make them play defense for 48min. All their guards are venerable.
  
  Fisher...when you take him off the dribble, he will pursue from behind and try to strip. When you feel he is doing that...pull up for a short jumper in front of him and he will run up your back (see last game with Sac - Udric).
  
  Kobe.... Roy and Udric when around him at will. He will reach around when beaten then track and try to block over the top.
  
  Farmar...Easy to shake....he will be determined to come back with a three after embarassed.
  
  Sasha....Will try to play extremely tight defense. Easy to cross over..in his haste to get back ...if you wait for him, he will run into you......you can coax him into easy fouls.
  
  On pick and rolls, Gasol will step out....do not pass (a la Tony Parker ..Sun.)..keep going around him...or step back and make him come out further and guard you in space...then go around him (see Brandon Roy).
  
  Once in the lane ...if their rotation is late...and Odom is late often...go straight to the hole. If Odom or Gasol are there lob over the top to K-Mart, Melo or Camby for dunks. If Turiaf is there...he is an aggressive shot-blocker ...go straight into his chest and get fouled.. If two of them are there, Melo or JR will have uncontested threes from the corners.
  
  They are the biggest whiners and complaners in the league...frustrate them...expect them to get some calls.......don't complain......just point it out to the refs.
  
  In Denver, when AI had 51 and Melo 26...you had them in foul trouble...you just didn't foul them out.
  
  On Defense: do not leave Fisher in the corners..make him shoot from the wings...he is not as acurate.......get up on Sasha and make him dribble (then strip him)....never double off Vladi......make Kobe do all the work..he is only the 5th best 3pt shooter %wise on their team.
  
  GOOD LUCK...I HOPE YOU SHOCK THE WORLD!!!!

• April 17, 2008

  1:10 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  italiantony writes:

  hey condor, your an idiot!...."He is a bad kid. Check his record." last time i checked his record he ain't raped nobody. what really bad thing has he done??? you act like he's this monster criminal? you never had a few beers then drove home??? you never were around weed or had some "in your possesion" with out you knowing it... I have friends that smoke weed all the time when ever they get in my car I'm sure they have some on them but i don't check them. You have never been in a fight before?? This is what gets me...then you go and turn a round and praise Kobe Rapist Bryant??? are you kidding??? how much other crap do you think he's gotten away with because who he is? then you defend him with "Has anyone sitting next to those who are booing ever ask them if they ever done something wrong in their life and haven't they heard or read the Bible. To forgive is divine." Now I'm sure if you asked the guy sitting next to you if he ever drove home when he has had a few too many he would say yeah sure... but ask the guy next to you if he ever raped anyone i'm sure it be a different story. but i guess you can go out rape someone turn around and score 81 points in a game a couple years later every one is screaming your name for MVP. That is if you live in Laker Land with a team full of angels...Hypocrite...Idiot!

• April 17, 2008

  3:11 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  psu96 writes:

  check melos past he was slinging drugs to little kids back in HS.

• April 17, 2008

  11:55 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  angryman1n writes:

  Why hasn't the NBA suspended Melo?

  KBPI said he refused the field sobriety test because he was falling down drunk. That plus another news site (CW2?) said he was belligerent to the police. This is absolutely inexcusable.

  Send a message to the rest of the league. SUSPEND the punk for three games.

• April 17, 2008

  11:59 p.m.

  Suggest removal

  angryman1n writes:

  http://www.rockymountainnews.com/news...

• April 18, 2008

  3:51 a.m.

  Suggest removal

  LOUIE writes:

  Yeah, let just take away his rights, skip over the judicial system, and go straight to the punishment. Nothing like a little third world justice. When we finish with him, we can spin the wheel and select somebody else for a tar and feather job; this wonderful system of no rights, straight to punishment will save us a fortune. Next, let's go down to the jails and prisons and dig huge pits, where we can march the convicts out and execute the that drain on our resources. When we run out of people who didn't deserve rights, we can turn inward and examine each other. Soon, it will be just you and me, and I think you're suspect!