Kleiza might get start in Game 2
By Aaron J. Lopez, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Originally published 02:36 p.m., April 21, 2008
Updated 02:36 p.m., April 21, 2008
Photo by Rocky/2007
Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza might get the call to guard the Lakers’ Lamar Odom in Game 2 of the teams’ playoff series.
The Nuggets’ starting lineup is in for a growth spurt.
After his team was overwhelmed in the paint in Game 1 of its first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers, coach George Karl plans to go with a bigger group to start Game 2.
"There will be more size . . . Sometimes I think matching up with them is important,’’ Karl said today after practice.
While Karl declined to offer specifics, 6-foot-8, 245-pound swingman Linas Kleiza likely will replace 6-2, 195-pound point guard Anthony Carter in the starting lineup.
Kleiza scored 23 points in a reserve role in Game 1 and did a decent job guarding Lakers forward Lamar Odom in the low post.
"We had some matchup issues,’’ Kleiza said. "We gave up a lot of things in the rotations and we’ve got to protect the paint better than we did (in Game 1).’’
The Nuggets also would get a boost on the interior if power forward Nene can return after missing the past seven games with a groin injury. Nene, who was in uniform for Game 1 at Karl's request, went through one-on-one drills today but said he would not feel comfortable playing in a game until he scrimmages in practice.
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April 21, 2008
3:19 p.m.
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buffsoldier writes:
This would be a great move, do it Karl
April 21, 2008
3:35 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
Either put Kleiza or JR in for AC. He's been weak recently and he's too small for Odom
April 21, 2008
7 p.m.
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Broncos4Life writes:
Nene is hurt again? Is this guy ever going to put in two weeks of games together? The Nuggets are in the process of choking on that contract! Between Nene and KMart the Nuggets are paying alot of money for nothing(performance wise).
April 21, 2008
9:28 p.m.
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dune77 writes:
I repeat last week's comment. No AC equals AI at the point plus much more size in Kleiza and JR. Why does AI need a point guard? It's stupid! AC gets last minute of the first three periods and that's it. Do it coach.
April 21, 2008
10:51 p.m.
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sportsfreak28 writes:
Quit getting on Nene's case for being hurt. The guy just came back from cancer for crying out loud. I do agree however we may have spent a little too much on him but time will tell for sure. And as for KMart his defense has improved a significant amount since last year so i think he has been money well spent for this year.
April 21, 2008
11:41 p.m.
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JE writes:
I don't think AI needs a point guard, but I do think he needs help at times facilitating the offense. There are points in the game when AI literary sees everything beautifully and controls the game, and then others when he has a bit of tunnel vision. I'm cool with AC not starting and having LK in their, but I hope GK doesn't allow the ball to be in AI's hands 90 percent of the game. Someone needs to help facilitate the offense.
April 22, 2008
9:09 a.m.
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DJRMTNSPF writes:
Nothing but selfishness and individualism. It does not matter what line-up is in until they learn to play as a team. How many times in the first game did the first player with the ball just chuck it up instead of look to pass. The Lakers, including Kobe, were smart enough to drive/dribble and pass to the open man. With the amount of talent the Nuggets have there is no reason they should not be far better. It is amazing that Doug Moe is not on the bench losing his mind over the lack of teamwork. Karl's coaching is pathetic.