Nuggets go ka-broom
Lakers sweep as Nuggets falter in first round again
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published April 28, 2008 at 11:17 p.m.
Updated April 29, 2008 at 11:55 a.m.
Photo by Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky
Denver Nugget Allen Iverson (3) helps J.R. Smith off the floor during Game 4 of the Nuggets-Los Angeles Lakers playoff series.
Photo by Darin McGregor © The Rocky
The Lakers' Kobe Bryant shoots off balance over the Nuggets' Allen Iverson, left, and Kenyon Martin in the first half on Monday night.
Photo by Barry Gutierrez © The Rocky
Carmelo Anthony hits the deck as Nuggets teammates Marcus Camby and Linas Kleiza, right, defend in the first half of Game 4 against the Lakers on Monday night at the Pepsi Center.
Photo by Joe Mahoney / The Rocky
Nuggets guard Allen Iverson sits on the bench during the second quarter Monday night at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets had no answer for Kobe Bryant, Pau Gasol and the rest of the Lakers, who sent Denver packing with a 4-0 sweep of the series.
In 32 seasons, the Nuggets never had been on the end of the NBA's ultimate broom. Neither had George Karl in 20 seasons as an NBA coach.
But it happened Monday night. The Nuggets and Karl were swept in a seven-game series.
At least the Lakers didn't make like a street sweeper in Game 4, which had been the case in the first three games. They won 107-101, with the Nuggets fighting back from a 13-point deficit, including a 10-point hole at halftime.
Guard Kobe Bryant led the Lakers with 31 points. Center Pau Gasol added 21.
Gritty reserve J.R. Smith, who was banished to the bench in last year's playoffs only to bounce back in this postseason, led the Nuggets with 26 points. Guard Allen Iverson scored 22 and forward Carmelo Anthony had 21, while center Marcus Camby snared 17 rebounds.
But it wasn't enough. With the Nuggets leading 96-95, Bryant drilled a 20-foot jumper and Luke Walton hit a three-pointer to put the Lakers up 100-96 with 2:37 to play.
The Lakers advance to play the winner of the Utah-Houston series. The Jazz leads 3-1.
At least the Nuggets played much better than in Saturday's 102-84 loss in Game 3, when Anthony said the team "quit." They were helped by a loud sellout crowd of 19,264.
"I think we gave a great effort out there," Anthony said. "The results didn't end up the way we wanted to end up, but we left everything out on the court."
Still, it was the fifth playoff loss in five years for the Nuggets, with the previous four 4-1 defeats now looking good in comparison.
Counting 1995, it was the sixth overall consecutive playoff loss for the Nuggets, one shy of the NBA record.
It's the NBA's longest active streak, although Houston would move into a tie if it fails to come back against Utah. The Nuggets haven't won a series since 1994, the longest active streak of any team.
But the Nuggets were able to fight back from being down by 13 points in the second quarter and 64-54 at halftime.
The Nuggets tied the score 90-90 when Anthony made a layup with 4:55 left. But Bryant put the Lakers up 96-90 by scoring five straight points, getting a three-pointer and a layup, and missing a free throw after being fouled.
But Smith stepped up again. He drilled a three-pointer to cut the deficit to 95-93 on a three- pointer with 3:49 left. Smith then made a steal and converted a layup, was fouled and hit a free throw for a 96-95 Nuggets lead.
But back came the Lakers. Bryant hit a 21-footer for a 97-96 lead. Then came Walton's three-pointer for the 100-96 margin.
Shortly thereafter, Martin and Anthony fouled out. And the Nuggets were all but doomed.
The Lakers were a determined and focused bunch. They practiced for two hours Sunday, while the Nuggets had a half-hour session of film and speeches.
On Tuesday morning, instead of a traditional one-hour shootaround, the Lakers were at the Pepsi Center for two hours.
"This is a team that likes to be around each other," Lakers coach Phil Jackson said before the game.
The Nuggets, one could assume, don't like it as much. It was Anthony who said the team "quit" in Game 3's loss.
But the Nuggets didn't quit Monday. They just aren't as good as the Lakers, who swept a series for the first time since whitewashing New Jersey 4-0 in the 2002 NBA Finals.
Early in the third quarter, it appeared as if the Nuggets couldn't get a break. Trailing 66-57, Anthony missed a ferocious dunk, with the ball nearly going as high as the scoreboard and careening out of bounds.
But the Nuggets didn't pack it in. They went on a 14-7 run to take a 73-71 lead on 11-foot jumper by forward Linas Kleiza with 2:22 left in the third quarter.
Iverson said after the game that, although he won't decide until sometime during the offseason whether he'll opt out of the final year of his $20.8 million contract and become a free agent, he wants to stay in Denver. If he did opt out, he could still re-sign a longer deal with the Nuggets.
"I love everything about playing here," Iverson said. "I love the fans. They've been great from Day 1. . . . It's easy for me to dedicate . . myself and everything as a player to this organization."
Nuggets owner Stan Kroenke commended the team for a 50-win season and a strong effort in Game 4 but declined to comment on the future of Karl, although indications have been that he will return.
"George had a lot of adversity, and George coached them to 50 wins," he told the Rocky. "I respect George and the whole coaching staff."
Kroenke said he will evaluate the staff during the offseason, as he always does.
Lakers 107, Nuggets 101
FG FT Reb
LAKERS Min M-A M-A O-T A PF Pts
Rdmanovic 27:18 4-13 2-2 3-6 2 2 12
Odom 38:27 5-11 4-7 5-12 4 5 14
Gasol 37:36 7-15 7-8 3-7 4 0 21
Fisher 37:46 3-9 0-1 0-3 3 2 7
Bryant 41:30 12-24 4-10 1-7 6 3 31
Walton 20:13 3-5 0-0 1-4 0 3 7
Farmar 12:54 2-4 2-2 0-3 1 1 6
Vujacic 13:52 2-4 0-0 1-1 0 1 5
Mbenga 10:24 2-2 0-0 1-2 0 3 4
Totals 240 40-87 19-30 15-45 20 20 107
Percentages - FG .460, FT .633. Three-point goals - 8-22, .364 (Bryant 3-8, Radmanovic 2-5, Walton 1-1, Fisher 1-3, Vujacic 1-3, Farmar 0-1, Odom 0-1). Team rebounds - 11. Team turnovers - 12 (17 pts.). Blocked shots - 9 (Gasol 4, Bryant 2, Fisher, Mbenga, Odom). Turnovers - 12 (Bryant 6, Radmanovic 2, Farmar, Fisher, Odom, Walton). Steals - 7 (Bryant 3, Odom 2, Fisher, Radmanovic). Technicals - None.
FG FT Reb
DENVER Min M-A M-A O-T A PF Pts
Anthony 37:37 8-20 5-7 4-11 3 6 21
Martin 33:03 4-7 0-0 2-6 1 6 8
Camby 30:33 1-4 0-2 4-17 3 3 3
Iverson 43:14 10-22 2-3 1-2 2 0 22
Kleiza 19:51 3-9 2-2 2-5 1 1 8
Nene 11:29 3-5 1-1 2-4 0 6 7
Smith 31:18 7-12 9-9 0-1 3 3 26
Najera 15:31 2-2 0-0 0-1 1 3 4
Carter 17:17 1-7 0-0 2-3 6 1 2
Diawara 0:08 0-0 0-0 0-0 0 0 0
Totals 240:01 39-88 19-24 17-50 20 29 101
Percentages - FG .443, FT .792. Three-point goals - 4-21, .190 (Smith 3-7, Camby 1-1, Anthony 0-2, Carter 0-3, Iverson 0-3, Kleiza 0-5). Team rebounds - 6. Team turnovers - 16 (24 pts.). Blocked shots - 4 (Camby 4). Turnovers - 16 (Martin 4, Anthony 3, Camby 2, Nene 2, Carter, Iverson, Kleiza, Najera, Smith). Steals - 8 (Nene 2, Smith 2, Camby, Carter, Martin, Najera). Technicals - Iverson, 9:16 third.
L.A. Lakers 32 32 15 28 - 107
Denver 23 31 23 24 - 101
A - 19,264 (19,155). T - 2:32. Officials - Dick Bavetta, Joe Forte, Courtney Kirkland.
Rocky staff writer Aaron Lopez contributed to this report.
Nuggets vs. Lakers * Game 1: Lakers 128, Nuggets 114
* Game 2: Lakers 122, Nuggets 107 * Game 3: Lakers 102, Nuggets 84
* Game 4: Lakers 107, Nuggets 101 Lakers win series 4-0
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April 28, 2008
11:25 p.m.
Suggest removal
McGowdog writes:
Should I wait for the full story or just be the first to say, "The Nuggets look very comfortable in defeat."
April 28, 2008
11:43 p.m.
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bball84 writes:
wouldn't you if you got bullied out of the playoffs in the first round for the last 5 years?! hey, we showed heart tonight, make smile for the first time in two weeks. im looking forward to seeing what happens in the offseason!
April 28, 2008
11:53 p.m.
Suggest removal
McGowdog writes:
Of those 5 times the Nuggets got booted in the first round, how many times has the winner of that series gone on to win the NBA Championship?
At least there was a little bit of hope and excitement in this game. Kobe was trying his best (at the free throw line) to let the Nuggets get back into it.
It just makes me sick that the Atlanta Hawks are gonna have a better series than the Nuggets. It's gonna be a rough offseason for the whole organization; players, coaches...
Been a bad year for sports, huh?
April 28, 2008
11:56 p.m.
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venturakid writes:
I'm a Lakers fan but I don't take cheap shots at the opposition. I enjoy watching the Nuggets. I'm interested in your perspective: it seems like the Nuggets' biggest problem is the individuality in which they play both offense and defense. You've got a couple of great shooters but seem to lack cohesiveness. Do you blame Coach Karl for all of that? I think they need to bring in a defensive-minded ass't coach and trade a few players. I'm not sure Melo can change enough to make him a keeper...
April 29, 2008
12:02 a.m.
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MeloMan15 writes:
We're winning it all next year.....
April 29, 2008
12:08 a.m.
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angryman1n writes:
duh duh duh Another one bites the dust.
And another one down
And Another one down
Another one bites the dust
Denver the team is more than you
Another one bites the dust
April 29, 2008
12:17 a.m.
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angryman1n writes:
Wow... I didn't notice that. Denver gave up 22 points in only 6:30. They really did fall flat on their faces.
Proof positive that you can't win w/ only offensive strength. There is always someone better.
April 29, 2008
3:02 a.m.
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Highcountry writes:
Karl's the biggest question mark if for no other reason than some of the players don't seem to listen to him. Still, he's preaching the right things. I question his substitutions at times; but I question every coach's substitutions. Larry Brown looks like he's heading to Charlotte and I doubt he'd feel right about replacing Karl anyway. So we're left to wonder if there are any other coaches out there that can hold Melo and the other pouters accountable. Karl is probably the best coach available and if he grows some balls next seasons, maybe he can turn things around. Re-sign J.R. and Eddie. Make a trade or two to bring in some defensive help. Artest is still an option.
April 29, 2008
6:40 a.m.
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sll writes:
Steve Blake was missed this year, badly. ACarter and CAtkins are decent 2nd PG's, not starters. Blake wasn't an elite starter, but he was dependable and could run the offense, get us into a flow. We couldn't sustain flows this year, never had a long win streak, etc. etc..
If this current group is our base lineup next year, Nugs need to find a point (guard) before we'll head beyond 50 wins... (amazing, 50 wins and I feel like we suck! 4-and-out, what a poor, but not overly surprising, way for it all to end...)
April 29, 2008
7:56 a.m.
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KnoWhatYoureTalkinAbout writes:
Blaming Karl is a cop-out! Karl has brought this team to playoff status, it then becomes the players responsibility to answer the call of Denver fans to perform like a playoff caliber team. If anyone has a question mark above their head, it would be Melo. Saturday nights game Melo passed the ball once in the first three quarters. He was 4 of 17 from the floor before the fourth. Last night he had Kleiza, AC, and Smitty on an island from three point range but still insisted on taking it to the hole against 2+ defenders. When your double teamed, that means someone is open, take advantage of it and pass the ball. The rest of the Nuggets aren't any better. I don't know how many times I saw Jr. Smith with his back to Kobe on a break. He should have been in Kobe's back pocket. And NO muscle on the inside, the only one who showed his presence in the paint was Nene', and he's hurt! Most of the time you can blaim the coach for a teams failure but you honestly think that someone else can light that fire here. I don't. Melo's out before the end of the summer. AI will more than likely stay with Jr. and company. Denver will make moves to compliment AI but Melo's days are numbered. MARK MY WORDS.
April 29, 2008
7:58 a.m.
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homeradam writes:
Now that the sonics are staying in Seattle, they'll move this sorry a$$ team to Oklahoma City. What an embarrassment to the state of Colorado. Melo.... I hope you do jail time you drunk lazy whining waste of money....oh yeah, learn to dunk.
April 29, 2008
8:06 a.m.
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Coffee_Mug writes:
seems that too little too late might fit here.no real team unity, if that article is right. lakers, two-hour shootaround,the need to win. the nugs, not so much,the win would be great if we do. but if not then,oh well.i don't know, the coach didn't coach and the players certainly didn't play. what is an owner to do?
April 29, 2008
8:20 a.m.
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discer writes:
Until they learn how to play as a team the Nuggets will never win a championship. Just look at the unselfishness that the Spurs play with. Tim Duncan is a modern day version of Bill Russell. That is part of the reason for their success. I have been a fan of the Nuggets team since they were Ringsby's Rockets. They need the likes of Boobby Jones and Fat Lever on this team. Unfortunately unselfish players like that aren't readily available anymore. For the most part the NBA as come to stand for Nothing But Arrogance!
April 29, 2008
8:45 a.m.
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spursfanincolorado writes:
karl needs to call DAVID ROBINSON it's because of him the SPURS have so much class and play as a team. win or lose we LOVE our SPURS Timmy could of left san antone for the bigger bucks (like shaq did going to L.A.) but he stayed in our "boring" little city and won 4 championships what a great TEAM we have. GO SPURS GO !!!!!!!!!!!thanks to pop too of course
April 29, 2008
8:56 a.m.
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ONEman writes:
Melo take notice of the kind of player Koby is because of his dedication and leadership. Jordan should drop this clown he does'nt represent himself like a professional. Karl is definitely a problem but Melo is a bigger problem. Camby is a waste of a big, he is a liability when on the court. I say look overseas, players like Ginobili, Skola and Kleiza seem to understand how the 5 man game works. Quit giving these self centered punks from the hood all this money. If you can't conduct yourself as a pro, then don't be one. BTW Melo you have a lot of nerve calling out anyone other than yourself.
Your a lazy arrogant thug. You'll never be on the level of Koby or Lebron. Trade him we don't need him.
April 29, 2008
9 a.m.
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frontpage writes:
i'M CHECKING THE WEB EVERY 10 MINUTES TO SEE WHEN KARL IS DISMISSED. mY BET IS BY 12:53 pm TODAY.
April 29, 2008
9:37 a.m.
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TONE writes:
Man that was actually a pretty good game. Only and only if they would have played like that everynight it would of gave the Laker a little run. I just saw we(Nugget) play an individual game and not a team game. I see AI dribble for almost all of 24 second when we are down and then force those really bad pass and the shooter has to rush because there is no time left. Come on NOW!!!!
I can't see Ai and Melo together anymore. They play the same kind of game,(individual). Until they figure out that this is team sport, the Nugget will only be a 1st round playoff team. Last night's game the Nugget looked really small against the Laker and there were alot of mismatch on the court. I don't know what you guys think, but it sure seems that way to me. Actually I thought Nene did a pretty nice job on Gasal. Big body and could actually push Gasol around not like Gamby who Gasol push around. I don't know what the front office is going to do, but I hope they don't keep the combo scorer and get guys that understand team concept. Come on now, even the Bronco has finally figure it out... Pretty sure the Nugget will too... Look forward to next year...
April 29, 2008
9:40 a.m.
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rocketryder writes:
Thanks Lakers for putting this dysfunctional, no heart, no leadership, no desire having, unable to understand the concept of sharing the basketball team outta their misery. The Nugs got exactly what they deserved.
The Nugs didn't get beat by a better collection of individuals, they got beat by a better TEAM.
Even Atlanta is still playing right now. Jeez.
April 29, 2008
10:40 a.m.
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4gColoNative writes:
Please stop calling Anthony a thug ... that's giving him too much credit! He doesn't have that kind of will and fortitude.
Dunces like him take "thug" as a compliment.
April 29, 2008
10:55 a.m.
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McGowdog writes:
"Posted by MarineGrunt on April 29, 2008 at 7:24 a.m. (Suggest removal)
Hard to play a basketball game with a bunch of individuals on the court. If Denver had fielded a team... they might have not been clown hammered so bad!"
Right! Teamwork seemed to be lacking with this lineup. I know Camby can do better than that. Wasn't he the defensive player of the year last season? He looked pretty good to me near the end of the season, but was tore-up during this series. So I thought he must need some help.
Then they bring in Nene finally! I look at Nene and he's being a chump and shakin' his head, getting burnt! Hey, if you're not ready to play, take yourself out!
JR Smith was one glimmer of hope. He had the stones to step up there and try. He wasn't afraid of getting fouled.
Speaking of getting fouled, what do you think about the fouls that Lebron James is enduring? Is that fair? Hey, stop LeBron, stop the Cavs. It ain't workin' anyway, but at least the Bullets didn't get swept.
No, it looks like only the Nuggets are gonna get swept. Should Karl go? Yes. But he should quit and go to a better team. The Nuggets, as a team, suck. They should implode. I kind of feel sorry for Camby and AI.
Are they actually gonna try this again next season with a different coach? It'd be another waisted season. YOU HAVE TO HAVE DEFENSE! You start there and build the team around that.
The Nuggets seem to look for the steal and get the easy fast-break slam-dunk! Hey, it looks pretty. But what does that do for your offense? What does that do for your half-court game? It's not there at all. When any of the Nuggets stars HAVE TO make a shot, it's not there.
Down the stretch, the Nuggets seem to have adopted this fast-pace that didn't look like the Nuggets anymore. It looked more like a Paul Westhead team. Even when they had an 18 point lead, they were runnin and gunnin. For that, I blame Karl. What the hell is that. That's when you should start practicing controlling the game. Do what the Detroit Pistons do. Anything opposite to what you did this year. Coming into the playoffs as an 8 seed was not acceptable.
Karl should go find a better team. He ought to go coach the Heat.
April 29, 2008
11:55 a.m.
Suggest removal
Seabreezes writes:
Heck, sign me up to play for the No-gets next year. I'm a middle-aged out of shape dude, but I can shoot for 3. Can't dunk worth a darn, though. And I know how to pass (I drive in Denver all day...I'm good at passing.)
April 29, 2008
12:01 p.m.
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psu96 writes:
denver professional sports teams are an oxy-moron...
April 29, 2008
12:18 p.m.
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moles3144 writes:
Noone has been able this question, not 950 not the posts, but Anthony was able to get this team to the playoffs 3 years in a row without Iverson. So Iverson from what was told to the fans was brought in to eliminate the double teams on Anthony and get them over the hump. Oh by the way does anybody realize Iverson makes 19+million a year. The bottom line is if anyone should be looked at as a disappointment it is Iverson who has flopped twice now in the playoff series, and was the reason he was brought to Denver. They all share in the blame but Iverson for some unknown reason continues to escape the criticism and scrutiny that Anthony endures.
Answers for why the Answer gets away with this.
Best case is he opts out the Nuggets use that money to get a solid middle age PG who can knock down shots. Anyone see the difference between "Mr. Flop Vujacic" Walton Fisher and guys like AC, Najera, Kleiza? Those guys knock down open looks consistantly
April 29, 2008
12:18 p.m.
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EdVMorales writes:
Lakers and Bostons in the Final. Like the old days. Lakers taking it game 7
April 29, 2008
12:52 p.m.
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DJRMTNSPF writes:
Regardless of what AI does it is time for Karl to do the right thing and step down. If not, the owner needs to step up and tell him goodbye. With all the talent the team has there is no reason it should not have done better during the season. The players are not playing team basketball. It is sickening to watch little to no passing and no organized effort at defense.
April 29, 2008
1:07 p.m.
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Coffee_Mug writes:
how much blame can anyone lay on karl? he has his share of blame but the coach shouldn't have to remind these "pro" athletes to pass the ball around to involve the "team." or that when the other team is coming to score on you, at least try to stop them, not just stand around and watch them do it. get a new coach, right now there is no reason to believe that it will matter. your right, the players are not playing "team" basketball. what do you credit the 50 wins with? maybe wee are just expecting to much from them.
April 29, 2008
1:23 p.m.
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frontpage writes:
Boy, I was wrong. It's after 1:00PM and Kroenke hasn't fired Karl yet. (He probably can't find him if Karl and Melo went out partying last night.) Check with the Lakers, maybe Karl went back to LA with them? either that or he crashed at someones "crib"
April 29, 2008
1:42 p.m.
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Seabreezes writes:
Firing the coach is akin to changing the gas station when your car stops running. Karl is doing what he can with the primadonnas we call the Nuggets. Trade 'em all, THEN fire him and start over.
April 29, 2008
3:10 p.m.
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s21 writes:
Melo and AI were worst for four games. Melo has never been good for last five play off seasons. Do we need all-stars in the team? No, we need the team. I don't want watching same shame next season. It is enough.
April 29, 2008
3:53 p.m.
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rolls3 writes:
The '08 Nuggets had incredible talent, enough to win a championship. However, they play with next to zero discipline, and very little fundamentals. 99% of the time, complaining about calls will hurt the team, not help it.
Most of the Thuggets complain about calls and take their mind of the job they are supposed to be doing on the court at the given time. Instead of thinking about playing good defense, they are thinking about why the ref has it out for them and what snide remark they can make to get back at the ref. What's next? Ill-timed technical fouls, fast break points gong the other way, and defeated team morale.
And fundamentals? Quick shots combined with poor shot selection did the Nugs in this year. And the worst- everyone that played with some exception to Eddie, Kenyon, and Kleiza needs to be taught again how to BOX OUT! Camby, you're almost 7 feet tall! Box out on every play and you'll average 18 boards per game!
The deficiencies in discipline and fundamental basketball have to be attributed to the one who should be directing the teams' style of play- coach George "I refuse to get off my butt during a game and tell my team how to pull their heads out and win" Karl.
April 29, 2008
5:58 p.m.
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stanko_fan33 writes:
they should fire Karl,release carter,resign J.R and A.I and get T.J Ford from raptors
April 29, 2008
7:07 p.m.
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paguy1955 writes:
All I can say this team that is one of the highest paid in the NBA. And how did they reward us for our loyality... They QUIT.. All players and the coaching staff quit on us and themselves. I am not a big corporation and I don't have the extra money to spend on tickets but I work an extra job to get these tickets..I feel that this was a waste of money i will never spend another penny on those quitters. I hope when they look in the mirror they see their true self.. ANd you gor a lot of work to do to get those people back in the Pepsi Center!
April 29, 2008
7:56 p.m.
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bobbyjr writes:
I don't understand... The owner commends the team, the coach commends the team for 50 wins.The coach is happy with A first round sweep(apparently).What I saw was not something to be proud of.I saw a team that lacks discipline(led the league in Technicals).i saw a coach who doesn't require his team to play some defense.I saw a (quote) star player accuse the team of quitting.That is a dysfunctional team to say the least.I have been a Nuggets fan since the days of Bobby Jones,Ralph Simpson,Dan Issel and on and on...but this was no where near the competitive bunch they were.Anytime we get a coach that demands the team to play some (D)(Jeff Bizdelik)he gets fired. Defense wins championships.