Nene perfect in Nuggets' rout of Jazz
Perfect 12-for-12 effort from floor keys Denver's win
By Chris Tomasson, Rocky Mountain News (Contact)
Published January 25, 2009 at 8:36 p.m.
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Photo by Brian Lehmann / The Rocky
The Nuggets' J.R. Smith drives between Utah defenders Ronnie Price, left, and Deron Williams on Sunday night at the Pepsi Center. Smith scored 22 points and had six assists in the win.
Just when some West coaches might have had their All-Star ballots filled out, Nene perhaps created the need for an eraser or Liquid Paper.
While the Nuggets center remains a long shot to play in the Feb. 15 game in Phoenix, he at least gave coaches something to think about in his final showing before they must have votes for All-Star reserves in to the NBA office Tuesday morning.
In a resounding 117-97 win against Northwest Division rival Utah on Sunday night at the Pepsi Center, Nene tied his career high with 28 points and shot 12- for-12, tying a team record for most field goals in a game without a miss.
"I know I gave a lot of reasons to coaches to vote for me," Nene said, flashing a big smile.
Guard Chauncey Billups is considered Denver's best All-Star hope, followed by forward Carmelo Anthony. But Nene sure looked like an All-Star in dominating Utah center Mehmet Okur, who once played in the midseason classic.
Nene tied a team mark set when Bobby Jones shot 12-for-12 March 15, 1978, against Golden State, and he equaled his career high set April 4, 2007, against Sacramento. While it was a mere footnote on this night, Nene also had four steals.
"He's very deserving," Billups said of Nene - he's averaging 15.1 points and 8.2 rebounds and leading the NBA in field-goal percentage, at 61.3 - being an All-Star. "I've been saying that all along. He's on a really good team, and he's an unstoppable force.
"It wasn't just because he had a great game (Sunday). He's been playing great."
Nene stepped up at a very opportune time. The Nuggets (29- 15) extended their lead in the Northwest to 21/2 games over idle Portland (26-17) and to 41/2 over injury-riddled Utah (25-20), which is teetering after winning two straight division titles.
While Denver played without Anthony, out because of a broken hand, Utah was without two former All-Stars in injured forwards Carlos Boozer and Andrei Kirilenko. Also, while the Nuggets hadn't played since Tuesday, Utah played Saturday at home against Cleveland and wasn't able to fly to Denver until Sunday morning because of plane trouble.
"I'm a little hesitant to (call it a big win)," said coach George Karl, who won his 200th game with the Nuggets against 130 losses. "They're beat up. . . . We were definitely the more rested and more energized team."
Nuggets guard Anthony Carter, though, had no problem saying, "This win is big."
Carter helped out with 10 assists. He had plenty of targets, with the Nuggets getting 22 points each from Billups and guard J.R. Smith, who also had six assists.
A really good way to get an assist was simply to throw the ball to Nene.
"Nene was special," said Karl, who got back forward Dahntay Jones after he missed one game because of a separated shoulder. "I didn't think they had anybody who could really slow him down."
Karl didn't know during the game that Nene's shooting was perfect or that he had equaled his career high before he was taken out for good with 6:13 left and got a big ovation. Regardless, Karl didn't believe Nene cared about personal marks.
"I was surprised to go (12-for- 12)," Nene said. "I don't worry about a career high. I was worrying about helping the team."
Nene sure did that, also grabbing nine rebounds. After the game, though, everybody was talking about 12-for-12.
"I could never go 12-for-12, because I'd shoot until I missed," Billups said.
"That's very amazing," said forward Linas Kleiza. "But, if you go 12-for-12, you should be 18-for-20. You should be taking way more shots."
That's not Nene's style. He's extremely unselfish.
But Nene isn't so unselfish that he doesn't want to make the All- Star Game. He would gladly fly to Phoenix, but only after his Feb. 14 wedding.
"In the shower, I think after this game, 12-for-12, our team still wins, if that is God's plan that I go (to the All-Star Game), that is great," he said.
"People will see everything that I have been through (having testicular cancer last season).
"I'm going to marry. God makes all this stuff in my life good. . . . If that is God's plan in my life, I go (to Phoenix), but I plan to marry first."
While Nene remains a long shot to be selected by the coaches, perhaps this wasn't his final audition. There's always the possibly of being named an injury replacement by commissioner David Stern, which is how Anthony and Okur both made their first All-Star teams two years ago.
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January 25, 2009
9:43 p.m.
Suggest removal
303JRfor3 writes:
just split these next 2 games (memphis and new orleans)
get MELO! back
extend your lead on the division
January 25, 2009
10:07 p.m.
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jsppro1 writes:
Yes the return of the product!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
January 25, 2009
10:07 p.m.
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Bigg_Nuggets writes:
Can someone explain how K-Mart gets paid that much money for 6 boards and 4 points in 30 min.? Seriously, don't laugh, but Chris Anderson is putting up better numbers. He something like 3 blocks and 10 points in 22 min and missed very few shots. Maybe K-Mart shouldn't get so much PT anymore.
January 25, 2009
10:15 p.m.
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stewie_08 writes:
K-Mart had averaged 18 over the past four games, Big Nuggets. Substandard game tonight but as long as he D's up, others will take care of the scoring.
January 25, 2009
10:20 p.m.
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arvada_mark writes:
K-Mart adds toughness to this team. We need him.
January 25, 2009
10:26 p.m.
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wjrudy writes:
No complaints tonight (or most night, really... even the frustrating ones). Am glad that guys are learning to gel without Melo - but it will be great to have him back. This has been a good stretch for the team without their star. In regards to K-Mart, Bigg Nuggets, I don't think we really want to go with that reasoning. He's above the avg. for forwards in most catagories in the league for the year and we're winning with him in there. Not every night shows up great on the stat sheet. If we're going to go simply with the stat sheet, we had better remove both Carter and Jones whose "reportable stats" were even worse! But again, you can't argue with the results. Have a good one. Go Nuggets.
January 25, 2009
10:38 p.m.
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stewie_08 writes:
Good job by the staff and players themselves for not being rusty after the long layoff. Sure, Utah was a bit gassed after playing the previous night, but they had to be a bit urgent after losing to Cleveland.
January 25, 2009
10:39 p.m.
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303JRfor3 writes:
i also have noticed that JR has really.. i mean REALLY slowed his game down.. he still has the speed but i think that he is finding out that he can get to the basket easier with more "manuvoring" insted of just going 100 % full speed.
The results of this will be less turnovers (only 1 tonight) and more energy later on in the game.
(less pissed off KARL)
January 25, 2009
11:06 p.m.
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wjrudy writes:
303 - I agree that a split over the next 2 would be good... but make no mistake, they are all big from here on out. IF we can continue moving forward, there's a chance we could end up with the no. 2 seed... so a win now over the Hornets would be huge down the road. I know it's still a long way to go, but our club beginning to establish itself in a pretty definitive way with what they've shown in Melo's absence.
January 25, 2009
11:56 p.m.
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avsfan71085 writes:
NICE!! Nothing like trouncing the Jazz. Great play without Melo and soon he will be back. 29-15 what a great start this season. Hopefully we can beat Memphis and NO so we can hold the tiebreaker.
January 26, 2009
1:17 a.m.
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elwaytdsharpe writes:
Nene an allstar....not yet. He has to get more consistent and do this over the entire season and then maybe next year. He really should b just a frickin' beast every game. Kmart? get used to his mug cuz he is going nowhere with that contract.... 90 million? we will never get out from under that...thanks Kiki
January 26, 2009
6:20 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
All the Kmart haters here haven't watched very many games this season, have they? He has a few bad games and everyone is ready to get rid of him? He's been playing GREAT defense and just like stewie_08 is saying, he's averaged 18 over the last four games. He's not going to score 25 every night and grab 15 boards. The only thing I wish we could see less of are those 18 footers he keeps throwing up recently. I'd rather see him get to the rim.
Great game last night! I wish they would have kept Nene in to try to break the record though. Oh well. Nice to see Balkman!
GO NUGS!
January 26, 2009
7:59 a.m.
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TONE writes:
It was a good win. Nene was just a beast out there. But I thought he missed one. I think it was a pass from LK and Nene missed the layup and also got foul by a Jazz player. He was on his 10th or 11 when this happen. Can any1 explain that to me?
Keep up the great work!!! I just hope when Melo comes back they can keep playing at this level and not ease of since their star is back to take the load again. Kind of like when Camby was there, no defense inwhat so ever.
I also like how CB is working and mentoring Jr with his mistake. You can see CB chatting with him and giving him pointer durring the game.
GO NUGGET!!!
January 26, 2009
8:10 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
TONE he did miss one, but since the shot came after the whistle (foul), it doesn't count as a shot if it doesn't go in.
January 26, 2009
8:13 a.m.
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anthony1979 writes:
I was at the game. It was great to know that it was my relative that's a jinx and not me (the only games I've been to this year were w/ him and we've lost them all, EXCEPT last nights game and HE is the one who didn't go). LOL...on another note, Nene is playing great! I agree that he does need to have a full season of good, solid, injury free basketball before he is voted an all-star.
Kenyon brings a toughness to this team we would be hurting for SORELY if we didn't have him. He had a bad game statistics wise but he is an intimidator and great defender.
JR is looking better and I'm definitely glad he's not heavin' up threes from half court with 20 seconds left on the shot clock (well, as of late).
This was an important game and glad we showed up the way we needed to w/o our star player. I think seeing this Melo will realize more than ever he can rely on his teammates more often during crunch time.
It was cool to be at the game also because Sonny Weems scored his first NBA points last night, I'm lookin forward to seein this kid play, although he DID shoot alot for only being in the game a couple minutes...I know Karl ain't feelin' that! haha...Good luck on your NBA career Sonny...show us a dunk from the free throw line!
GO NUGGETS!!
January 26, 2009
8:28 a.m.
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jscarp writes:
Leave K-Mart alone.....
He is what we need as far as toughness and DEFENSE and
if he gets some offense in there that is great.
Nene---A+
Chauncey---A+
JR---A+
K Mart---B
Dahntay---B
George Karl---C+ (for sticking up for his players)
Awesome Game.....Great Win
Oh Yeah for all you AC haters:
10 assists
8 rebounds
January 26, 2009
8:38 a.m.
Suggest removal
lynnie62 writes:
Gawd I love watching the Nuggs this year. Even the bad games are ok because they are WINNING! Being a LONG time fan, this is FUN STUFF! I know the Jazz were tired and playing injured but I also remember the years where the Nuggets would play down to teams like that. Tonight they came out and played hard. Nice!
So am I alone out here or does anyone else hope the Spurs lose every time they are on the court, even when the play the Lakers?
January 26, 2009
8:56 a.m.
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wj_nugs writes:
Super win, fantastic effort from anyone. Let's keep rockin' because February is brutal tough. Forget about splitting the next two. We need to make a serious statement in N.O, and show that we can get these 'elite' wins on the road. Let's do this!
January 26, 2009
9 a.m.
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jersey writes:
Way to go boys! Even if they would have had Boozer and "AK 47" Kirilenko the way we played from top to bottom would not have mattered. JR in the first half was enfuego! Birdman once again continues to win me over. Never did I think his game would transform into what it's been lately. A pleasant surprise. Congrats to Nene and his record tying night in equalling Bobby Jones. 12 for 12 in the NBA is tantamount of going 5 for 5 as a hitter in the MLB. Both extremely difficult considering the different people you have to go against in order to achieve it. Good for him. Can't believe Kmart had a 10 for 10. Had to be all dunks. The heck with splitting the next two games. I'm greedy, and rightfully so with the team we now have, and want more. Go for the throat and make up for a couple of blown games the last couple of weeks!
January 26, 2009
10:31 a.m.
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elwaytdsharpe writes:
Hey i like kmarts defense and nastiness as much as the next and yes he would be missed......however a max contract for a 15 and 7 guy is a bit much
January 26, 2009
10:41 a.m.
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kmeissner writes:
Elway... agree with that statement. He shouldn't have been given a max contract. But he's finally living up to what was assumed when he showed up in Denver. It only took 3-4 years. ha
January 26, 2009
11:06 a.m.
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spokenwar writes:
it is hard to gauge our player's performances because the league, the fans, and the players are all geared to STATS. That's right. STATS. the stats don't show D. The stats don't show player movement. the stats don't show boxing out. the stats don't show intimidation. and mainly, the stats don't show heart. this is why the FANS vote for FLASH and players on the Nuggets who play a team game get forgotten at All-Star time. That's why when the Tuesday night game votes come in you can have the Los Angeles Lakers playing the Des Monies Boys Club. h
This year we have contributors. Teammates. Melo's points are down. His rebounds are up (I know - a stat). And the Nuggets have more in win column. Going down the stretch the Nuggets have a chance to start beating the "elite" teams.
But the reason we could beat them doesn't necessarily show up in statistics. It shows up in heart.
January 26, 2009
11:11 a.m.
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jonnyrotten writes:
I'm I the only one not missing Camby? Don't get me wrong... great guy, but I don't miss his game.
January 26, 2009
11:13 a.m.
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ONEman writes:
Great game Nugs. I agree with Jersey. With the Jazz healthy and rested we still would've won. JR is a monster, unstoppable and his shot should make him a canidate for the 3 point shootout on All star weekend. CB needs to be on the All star squad no doubt. Nene 9is balling and I'd like to see him go if Yao is injured. K mart is the kind of player you need to send a message with a hard foul or two.... or six. He brings tenacity to our team. Yes he makes too much money,but who doesn't? Karl finally woke up and got involved in the game. I've noticed the last few games he's been very animated in the timeouts. Nobody still listens to him but at least he's trying. CB is the one who's been doing the real coaching.
NO is injured right now so NO Way should we split these next 2 games. The Grizz should not be a problem at all.
GO Nuggets!
January 26, 2009
11:14 a.m.
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lynnie62 writes:
I've always been a Kmart fan but I agree, his contract was killing the Nugs. HOWEVER, that being said, who could have predicted that he would have 2 micro fracture injuries as soon as he hit town. This year I think we are finally seeing the true Kmart. He is not as prone to scoring as he was before we got him but his attitude and presence is back.
I had a back injury and I can tell you, being in pain is a "pain". I'm just glad to see him contributing.
January 26, 2009
11:24 a.m.
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wj_nugs writes:
Kenyon has been fantastic and deserves credit for his defense and work ethic. We shouldn't lose sight of his ability to overcome two micro-fracture surgeries and I think he is deserving of 1st team All-Defense. Yeah, his contract is huge and people like to bash him because of it. It is what it is but how many players in the NBA have contracts that are not worthy of their play or character.? A lot.
Keep it up Kenyon, you have been great and we need your leadership and defense...
January 26, 2009
1:07 p.m.
Suggest removal
denversportsfan writes:
Another game in which you just knew the Nuggets were going to win. Now it's count down to Melo time!
A healthy K-Mart is almost worth his max contract. Let's just hope he can play more than 45 games and start earning back from the last couple of years. I think he is a game changer with his defense and just plain nasty attitude. Without K-Mart the Nuggs would be way soft and wouldn't have that enforcer type. I just don't like when he shoots from more than 12 feet out and clangs his free throws. I think the facial tick that he has intimidates the opponents.
Another good game by AC, and George was active again on the sidelines!
January 26, 2009
1:29 p.m.
Suggest removal
Jonnbear writes:
I actually thought Kenyon played a better game last night. He improved his shot selection (only one three-point attempt, which was late in the game). He was aggressive on the glass, I think five of his rebounds were in the first half and like always he played good defense. I'm cool with him taking outside shots, as long as it is late in the shot clock and there isn't any better options. And AC has been playing better, 10 assists and eight rebounds. However, 1 of 9 shooting hurts.
January 26, 2009
1:56 p.m.
Suggest removal
denversportsfan writes:
I may be a bit selfish, but I really won't mind if any of our guys don't make it to the All-Star game. It's great for national recognition, but I'd rather have them get some rest over the break.
January 26, 2009
2:18 p.m.
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jersey writes:
johnbear: I respectively disagree with Kmart having the ball as a last option with the 24 sec. clock running out. He stands a better chance early in the count rather than a panic heave at the end. Now if he is underneath the basket for a dunk instead, all bets are off as to what I just said!
January 26, 2009
2:49 p.m.
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kmeissner writes:
denversportsfan I was thinking the same thing. And it also gives them motivation to prove that they belong at the All-Star game. I can't wait to see Melo back on the court!
GO NUGS!
January 26, 2009
2:54 p.m.
Suggest removal
lynnie62 writes:
I think that Chauncy has been so good for the whole team. I see him talking to JR all the time AND AC has become a better player. It has to help watching and listening to Chauncy.
Anyone want to bet that Chauncy will be a coach with the Nuggets when he retires?
January 26, 2009
3:23 p.m.
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UtahFan writes:
The Billups trade has been disasterous. The Nuggets don't even have any starters in the All-Star game. It's time to get back to the important things in basketball such as individual scoring averages. Trade Billups right away for another high scorer like AI or a power player like Shaquille and let us have our division back!
January 26, 2009
3:45 p.m.
Suggest removal
denversportsfan writes:
The Jazz are a great flopping team. Goes back to the days of Stockton and Malone. Another great Utah flopper was the guy who use to rub his face all the time when shooting free throws.
January 26, 2009
4:17 p.m.
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303JRfor3 writes:
i said at the begining to split the next 2 games..
im not saying that being optimistic.. it would be really nice to win those 2 games. The New Orleans game isn't a must win AS LONG as the nugs improve with Melo back and healthy.
and i didn't know that the hornets were missing some key players.. that makes me happy and optimistic about possibly stealing that game on back to back road games.
January 26, 2009
5:02 p.m.
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jersey writes:
Utahfan: Great sarcasm! As for the greatest flopper of all time make mine Vlade Divac. He would hit the deck if you just breathed on him. He was the prototype!
January 26, 2009
6:22 p.m.
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denversportsfan writes:
Vlade was the poster boy for flopping.
I hate to say it but as long as flopping is rewarded in the NBA, the Nuggs might try to do more of it. Especially against a guy like Yao who always backs over and through guys. The last great flopper the Nuggs had was Reggie Evans. I think he may have gotten one or two against us this year.
January 26, 2009
6:54 p.m.
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stewie_08 writes:
anthony1979: Good post, but Weems actually scored four points in the Orlando game. He's up to 7 now!
January 26, 2009
8:27 p.m.
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jscarp writes:
"Anyone want to bet that Chauncy will be a coach with the Nuggets when he retires?"
lynnie62 I bet your 100% right, and I would think it would be a perfect fit.