Denver Nuggets Week in Review: Dec 21-27

December 21-December 27

The Carmelo-less Nuggets kicked off the week of December 21^st with a much needed win at home against Portland.

The win snapped a three-game skid (longest of the season) and proved Denver could get the job done without their star player. However, the following night the Nuggets found it tough sledding against the very same Portland team, dropping a difficult road test 92-101. 

The division split against the Trailblazers is exactly what I predicted and hoped would happen against a very solid basketball club. The supporting cast proved their value, seeing incredible efforts especially from the Nuggets #1 X-Factor, J.R. Smith. 

On Friday night, Denver needed a double digit second half comeback to seal a victory against former Nugget Andre Miller and the Philadelphia 76’ers. Once again it was Smith with 27 points and Chauncey (26 points) leading the way. 

Due to the late start this week on the Review, I missed out calling the Knicks game but was extremely pleased with the victory and a big-time return from Melo. 

The Knicks game was the beginning of a four-game road trip that will also include stops in Atlanta, Toronto, and Oklahoma City. 

Overall this was a solid week for Denver, going 2-1 without Carmelo and getting back on track after a tough week last week. How they finish on this road-trip and an ensuing seven game home stand will really give Nuggets fans and the NBA a great look at where the Nuggets fair going into the half-way point of the season. 

Here’s a look at the up-coming week and my predictions from last week: 

Mon      at Atlanta

-Tough back-to-back matchup for the Nuggets against a very solid Hawks team. I’ve been waiting for team to blow-up for a couple of years now and it appears they have finally caught their stride. Two very athletic and talented teams should provide a very entertaining game. In my opinion, Joe Johnson is one of the most underrated players in the league. 

PREDICTION: Nuggets wear down the stretch and drop a close road game. 

Wed      at Toronto

-Rematch of a whooping the Nuggets put on the Raptors earlier in the year. Chris Bosh is the real deal, but unfortunately this year so far has been a disaster for Toronto. 

PREDICTION: Look for a much tougher contest this time around and a rebound win for the Nugs. 

Fri        at Oklahoma City

-First time the Nuggets find themselves in Oklahoma City, rather then Seattle. This game just doesn’t feel right and it will be sad not seeing George Karl coaching against his former city.  

PREDICTION: The Thunder is a horrible nickname for a NBA franchise more deserving of the WNBA. Nuggets take care of business against poor Oklahoma City team. 

Sat        New Orleans

-Grab your popcorn and enjoy, this game should be a real treat. The Nuggets have matched up poorly against the Hornets the past couple seasons, but did everything short of a win earlier this year. The “everyone beat us except Chris Paul” game plan appeared to work except for the final two minutes of the game. 

PREDICTION: Marque game for Denver and boy do they need it. Except the Nuggets to get back to straight man-to-man against New Orleans, witness Chris Paul dominate the defense, and the Nuggets to escape with a down-to-the-wire home victory.   

Last Week:Portland W 97-89 (My Prediction: Correct), at Portland L 92-101 (My Prediction: Correct), Philadelphia W 105-101 (My Prediction: Correct).