I'm sure that the last person new defensive-minded coach Scott Skiles had his team focus on in practice was Linas Kleiza. It was clear from the get-go that the Bucks were at least trying to come out with a strong defensive presence. Although the Nuggets scored 34 points in the first quarter, they sure didn't get many easy buckets. It seemed like every other posession Carmelo or Dahntay Jones were at the line. Rookie Luc Mbah a Moute had looked pretty impressive so far this season, especially on the defensive end. However in this game, he looked lost and over-agressive. I can't believe he only had 5 fouls, I think he could have had 8. Even Richard Jefferson seemed to be overwhelmed by the ultra-agressive Nuggets attack. It wasn't only Melo and Dahntay Jones causing chaos. Like I said before, it was the "L-train" Linas Kleiza chugging his way through the lane and looking almost unstoppable at times on his way to a Nuggets high 25 points. Although the Nuggets starters were holding their own, the energy of Kleiza and Renaldo Balkman was unbelievable and shocked the Bucks. While Kleiza's damage was done mostly on the offensive end, Balkman dominated on the defensive end with 4 blocks and 2 steals in only 20 minutes of play. It is really great to see such energy off the bench for the Nuggets, especially with "Birdman" Chris Anderson still out. 48 bench points is the most of the season and hopefully a good sign for things to come. I have seen that some fans are worried about the Nuggets starters needing more minutes together and need to find their rhythm, and I have previously agreed with that. But with the Spurs coming up just one night later, I think it was a great move to let the bench players get some time as long as they were playing well.
Now I know that Nuggets fans want to feel great about the way they beat the Bucks, but lets remember that the Bucks were without Olympian Michael Redd, and big man Charlie Villanueva. A win is a win, but I advise that Nuggets fans don't get too excited with the Spurs coming up next. The Spurs are hurt also, but that is why it is almost a must win. They are still a team with Tim Duncan, a great coach, championship experience, and the love of David Stern and his refs... Hopefully that Nuggets bench will play well again, but the starters will definitely need to be consistent against the Spurs (or the "Sterns" as a great fellow blogger calls them). I can't wait for the game!!
Stat Nuggets- Carmelo went 9-9 from the line after starting the season a little rusty.
- Chucky Atkins back in the lineup with 2 pts. And big man Cheikh Samb with a block. Exciting!
- Austin Croshere and Joe Alexander put up career high in points........
Keywords: Denver Nuggets, Linas Kleiza, Millwaukee Bucks, Renaldo Balkman
