Nuggets Stall Out Before Break

(FortCollins-CO) The Denver Nuggets never got it going tonight against the Phoenix Suns. The slow start and going 0-14 from the three point line didn't help matters. Denver is now licking it's proverbial wounds going into the All-Star break after losing to the Suns 116-101. If there is as silver lining, they don't have to worry about anyone else getting hurt through the weekend.

The Phoenix Suns were a blazing hot 14-25 from downtown and just as blistering from the free throw line not missing a single attempt from the charity stripe. Steve Nash was as effective as ever scoring 19 points and sliding 12 assists. He had a ton of help from all the starters scoring in double digits. Shawn Marion contributed 21 points and 12 assists and Boris Diaw also contributed a double-double with 17 points and ten boards.

The Nuggets were led in efforts by Carmelo Anthony who scored 29 points and grabbed four rebounds. With people hurt and recovering the Nuggets were playing personel that haven't seen action in what seems to be a long time. Subsequently, Byron Russell, Linas Kleiza, and DerMarr Johnson all saw action tonight. No Nugget recorded double figures in two categories, and Kenyon Martin left the game after just nine minutes after he came down awkwardly on his right knee.

The Nuggets were outscored in every quarter except the fourth, when it was a too little too late. They were down 94-68 going into the fourth and by that time Phoenix had taken out the majority of its starters.

So what's next for the Nuggets? The Nugg Doctor perscribes some much needed R&R. The Denver Nuggets need to get healthy and re-group for the final 28 games. They are leading the Northwest division and if the playoffs were to start today. The Nuggets would hold the third seed in the western conference. Not bad, all things being considered. Coach George Karl has done a magnificent juggling act with the starting line-up thus far and has the Nuggets in striking range. Get some rest Denver, you are going to need it to keep hold of the position you have. The western conference is stacked, and everyone is cut throat.