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(Denver-CO) We're back at it for the final 29 games of the regular season and first on the Nuggets' schedule are the Philadelphia 76ers. In the first meeting between these two teams, the Nuggets found an hidden gift on the day after Christmas in the form of 15 three's, including seven by J.R. Smith, and a come from behind victory.
One thing I could never understand was how Andre Miller was so good at pushing the pace of the game during his stint in Denver, but couldn't get the 76ers to get the lead out and run the floor in Philly. The Sixers' average of 96.6 ppg is in the bottom third of the NBA's ranking offensively. But if you just looked at their offensive statistics without knowing the previously stated it would probably come as a shock to you. For instance, the high-octane Nuggets make nearly the exact same amount of field goals per game and shoot a similar field goal percentage as the Sixers. Both teams hand out more than 20 assists per game and Philadelphia also attempts more than 25 free-throws per game, but yet Denver scores nearly seven points more than Philly does on average. So what gives with the low output?
Here's a theory...
The Sixers don't have a go-to guy that the rest of the team rallies around! When a team doesn't have a 20+ point scorer for the rest of the team to rally around and rely on nightly it takes a very well-rounded effort from the supporting cast for that team to win games. Such is hard to come by and when it doesn't materialize said teams lose. That's why Philly is 27-25 and just barely hanging on to a sacrificial spot in the Eastern Conference playoff picture.
Any Nugget fan that's been with the team since McNichols Arena will tell you that Andre Miller is not a primary scoring option. His jumper is suspect, his finishing ability in the paint is just average, and when it comes to any kind of long range threat - Miller just isn't. However, on the Sixers, he is the second leading scorer trailing Andre Igoudala by 1.8 point(s) per game with averages of 17.8 and 16.0 points, respectively.
Now here's where it gets tricky...
Just like Denver's last game before the All-Star festivities this first game back is also trap. If Denver is hung over from Chauncey and J.R.'s appearances over the weekend and comes out flat they could very well lose to the 76ers on their home floor. One major comeback this season against the Sixers is enough and don't fool yourself into thinking the 76ers have forgotten that night. Philly also didn't have a participant in the midseason classic so my thinking is they will be focused and ready while also seeking some revenge.
Show no love in the city known for showing it to its brother.
Go Nuggets!
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