(Denver-CO) Coach George Karl forewarned his team in his pre-game speech that the Nuggets would see the Mavericks come out with all their guns blazing in game two. In fact, he said it would be Dallas’ best effort until a possible game seven which seems highly unlikely now after the Nuggets once again handled the Mavericks, 117-105. Dallas is now 0-6 against the Nuggets this season and Denver extended their win streak at Pepsi Center to a whopping 15-games.
Even worse for Mavericks fans is the saga swirling around Josh Howard and his tender ankles. Howard, who twisted his “good” right ankle in game one, played just six scoreless minutes in game two and resigned to the bench after heading to locker room in the first quarter only to not return. Howard is reportedly going to have surgery on the “bad” left ankle this off season, but with two bad hooves on a major contributor the Mavericks look like they need a mercy bullet in the head.
Dirk Nowitzki got off to another hot start in the first quarter by scoring twelve of Dallas’ 22 points. Six of those twelve came by way of the free-throw as the Nuggets still wanted to make Dirk earn everything he worked for inside and by doing so it set the tone for another decimating defensive effort. But with Dirk hot on one end, and the Nuggets having trouble finding offensive continuity on the other, the Mavericks were able to maintain control of the first eight minutes of the first quarter.
That all changed with the insertion of J.R. Smith.
Smith’s impact was immediately felt on the offensive end with the Prodigy aggressively attacking the basket earning seven attempts from the free-throw line of which he made good on six attempts, scored a dunk, and handing out a pair of assists; including a very unselfish play at the buzzer when he pulled up for three but thought more wisely on by shooting a quick pass to Linas for buzzer-beating dunk at the end of the first quarter. Denver was being doubled-up, 12-6, before J.R. was summoned by George Karl and with the timely offense for defense substitution with Dahntay Jones the Nuggets were able to lead by eight, 30-22, headed into the second quarter.
In addition to the very heady play of J.R. Smith, another reason why the Nuggets were able to overcome such a sluggish start was the Dallas defense. The Mavericks were fouling at an alarming rate and all the Denver scoring that followed, with the clock stopped mind you, was instrumental in the Nuggets winning what was an otherwise very sloppy quarter of basketball. In the first quarter alone, Denver shot 16 free-throw attempts and made 14 of those attempts. The Mavericks committed 12 fouls in the quarter in total and four different Mavs (starters Antoine Wright, Erick Dampier, and Josh Howard plus reserve Ryan Hollins) each picked up two fouls apiece trying to stop rabidly attacking Nuggets from getting to the rim.
The other reason why Denver was able to overcome a less than savory start in game two was their defense. The Nuggets held the Mavericks to just 28% shooting (6-21 from the field) and forced Dallas into five turnovers. Denver was able to fruit six points off said miscues and once again with the defense established first the offense came around and things were business as usual.
Denver maintained control of this game through the second quarter and at numerous separate junctures led Dallas by as many as nine points. The Nuggets were able to assert themselves on the defensive boards with the transition results looking like a relay race. Denver did not allow Dallas an offensive rebound in the second quarter after giving up four in the first and ran they floor for easy lay-ups at every opportunity. Nene was a huge beneficiary of this due to his ability to beat the Dallas bigs up and down the floor for easy dunks and three-point play opportunities in Denver’s secondary break. Nene scored six easy points in this variety, but J.R. Smith was the Nugget who really stole the show. Smith hit three, three-pointers in the second quarter as George Karl let him play ten of the second quarter’s twelve minutes and he finished the half with a game-high tying 17 points to match Dirk Nowitzki.
It’s at this point where I have to praise the Birdman. Chris Andersen played for much of the second quarter and did a phenomenal job covering Nowitzki. Dirk was able to get his shot in the first quarter with Martin covering him, but the length and impeccable timing of the Birdman seemed to bother Dirk as he was able to score just five points on the Bird in the second quarter. Andersen also did a fantastic job on the boards and in defensive rotation. He played very stingy midline defense in the paint when the ball was on the perimeter and scrambled like eggs when switching back and forth on screens as Dallas tried to create mismatches for Dirk. Andersen finished the half with six points on a perfect 3-3 from the field, snared six rebounds, and handed out an assist in a +11 first half which was second only to Smith’s game-high +13.
Leading, 58-55, entering the second half, the Nuggets knew the Mavericks were going to give them everything they had in the third quarter. Dallas pulled even with the score 66 all and again at 71, 74, and 77 while taking momentary leads, 74-72, and, 76-74, as Jason Terry and Dirk went on an offensive onslaught consisting of scoring all but five of the Mavericks’ 28 points in the quarter. Dirk hit for 13 points in the third and Terry for ten, but when the flurry was said and done the Nuggets were able to weather the storm and still led by three, 86-83, entering the fourth quarter.
And when entering the fourth with the lead the Nuggets are now 51-3.
Denver countered the third quarter offensive burst of the Dallas duo by hitting the Mavericks with 16-2 run spanning the first 5:53 of the money quarter to turn what was a testing game two into yet another laugher in front of 19,000+ Mile High maniacs in the Can. Carmelo came alive during this stretch to score 10 of his 15 points in the quarter during this run and finished what was an otherwise quiet first three quarters with a respectable 25 points total for the game. Denver’s largest lead in the closing minutes of regulation ballooned up to 19 points before the likes of Jason Hart, Johan Petro, and Renaldo Balkman came in to close down shop for the Nuggets.
What I like, better yet love, about this win is how the Nuggets were able to handle not one, but yet, both of the Mavericks’ scoring threats getting hot at the same time. Denver never panicked, Denver never relented, and their fortitude through the flurry by Nowitzki and Terry never let a sense of control leave the minds of the fans at Pepsi and the rest of the Nation watching on television. Not for a single second did I think Denver was at risk of unraveling when the fourth quarter started and the Nuggets had been able to maintain their three-point lead after Dallas had floored their engine in the third period. A feeling of calm came over this team and they went for the kill just like a pack of wolves do after they allow their prey to tire themselves out during the pursuit. That right there showed me the Nuggets have a killer instinct, both offensively and defensively, and when both are put together like Denver did in the fourth quarter the Nuggets assume an unbeatable swagger as a result of Chauncey’s omnipotent leadership, Carmelo’s spontaneous combustability, and the seemingly endless supply of intangibles by the rest of the supporting cast.
Needless to say, the Nuggets’ combined efforts were unassailable. Carmelo and Nene finished with tandem team-high performances of 25 points with Big Brazil adding eight rebounds and a block, and ‘Melo chipping in five rebounds, five assists, a block, and a steal. J.R. Smith matched Jason Terry’s 21 points off the bench and the Bird was sensational with eight points, nine rebounds, and the aforementioned phenomenal defense on Dirk. Combined, the Bird and the Prodigy were +51 +/- overall, and were the difference in this game. Sure, the Dallas reserves did outscore the Denver bench 52-37, but I look at that margin as out of necessity due to all the fouling the Mavericks did (28 personal fouls in all) rather than the Nugget reserves being out played.
Chauncey Billups, while not having a tremendous game individually, provided the Nuggets with well-timed shooting (Gee, I wonder why the call him Mr. Big Shot?) and the steady hand down the stretch by scoring 14 of his 18 points in the second half and handing out a game-high eight assists.
In total, the Nuggets won every statistical category except for three-point shooting percentage.
We now play the waiting game, Nuggets Nation. The next two games are in Dallas starting on Saturday night. If Denver is able to win even just one game in Dallas you can bet this series is over in five games because unless Dallas is hiding something up their sleeve coming back to Denver. Being down 3-1 and coming back out to altitude is like making a date with an undertaker.
Did you watch the post game on TNT? Both Charles and Kenny were very respectful of the nuggs, saying that they are playing the best basketball in the NBA right now!
Charles even said he could see Denver winning it all on PTI yesterday!!!
Another reason the Dallas bench scored so much is because of the early departure of Howard. I am feelign sorry for Dallas fans, it really doesnt look like they have much of a shot...
+0
... written by NuggDoctor,
May 07, 2009
I have to agree with you. Dallas doesn't look like they have much of a shot. I'm just rooting on Houston right now because that would be a huge upgrade, match-up wise, in the WCF.
I can't even believe I'm saying that. WESTERN CONFERENCE FINALS!!!!!
+0
... written by Nuggthug,
May 07, 2009
if we could win a game in dallas then i believe it's over. The nuggets have been playing very well at home.
Guess What!?!?!I'm seeing denver in the western conference finals too.and i believe that they have a big chance advancing in the nba finals.
Can someone upload the games online?? I've been missing them. Can you Nuggdoctor?
Lets go Nuggets!!?!!!
+0
... written by NuggDoctor,
May 07, 2009
I can't, but someone with a clue on how these blasted computers work may. Someone help your Nuggets brother out.
+0
... written by Jim,
May 09, 2009
Sup Nick, Nuggs have been tearing it up lately, really looking strong. Just goes to show you how much Billups has really helped that team reach their potential. How about them Lakers, eh? Should be a good match-up in the Western Finals. Gotta get somebody to guard Kobe.
I know I haven't been in touch in a long time, hit me up some time.
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics.
Advertisers
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
Most-Wanted List
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. Here are some of our high-priority areas that we're specifically looking to grow. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
NBA/Basketball Blogs
NFL Blogs
Major League Baseball Blogs
The Bloguin Login
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account!
Bloguin is the revolutionary blog network specifically focused on helping bloggers get the most out of their websites. We're currently working on building a large network of online communities and hope to expand our blogging coverage to include a wide range of topics. 
The Bloguin Network allows advertisers to promote their products and services to our ever-growing number of visitors. We offer both site-specific ad placements as well as the ability to run a network-wide campaign. If you're interested in working with Bloguin to meet your advertising needs, please contact us.
The Bloguin Network is always looking to expand. Here are some of our high-priority areas that we're specifically looking to grow. If you're a blogger and interested in joining our network, please fill out our application form.
The Bloguin Login gives you full access to everything our network has to offer. Your name and password will work for each and every one of our sites. Signing up is simple, and will allow you to post in all our forums, create member blogs, and access other cool features! What are you waiting for? Create an Account! 
Did you watch the post game on TNT? Both Charles and Kenny were very respectful of the nuggs, saying that they are playing the best basketball in the NBA right now!
Charles even said he could see Denver winning it all on PTI yesterday!!!
Another reason the Dallas bench scored so much is because of the early departure of Howard. I am feelign sorry for Dallas fans, it really doesnt look like they have much of a shot...