The Birdman Flies Again

It took 29 games, but the old Birdman flew once again Tuesday night.

Maybe it was disappointment of not seeing the floor the previous two games.

Maybe it was because he had a week off. And maybe it was the energy at the Pepsi Center, but Chris Andersen had his best game of the season. He scored 16 points, which was two away from a career best, to go with seven rebounds and six blocks. His superior performance helped the Nuggets end their 4-game slide at home.

Andersen was hitting from all over the floor, nailing two ill advised jump shots and showing some old hops with two thunderous dunks. He also saved a fast break basket by blocking Robin Lopez’s basket.

Now the big question is can Andersen provide a similar spark in Dallas on a back-to-back game.

• Arron Afflalo posted his third consecutive 20-plus game. He did most of his damage playing off the ball and scoring on the fast break. Over the last three games, Afflalo as hit 21-38 shots, but he did miss three free throws on Tuesday.
• Ty Lawson was once again being aggressive, attacking the Phoenix Suns defense and getting where ever he wanted. Lawson toyed with the Suns defense, hitting runners, jumpers and finding open teammates. And like Afflalo, Lawson has been taking smart shots. Lawson made 6 of 7 shots for 17 points.
• Kenneth Faried was once again in the starting lineup and was aggressive from the get-go. While he struggles knowing what to do with the ball, but Faried is a beast on the boards, a hoss on defense and brings inspired energy. Faried scored a season-best 13 points to go with nine rebounds.

The Nuggets now must go on another tough road trip. They start Wednesday night in Dallas, then travel to Memphis on Friday before facing Northwest Division rival Oklahoma City on Sunday.