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Nuggets Win Melvin Hunt’s First Game as Interim Coach

By Eric Meyer

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Mar 1, 2015; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Nuggets forward Danilo Gallinari (8) shoots the ball during the second half against the New Orleans Pelicans at Pepsi Center. The Nuggets lost 99-92. Mandatory Credit: Chris Humphreys-USA TODAY Sports

The Denver Nuggets came into tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Bucks at Pepsi Center wondering how things would go after the firing of Brian Shaw and appointment of Melvin Hunt as their Interim Head Coach earlier in the day.  Well, they found out early and kept their foot on the gas pedal and came away with an impressive 106-95 victory over the Bucks who sit in the 6th position in the Eastern Conference Playoff standings.

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    • Danilo Gallinari started hot in the first half and continued his rejuvenated play for the entire game as he led the Nuggets in scoring with 26 points.  Kenneth Faried returned to “Manimal Mode” getting his first double-double in over 5 weeks with 14 points and 14 rebounds. Hunt appeared to lean towards the running style of play during the game as the Nuggets dropped over 100 points for only the second time in their last 14 games and first time in their last 7.  They have been averaging only 94 points a game in the stretch that has seen them go a dismal 2-19 in their last 21 games.  That was  not evident on this night as the Nuggets came out firing, played good defense and hit the boards hard.  Something they haven’t been doing since early January.

    Ty Lawson found his shooting stroke in the 4th quarter knocking down runners and threes to keep the Bucks at bay.  Faried had a couple of highlight film blocks in the game and appeared to be re-energized with the change in coaches.  Hunt maintained his great attitude for the entire contest and didn’t look overmatched in coaching his first NBA game as a Head Coach.  Things got close several times in the fourth quarter but the Nuggets would hold off the rally and get their first home win in 11 games which spanned “Six Weeks”.

    The closest the Bucks would get is within 6 points with 2:30 left in the game but Randy Foye, Gallinari and Lawson would hit late 3’s to seal the deal.

    The Nuggets got contributions from a number of players in the game.  Lawson finished with 16 points and 9 assists, Wilson Chandler had 12 points, Randy Foye chipped in 9 in a starting role, Jameer Nelson dumped in 11 points and 2 assists and JJ Hickson had 6 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets on this night.  All in all it was a great way to start the coaching career of Melvin Hunt, who was celebrating his 19th Wedding Anniversary on this night as well.

    The Nuggets next game is tomorrow night against the Kevin Garnett led Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center in Minneapolis.  The “Hunt” Era begins with a win.  The Nuggets first at home in their last 11 games.  The last 23 games of the season will be interesting to see how the team plays for the balance of the season.  It was nice to see maximum effort from the team tonight.  Let’s see how this translates for the next 22 games.

    Next: The Nuggets Official Statement Regarding Brian Shaw's Dismissal

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