What’s harder to find? The lost ark or the “it” for a consistent Nuggets team?
And by “it”, we mean focus. Focus is the word for these Nuggets after an uninspiring loss to the Timberwolves minus Ricky Rubio and Kevin Love in the fourth quarter. It’s games like those that make me think of a younger “Furious George” Karl, and how he would have dealt with this team after their performance (sarcasm intended) on thursday. There’s no way that he would allow a team to come off the court ever doubting their effort. This most recent loss wasn’t a cause for extreme concern, but it gives voice to the frustration this Nuggets fanbase has dealt with for the first third of the season. Brutal schedule, young team, etc, we’ve heard the excuses, but come playoff time, the Nuggets will face judgement to determine what they have more of: excuses, or wins?
The Nuggets have the potential to be a very good team. That’s not being a homer, nor is that laced with sarcasm, it’s a very true statement. This is a team that has beaten Memphis, San Antonio, the Clippers and the Warriors. It’s also a team that has lost to the Magic, shoots free throws like a golden retriever, and has thrown away a game to a beat up Minnesota team… Have I mentioned the loss to the Magic?
The Nuggets are a team finding themselves. As corny as it is to hear that, they truly are. They try to find a “hot” player every game to be their scorer, they’re trying to find a rotation that balances developing young players with winning, and they’re trying to find out if they can bring “it” every time they step on the court. Whether it comes in the form of a resurgent and leadership-laced Ty Lawson or the Danilo Gallinari that shoots the lights out every night before he goes to bed, the Nuggets need… in the words of Coach Pop, ” some nasty.” Can Coach Karl channel some “furious” for his team, or will a player step up? Hopefully the Nuggets can channel their inner Indy, find the elusive winning formula, and crack the whip on this stale, stagnant season.