Oct 30, 2013; Sacramento, CA, USA; Denver Nuggets point guard Nate Robinson (10) reacts after the Sacramento Kings scored during the fourth quarter at Sleep Train Arena. The Sacramento Kings defeated the Denver Nuggets 90-88. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-USA TODAY Sports
Your Denver Nuggets have their home opener tonight against the Portland Trail Blazers tonight at the Pepsi Center. And after a rough first showing on Wednesday against the Sacramento Kings The Nuggets have a lot to improve on. Javale McGee struggled in the post against Demarcus Cousins and got into to foul trouble early. Coach Shaw said after the game that going forward Javale would have to earn his minutes. I find this strange because that was one of the reasons George Karl was fired. If Javale is going to have to fight for minutes than the Koufos trade makes very little sense. There were very few bright spots from the other night and it did not seem like coach Shaw could find the right combination of players to run his system. So going forward this season it might be an audition to see who fits coach Shaw and we might be in for a rough season. Don’t expect many Taco Nights from this squad. Here are the keys to tonight’s game I believe.
1. Find someone to fill in at the small forward until Chandler and Gallo return. Anthony Randolph is not the answer.
2. Figure a way to get Javale involved and keep him out of foul trouble.
3.Bring back the high-speed pace because no one can keep up with us in the thin air of the Mile High City.
4.Lastly it’s time to see who the leader of this team will be, Ty needs to step up and show he’s the man or maybe its’ time to move on from him. I know this sounds crazy but when most the news about your star player in the offseason is negative maybe he’s not a leader. The stars of the league are not beating their girlfriends and repping other teams.
If the Nuggets can find the right combination and keep up the pace it will be a good night in Denver. Check back later for a recap of the game.