Well at least that Denver Nuggets game was entertaining.
Maybe it’s because I am settling into the idea that the Nuggets are missing the playoffs and now I can watch without anxiety, knowing it’s another lost year.
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That said and Nugg Life depression aside, tonight was a fun one to watch in Miami.
After embarrassing themselves in Memphis Saturday night, the starters came in angrier than a line of old men that have had to wait too long for their soup. Whatever Malone told the team about coming in motivated and angry, seemed to had made an impression. At least for the first seven or eight minutes or so..
This game was filled with leader changes and was basically tied for most of the game. Each team maybe went up by a six points throughout the and at the final buzzer, but for the most part, was neck and neck. Miami is sneakily one of the top 5 defensive teams in the NBA right now and has a few stars hurt. Like the Memphis game, this one was laid on a platter for our helpless Nuggets.
Somehow, someway, I believe I am now the president of the Anti-Barton movement. Earlier this year, his aggressiveness, light out shooting and alpha attitude was a breath of fresh how. How quick can we sign Barton, I thought. But now? I can’t tell you how many times our other more talented players submit to his aggressiveness, and somehow, Will Barton ends up in the middle of every last important possession. One way or another.
Sure he has had some electric finishes. But now? I think those are more in the minority and he needs to let us live/die by a last second Jokic/Murray/Millsap/Harris shot and not freaking Will Barton. We get it, you like the ball in your hands, Will.
It stinks too because after listening to Richard Jefferson’s podcast, I really like him, but now? You are the new Jameer Nelson in my household who I yell at to pass the ball. There are worse things in life but that’s pretty bad in my household and as far as my dogs and girlfriend are concerned.
Jamal Murray was a no show in the first half. Literally didn’t score once and was missing free throws. Could tell he was too far in his head and that point was proven by the Altitude crew sharing that Malone pulled Murray into a “special meeting” since Saturday’s game. Malone apparently was telling Murray to slow down. Let the speed of the game come to him. For whatever reason, I think that is just making things worse in the 21 year old’s head. For Jamal, you need to shake him up and get him angry to get the best out of him.
Aside from tonight’s overall entertainment value, was good to see Wilson Chandler being the consistent player that his paycheck values him to be. Stinks that he was MIA for the whole earlier part of the year, but hey, maybe he is playing himself into a player other teams would want to trade for.
I say you take him, Faried, Barton, and Arthur and leave them at the bus stop somewhere over the off season. Maybe we can get the Jazz to trade back for Mitchell.
Five more road games to go!
Next: What is wrong with the Nuggets?
Signing off, your optimistic Nuggets blogger.