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Nuggets Advanced Stats (64 gms)
| Record | 43 - 21 |
| Pythagorean Record | 45.7 - 18.3 |
| Projected Pyth Rec | 58.5 - 23.5 |
| Defensive Efficiency | 108.2 |
| Offensive Efficiency | 114.8 |
| Pace Factor | 93.8 |
| Field Goal % | 47.2% |
| Opp Field Goal % | 45.6% |
| Effective FG% | 51.4% |
| Opp Effective FG% | 49.4% |
| True Shooting % | 56.7% |
| Opp True Shooting % | 53.2% |
| Def Rebound Rate | 72.5% |
| Off Rebound Rate | 25.9% |
| Total Rebound Rate | 49.5% |
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2008-09 Game 35: Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Hornets Game Thread
The one and only Vanilla Ice is in town tonight to celebrate the marketing event that is 80’s night at the Pepsi Center. I can get a kick out of Vanilla as anyone, but I would much rather the Nuggets observe December 15, 2008 night.
Why December 15, 2008? That was the last time the Nuggets played defense at the level required to achieve the kind of success we all want for them. That was the night they defeated the Dallas Mavericks with their defense. It was the last time they posted a defensive efficiency rating below 100 and the last time they held an opponent below 40% shooting. The most disturbing stat of all though is since December 15, 2008 they are 1-5 against playoff caliber teams.
Tonight Denver has another chance to reverse that trend.
The one thing that I find encouragement in is the Nuggets have been switching on screens less frequently, but tonight the big men are going to have to really step up and aggressively jump Chris Paul when he is coming off the screen. Last night they were very lax and allowed Russell Westbrook and Earl Watson were able to penetrate far enough that the defense had to collapse resulting in either easy baskets for a cutter (Chris Wilcox) or their shooters (Kevin Durant and Jeff Green). They need to force Paul away from the paint towards the sideline, but still make sure he cannot cut behind them and “split the double team” and drive directly into the lane. It is not an easy task, but it is one that Nene, Kenyon Martin and, to a lesser extent, Chris Andersen are capable of accomplishing.
The Nuggets once again catch a break as Tyson Chandler, who missed the previous game in Denver, is suspended for elbowing Joel Przybilla in the chest last night.
In that first meeting Denver fell behind by double digits in the third quarter and came back to take the lead late in the game 92-89 with just over two minutes left, but then the Hornets got a couple of lucky breaks. After a great defensive possession by the Nuggets Chris Paul made a three pointer from at least ten feet behind the arc and on their next possession after the Nuggets deflected the all away and seemed posed for a fast break it somehow bounced to Rasual Butler who passed to an open Peja Stojakovic for another three that put the Hornets up three. Those six points swung the game back in favor of the Hornets; however, they still needed a three by James Posey with 19 seconds left to pull out the win. New Orleans also needed a 7-8 shooting night from Rasual Butler, a 39.7% marksman for his career. However, on the Nuggets side J.R. Smith torched his original NBA team for 32 points including five three pointers.
The biggest difference between that game and tonight is the Denver Nuggets are clearly not playing at the same level as they were at that point in the season. There is no reason that they cannot get back to that level, but they have to collectively want to.
Previous Matchup: Game 16 – Den 101 NOH 105
Featured Blogs: Hornets 24/7 | At the Hive
101 Responses to “2008-09 Game 35: Denver Nuggets vs New Orleans Hornets Game Thread”
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January 3rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
We are getting hammered with snow here in Castle Rock. No place I’d rather now be but on my ass watching the Nuggets get their ass’s kicked by Chris Paul and the Hornets with a beer and a homemade pizza.
Here’s hoping I’m wrong about the potential loss
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:15 pm
2 on Nene, not good.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:17 pm
Man that was quick
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:18 pm
4 fouls on the Nuggets already.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:19 pm
too many fouls
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
Hornets in the bonus with 8:30 left in the first quarter.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
birthday boy 2 tre’s already
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:21 pm
LK has no chance against Armstrong on D.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Time to start doubling Armstrong or putting Kenyon on him.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:23 pm
Armstrong on a tear
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:25 pm
That was a really short second on the shot clock.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
At least with the Hornets going after LK with Armstrong Paul does not have the ball in his hands.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:26 pm
way too many fouls
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
nice Carmello drive. We need many of those moments
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:28 pm
Finally Melo takes it to the rim. After having such a great post up game last night, he has yet to post on the block yet.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
No weakside help on Paul’s drive.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:31 pm
AC, not that bad so far
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:33 pm
Ever since I wrote that I was ready to see Atkins take Carter’s spot Atkins has not played and Carter has played much better. So either I am an idiot or my motivational ploy worked.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:36 pm
Well your no idiot.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:37 pm
AC air ball
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:38 pm
Our jumpers have gone cold
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:39 pm
nice finish for the first !!!!!!
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Carter made a great play and then makes a completely mindless foul with only 1.2 seconds left 60 feet from the basket. Horrible.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
That was a great sequence to end the first. Solid defense forcing turnovers which turns into a 3, a Kleiza dunk and a 5 point lead. I’ll take it.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:41 pm
^^ Yeah, but Paul only made one, I’m cool with it. He saw an oppurtunity and after his last steal I’m willing to let that one slide.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:42 pm
Damn AC I thought it was over for the first, I get off the couch and …. DORK !!!!
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:44 pm
Armstrong is on fucking fire.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Anyone notice how Marlowe seems to have a difficult time telling tow pointers from three pointers?
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Chauncey needs a tattoo of a brain on his head. He’s such an intelligent player.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:46 pm
Carter, stop going for fucking steals all the time!
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Hastings covers for him
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:47 pm
Amazing shot by Peja from behind the backboard.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:52 pm
Andersen doing a good job running at shooters.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
I’m very pleased with the Nuggets’ D over the last 3 minutes. They have been solid on their rotations and are taking high percentage shots. Andersen, Nene, and Melo are absolutely frustrating the Hornets’ bigs.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:54 pm
David West has been non-existant tonight.
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:57 pm
playing much better than last night
January 3rd, 2009 at 7:58 pm
Melo is looking real solid tonight. Man 50-34. WTF !!!!
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
This is the best the Nuggets have played for a long time. Amazing defense!
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
WOW what D by the Nuggets
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
WOW. 20 point lead and the Nuggets play probably their best defensive set in the entire season. That was an amazing sequence and great pair of blocks.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:00 pm
J.R. is a different player when he is passing like this.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:01 pm
Nene shooting 100% from the field.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:05 pm
If Nene can get through the rest of the half without picking up his third I will be happy.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
I mentioned how the Hornets were getting the lucky bounces in the first meeting. Tonight the ball is bouncing the Nuggets way.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:06 pm
Kenyon continues to struggle at the line. He was shooting them so much better earlier in the year.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:08 pm
Don’t let the Hornets get any closer before the half.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:09 pm
can’t let Paul out of the cage now.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Kmart sweet on Paul. I love it.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:10 pm
Yea Beefy. When he was hitting his free throws early in the season I thought maybe he had fixed his form, but he still shoots it from the wrong side of his face with his left hand too far in front of the ball.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:11 pm
That was a pretty dang good half.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:14 pm
And Marlowe the expert commentator that he is thought Kmart set up the last free throw that nicked the rim as an offensive play. Marlow said it was a smart move by Kmart.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:18 pm
That’s funny, I missed it.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Great half! Awesome D! Chris paul better watch his back or kmart is going to meet him in the parking lot. Definately should of been a double T.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:21 pm
Halftime stats:
Pace Factor - 80.3 (incredibly slow pace I had to double check the stats)
Defensive Efficiency - 99.7
Offensive Efficiency - 144.5 (crazy)
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:23 pm
Check this link out and goto Number 9.
http://sports.espn.go.com/nba/dailydime?page=dime-090103-04
More trade talks on Kleiza for Lee thought on this guys?
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:27 pm
CCH I wouldnt feel big if I was Kmart and starting on 6 foot Paul. What is Kmart your KG of the team?
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Beautiful passing tonight. Nuggets are really impressing me with the assists.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:33 pm
Wow , no third period blues tonight
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:36 pm
Trading baskets is fine with me when we’re up 20.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:37 pm
who’s the insurance salesman on the floor for the Hornets ?
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
Nuggets are so in the zone. Really great to watch.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:38 pm
4 fouls on paul, maybe the best nuggets passing i’ve seen all year.When’s the last time melo passed up an open three?
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:44 pm
No time to go to sleep, Nuggets
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:45 pm
Cmon Nuggets, close out the quarter. Keep it at 20 going into the 4th.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:49 pm
Stojakovik, the Insurance salesman. Fax me a quote for term life please.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:52 pm
These refs are suckin pauls nuts now.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:54 pm
what a joke, talk about a mental breakdown 14 points blown in what 5 minutes?
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:55 pm
What the hell. Last 5 minutes were awful. It will be a game in the 4th just when the subs thought they were gonna get some playtime
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:56 pm
were gonna lose this game. And if we dont we deserve too.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:57 pm
Chris Paul needs to be contained. Shit only up by 9 now.
January 3rd, 2009 at 8:58 pm
We are coming unglued. A 27-6 run by the Hornets. Just incredible.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:00 pm
These losers deserve to lose.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:02 pm
It is amazing how stupid this team can become.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:06 pm
I swear they get afraid of their own success as if they don’t deserve to play so well against contender teams.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Oh well JR has infused a few good moments
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:07 pm
Hastings is right, that switch between Melo and Nene was dumber than Lloyd Christmas.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:09 pm
Chris Paul wakes up and starts do destroy anytime he chooses
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
Can we please get Chauncey in the game for AC?
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:10 pm
What just happened ?
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
This is pathetic.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:13 pm
94 up. real nice Denver
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:15 pm
this just sucks
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:16 pm
I am so sick of Melo committing a foul whenever he thinks the refs missed a call. What does he think that accomplishes?
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
Chris Paul uncontested, duh what do you think is gonna happen ?
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:18 pm
The refs are in the Hornets pocket and they are still complaining whenever they get called for something.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:20 pm
Tie game. What.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:21 pm
I do not see how the Nuggets are going to win this game.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
OK, a bucket here and I will have to recant comment #87.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:23 pm
Just like last time Posey for three.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
Shut up Posey!
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:25 pm
well this has become exciting
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
here we go, just like last night
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:27 pm
Horrible force by Posey. They did not need a three.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
we are gonna win Jeremy
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:28 pm
Make this one Nene!
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
now it’s a W
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:29 pm
That was the strangest turnover I have seen in a while. OK markph, now I believe.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:30 pm
Nuggets are on a Mission from God
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:31 pm
If Denver had never built that big lead this would be a big win. Instead I feel dirty.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:33 pm
Well that’s entertainment. Poor Chris Paul, nice tear from NENE to call the final.
January 3rd, 2009 at 9:35 pm
Looking forward to your take Jeremy