The Nuggets 33-point rout over the Toronto Raptors on Monday night was just one of many blowouts our Nuggets have delivered this season.
Even when Carmelo Anthony donned a Nuggets jersey, the Nuggets were blowing opponents out at Pepsi Center. Remember opening night’s 22-point blowout over the Utah Jazz? The 18-point thumping over the Sacramento Kings on New Year’s Day? The 34-point drubbing over the Phoenix Suns on January 11th…followed just two nights later by a 28-point whooping over the Miami Heat…and another 28-point thrashing over the Cleveland Cavaliers two days after that? Or the 19-point thwacking of the Portland Trail Blazers on February 2nd?
Then, with the new Nuggets on-board, we’ve witnessed a 40-point smack job over the Charlotte Bobcats, a 30-point stomping over the Detroit Pistons and now a 33-point cremation over the Raptors. Can any other team claim six 28-plus point blowouts this season?
Point being, the Nuggets are damn scary to play against at Pepsi Center. So it should surprise no one that the Nuggets currently possess the Western Conference's second-best home record and the NBA's fourth-best home record.
This home cooking will be needed in the days ahead as the Spurs, Wizards and Kings come to town. Because after that foursome comes and goes, the Nuggets have only three home dates left all season while having the pleasure of playing at the Lakers, at Oklahoma City, at Dallas and at Utah to finalize the 2010-11 campaign.
You see, unlike their comrades in New York, the Nuggets don’t have the luxury of playing the Cavaliers three times, the Pacers three times, the Bucks three times, the Nets twice and the Pistons, Raptors and Bobcats once apiece to wrap up their playoff push (sorry, had to).
Tuesday Links…
Andrew Feinstein on Elephants in the Room
On Monday night, I joined Renaud Notaro and Karl Hungus on Mile High Sports Radio's Elephants in the Room to talk about the Nuggets. And this time, I refrained from any criticism of J.R. Smith!
An Example for Anthony on Putting Team First – NYTimes.com
Along with the added visibility that went along with Carmelo Anthony’s move to New York came added scrutiny and the expectation that he be more than just a gunslinger.
Boston Celtics vs. New York Knicks – Recap – March 21, 2011 – ESPN
The Knicks are now 7-9 since Carmelo Anthony joined the team and on Monday night, both Melo and teammate Amar’e Stoudemire went field goal-less in the fourth quarter as the Knicks gave up a substantial halftime lead to the Celtics. Ok, I’ll just say it: the Knicks suck!
Mile High Sports – The Stretch Run
James Merilatt breaks down the Nuggets remaining games.
NBA At 2: The Ellis/Curry Issue – Basketball News & NBA Rumors
Raymond Felton talks about his bizarre year with Brian Ingram.
Nuggets cruise to 33-point win over Raptors – The Denver Post
Chris Dempsey recaps the Nuggets monster win over the toothless Raptors.
The New York Knicks were better off when they were Amare Stoudemire's team – ESPN New York
The past week has proved that the Knicks are better off as Amare's team, says ESPN New York's Johnette Howard.
Carmelo Anthony honeymoon over in New York – NBA – Sporting News
Melo's comments about the Knicks being 100% on the same page next year isn't going over well with his teammates or those who follow the team…like everyone in New York.
NBA players’ union leader takes bold stand – NBA – Yahoo! Sports
In one moment at All-Star weekend, Billy Hunter proved to his constituents that he won't back down to David Stern.
