For the third time this preseason, the Nuggets came out victorious – defeating the Golden State Warriors 104-98. The Nuggets were led by Danilo Gallinari’s 18 points (6-12 shooting), Kosta Koufos‘ 13 rebounds (8 offensive), and Andre Iguodala’s 7 assists.
If you’re keeping tabs on the center position, for the third game in a row we saw a different starter. Timofey Mozgov got his chance to start in the middle tonight and responded with 10 points and 6 rebounds in 16 minutes of action. JaVale McGee played 19 minutes and scored 9 points and just 4-12 shooting. McGee also grabbed 4 rebounds (3 offensive) and 1 block, but committed 4 turnovers on the night. Koufos played just 16 minutes and put up 6 points and the previously mentioned team-high 13 rebounds.
Jordan Hamilton had a strong night in just 18 minutes of action – scoring 11 points on 4-9 shooting (3-6 from deep). Gallo (2-7) and Iguodala (1-6) combined to shoot 3-13 from downtown. Gallo’s long distance shooting has looked pretty good in the preseason; while Iguodala has had a little bit of an issue connecting from the outside. Hamilton could easily make a role for himself as a sharp-shooter this season and expand his game/role from there.
After not getting any playing time against the Spurs, Anthony Randolph was back in action tonight. He played 13 minutes and scored 7 points (3-8 shooting) and grabbed 6 rebounds (1 offensive). Randolph is very comfortable playing on the perimeter and he’s a nice mix to Kenneth Faried’s inside game, but he’s got to get inside and mix it up a little more. He has an aggressive side to him and might play a little better with some fire in him. I continue to be, like many others before me, enamored with Randolph’s physical tools … will be fun to see how he develops in Denver.
On to the links …
Sizing Up Small Ball – Zach Lowe, Grantland.com
A nice read about what teams are doing to contend against the Miami Heat.
Seattle officials approve NBA arena deal as threat of lawsuit looms – Jonathan Kominsky, Reuters
Self-explanatory title here folks.
Delonte West suspended by Mavs – Tim MacMahon, ESPN Dallas
Things not going well for West again, sad to hear as he's a valuable player.
ESPN’s “NBA Countdown” will undergo a talent shake-up this season. The new crew is supposedly going to be: Magic Johnson, Michael Wilbon, Jalen Rose, and Bill Simmons. I’m not sure how well Simmons will mix with that crew, but he should provide some laughs as the “pop culture/off the wall guy”.
