Denver Nuggets forward went just 1-8 from the field against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 15th, but he pulled in 8 rebounds, 3 assists, and 1 steal. Sometimes you have to get involved in other areas when shots are not falling. In that 102-93 win, Hamilton went 0-4 from three point land and missed a couple bunnies, as well.
But the one make he had was the most exciting play of the game for the Nuggets. See for yourself:
Nate Robinson sets a screen to get Wilson Chandler open near the foul line, Chandler misses the shot, but Hamilton (stationed in the corner) reads the shots perfectly, times it even better, and finishes with authority above the rim – one handed.
“Coach [Brian Shaw] trusts me on the boards,” said Hamilton. “He knows that I’m going to rebound. We won, my almost double figures and my goal was to help rebound.”
And what about that highlight reel putback dunk?
"It felt good. It felt like back when I was in college [at Texas]," said Hamilton. "I used to get tip-dunks."
Shaw chose to close that Pels game with Ty Lawson, Nate Robinson, Hamilton, Wilson Chandler, and J.J. Hickson. That group went 8-13 from the floor and held the Nuggets’ lead with a 19-18 showing over the final 6:50.
“With me and Wilson [on defense] we can switch,” said Hamilton. “And Coach knows we are going to rebound with either Timo [Timofey Mozgov] or J.J. – whoever it is and play hard on defense. He knows everybody can score, but he wants guys to play defense as well.”
Of Ham's two offensive rebounds on the night, one was the putback dunk and the other was this missed bunny. Almost two key buckets for the team, but the effort against the Pels was excellent by Hamilton.
Hamilton on his thought process after missing a shot
"Just think about the next shot," said Hamilton. "That's one of the things I've trained myself to do. If it's not falling, just make an impact by doing other things like rebounding or getting assists … things like that."
Ham on his floater game that has been on display a bit this season
"That's something that I'm getting a chance to show with [playing time]."
Ham on his fadeaway runner across the foul line that he uses
"When I was a kid I used to practice game winners," said Hamilton. "And I kind of still do it, so that's just some of the things I do."
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