Maybe you haven’t noticed, but Allen Iverson, Carmelo Anthony and the Nuggets have been in the sports pages a lot lately. And if you’d like to know late- breaking details of when Iverson’s replica jerseys will show up, feel free to indulge.
But if you’re interested in the Nuggets’ chances this year at breaking through the NBA hierarchy (read: Western Conference elite), all you need to do is look at the box scores.
The devil, or in this case the good fortune, is in the details.
In the two games since Iverson joined the Nuggets, every relevant statistic has improved for Denver – points, assists, points off the fast break. And television ratings.
But look further, use a calculator and begin to revel.
Iverson shot 9-of-22 from the floor against the Celtics on Tuesday for 41 percent. Not great. But not a problem, because in the two games since he arrived, the Nuggets’ offensive rebounds are up from 13.5 per game BAI (before A.I.) to 18.5 AAI (after A.I.). The reason, anecdotally speaking, is because Iverson is so effective at getting near the basket. His ability to drive the lane translates into short rebounds, easy putbacks and lots of fouls.
Speaking of fouls, the Nuggets are drawing significantly more. Nuggets opponents averaged 25 fouls per game BAI; Denver drew 32 against Boston.
More telling, the Nuggets averaged about 26 free throws a game BAI. But AAI, the Nuggets are averaging 37 free throws, with 43 against Boston. And Iverson in those two games shot 19. If the team hadn’t shot 46-of-73 from the line in those two games, it might have been 16-9 instead of 15-10 before Thursday.
The way to win in the NBA, as George Karl would tell you, is to capitalize on high-percentage shots. With Iverson’s ability to get near the hoop and Denver’s rebounding (just think when Marcus Camby’s healthy), the Nuggets are looking at a lot of easy baskets.
Who needs a good shooter when layups and dunks will do just fine?
THE COUCH
On: After two weeks of yawners, blowouts and otherwise dumb games, the college football bowl season finally hits its stride. With 15 games between today and Monday, something must be worth watching somewhere on the dial. The don’t-miss list begins Monday with Nebraska and Auburn in the Cotton Bowl (KDVR-Channel 31, 9:30 a.m.); Southern Cal and Michigan in the Rose Bowl (KMGH-Ch. 7, 3 p.m.); and Boise State and Oklahoma in the Fiesta Bowl (KDVR-Ch. 31, 6:30 p.m.).
Off: If you’re planning on making “get fit” a New Year’s resolution, this weekend will be a great time to start. Or if you resolved last year to get fit, now is your last chance. Find the 22nd Annual Wells Fargo Resolution 5K Run and Walk at Washington Park on Sunday at 6 p.m. (emgcolorado.com). Or try the New Year’s Day 5K in Fort Collins at 10 a.m. (runnersroostftcollins.com). Of course, both events will run weather permitting, so check the websites for details.
WHAT WE’D LIKE TO SEE
The Colorado Eagles, one of two area minor-league entries in the Central Hockey League, could end the weekend on an 11-game winning streak after a homestand against the Wichita Thunder tonight and Austin Ice Bats on Saturday, both at 7 p.m. at the Budweiser Events Center in Loveland.
WEAK IN REVIEW
Their claims to national prominence are about as impressive as Denver’s snow-removal efforts. Thursday’s Rutgers-Kansas State matchup in the Texas Bowl aired on the still-exclusive NFL Network and, though we didn’t check, there likely were preseason ice-fishing previews on ESPN5 or any of the other dozens of channels the rest of us actually get.
AROUND TOWN
Nevermind the Avalanche is in last place in the Northwest Division. And forget that it would be in fourth place or worse in four of the other five divisions. And set aside for a moment that disturbing 5-4 loss to Dallas on Wednesday, in which the Stars – without two captains, a Hall of Famer and a mainstay – rallied for two goals in the third period. The fact remains: The Avs have won five of seven games and are just one point out of first place in their division, before Edmonton’s late Thursday game. The Avs could continue the streak in a home- and-home against the Blues, beginning tonight at the Pepsi Center and continuing Saturday in St. Louis. Both on Altitude.
