When the Nuggets win, their opponents’ 3-point average is just average. When the Nuggets lose, their opponents shoot the 3-ball like they’re the Toronto Raptors.
Actually, victorious Nuggets opponents shoot “only” 39.1 percent from 3-point range, whereas the Raptors shoot a league-best 40.6 percent.
And tonight, yes, the Raptors (34-30) are in Denver for the only time this season.
“They’re probably one of the most underlooked teams in the league – even without Chris Bosh,” said Denver coach George Karl, making reference to Toronto’s injured all-star. “One of the best shooting teams – if not the best shooting team – in the NBA. And those teams have given us trouble.”
In games the Nuggets win, they control the 3-ball. Losing opponents shoot just 35.3 percent from 3-point range, which is the exact percentage of the Chicago Bulls, who are 16th in the league.
Tonight, Karl said Denver (38-26) must be alert when it comes to Toronto’s pick-and-roll.
“So it’s changing up in the game,” Karl said of the defensive strategy.
Denver’s perimeter defense has been inconsistent this season, but one culprit is actually playing better of late. Karl commended J.R. Smith for his defensive tenacity in the past few games. “I’ve really enjoyed him the last couple weeks. He’s taken a step forward maturity-wise. He’s more into the defensive scheme.”
Offensively, Smith averages 11.2 points per game, but in the past five he’s averaged 15.8. His field-goal percentage in that stretch is 57.4, complemented by 52 percent from 3-point range – Raptoresque.
“I know sometimes he may have a short leash – if he makes a couple mistakes, he gets subbed out,” Denver center Marcus Camby said. “But we tell him – don’t look over your shoulder. You’re probably the most athletic guy we have on this team. And when you play like that, we all can be successful.”
Contagious contusions
Numerous Nuggets are banged up. Reserve forward Linas Kleiza has bruised foot, which is not related to his lingering left ankle injury. Camby has a bruised right hip, and reserve forward Eduardo Najera has a bruised left shin.
And Allen Iverson, coming off his worst game as a Nugget, is playing with a broken right ring finger and an injured right knee.
“He’s a rebel. He’s a warrior,” forward Carmelo Anthony said of Iverson. “Not many guys would go out and sacrifice that.”
Comeback trail
Denver power forward Nene, recovering from a testicular tumor removal, continued to do light shooting at the Pepsi Center on Thursday, but not with the rest of the team.
“The next step for us is having him in competitive situations – one-on-one or working on his footwork,” Karl said. “I don’t know how far away that is.”
Nene will accompany the team on its five-game road trip beginning Tuesday at Detroit.
