What’s fascinating about Allen Iverson’s season isn’t just his ability to continually play at a high level — it’s that he does so and keeps his turnovers so low.
The Nuggets guard has been in the NBA since 1996, but this season his turnover average is the lowest it has ever been — just 3.01 per game, compared with his career average of 3.69. It was just a season ago that he averaged 4.04.
Speaking of his team’s fast-paced offense, Denver coach George Karl said: “Actually, if you play smart and fast, you don’t turn the ball over because you don’t make a lot of difficult passes. When you run, play fast and move the ball up the court, the decisions are simpler because there’s not as many people. I think our coaches have done a good job of cleaning up some of the crazy stuff we tried to do earlier in the year.”
Now, Iverson’s 3.01 is the 11th-highest turnover-per- game average in the NBA, but you have to put that stat into context. Those with a lot of turnovers are generally those who handle the ball the most, and if you look at the list, players higher than Iverson include Kobe Bryant, Deron Williams and Steve Nash.
Even more telling is the Nuggets’ turnover ratio as a team — that’s the percentage of the team’s possessions that are turned over. Earlier in the season, they were flirting with the highest in the league, but they hit their stride a few months ago. And entering Saturday against Golden State, Denver’s turnover ratio was ninth-best in the league (13.0).
Breaking down the D. It has been documented this season, but Karl continues to express the importance of defensive intangibles. Yes, he admits, the Nuggets’ defense has struggled. “Don’t get me wrong — I don’t like how we play defense a lot of nights,” he said. “But I don’t think we get enough credit for the stats that show we do play defense — steals, shot blocks.”
Indeed, Denver is first in the NBA in both steals per game (9.27) and blocks (6.75).
Playoff fever. Asked if the Western Conference playoff seedings matter in this zany, airtight season, Karl said: “Not at all. They’re all tough. I’m sure each team has an order they’d prefer. But if you think you’re going to have an easy first round, you’re probably crazy.”
Benjamin Hochman
