There is no denying that at age 34, Marcus Camby is still a force in low posts across the country. Denver’s Camby is second in the NBA in rebounds13.3 — and first in blocks — 3.72.
But he is 34, and that’s obvious in the second game of back-to-backs.
Entering these most recent two games in two days, the center had played in 16 back-to-backs this season. In the first games, he averaged 10.1 points and 14.3 rebounds. In the second games — just 7.7 points and 9.9 rebounds.
“We’ve been trying to keep Marcus’ minutes down,” Denver coach George Karl said of second games.
MVP candidate?
Recently, Phoenix center Amare Stoudemire’s name was thrown into the MVP race — by Stoudemire himself. The center told reporters covering the Suns that he felt he should be considered for the award.
He averages 25.1 points (fifth in the NBA) but in the past 11 games, he averaged 31.4, while shooting 61.2 percent from the field. His 9.3 rebounds are also 16th in the league.
“We talk about his quickness, and what he does well is something we like to teach our guys — catch-and-go,” Karl said. “He does that so quick. He doesn’t hesitate.”
All this said, Stoudemire probably shouldn’t be clumped with the four marquee MVP candidates — Kobe Bryant (Lakers), Chris Paul (Hornets), Kevin Garnett (Celtics) and LeBron James (Cavaliers). Especially because you could make the argument that Stoudemire isn’t even the MVP of his own team, because guard Steve Nash, again, is playing transcendent basketball.
Showing some love.
With 58 seconds left in the first quarter, cancer survivor Nene checked into the game, and the Pepsi Center crowd gave him a standing ovation. And he made a monstrous dunk on Denver’s first shot attempt in the second quarter, again igniting the crowd.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
