What, you think the Avs are the only Denver team in the playoffs? Think again.
The Nuggets tonight are facing what amounts to a play-in game for the NBA playoffs. It’s pretty simple. If they beat Golden State, they would have a one-game lead over the Warriors. Not only that, they would own the playoff tie-breaker, which would give them, for all intents and purposes, a two-game lead with three games remaining in the regular season.
And if they lose? If so, they could all but kiss good bye any realistic hopes of making the playoffs. It’s not a good position to be in, having to beat a quality team on the road to make the playoffs, but stuff happens when you lose back-to-back games to Sacramento and Seattle. The combined number of games under .500 for those two teams: 51.
Not that the Nuggets make a habit out of losing to lousy teams. They’re actually pretty good at beating the NBA’s have-nots. But it takes more than that to make the playoffs — a lot more, given the unprecedented strength of the Western Conference, where 50 wins might not earn you a postseason berth.
At some point, the Nuggets have to make a statement. They have to step up and beat a good team on the road. And tonight is their chance. Or should I say their last chance?
Frankly, if they can’t do it, they don’t deserve to make the playoffs anyway.
Jim Armstrong: 303-954-1269 or jmarmstrong@denverpost.com
