Beat Utah.
Beat Utah. Beat Utah. Beat Utah. Beat Utah. Beat Utah. Beat Utah. Beat Utah.
If that wasn’t clear enough, maybe this is: BEAT UTAH.
The Nuggs must beat the Jazz nine times.
And I’m not talking about tonight’s neither-here-nor-there, beside-the-point, not-worth-worrying-about exhibition at The Can.
The Nuggets must beat the Jazz in the four regular-season games, for first place in the final NBA Northwest Division standings, and in four playoff games.
Beat Utah, and the Nuggets can win a postseason series.
It’s not a cheer, a call to charge or a command.
It’s the Nuggets’ challenge.
Proof: Two seasons ago the Nuggets had a 45-37 record in the regular season and ended up second in the division to Utah (51-31). The Nuggets lost three of four to Utah. If they had beaten the Jazz in all four games, the teams would have tied, and first tiebreaker is head-to-head results. The Nuggets had no chance against San Antonio in the first round. The Jazz defeated Houston, then Golden State, before losing to San Antonio.
More proof: Last season the Nuggets had a 50-32 record in the regular season and ended up second in the division to Utah (54-28). The Nuggets lost three of four to Utah. If they had beaten the Jazz in all four games, they would have possessed the superior record and won the division. The Nuggets had no chance against the Lakers in the first round. The Jazz defeated Houston, then lost to Los Angeles.
Therefore, the Nuggets win the four games, win the division and, as the fourth seed, win against the fifth seed Jazz.
Easier written than done.
Jerry Sloan has outcoached George Karl. The Jazz has the better point guard, power forward and center, and the Nuggets have the better shooting guard and small forward. The benches are about even. The Jazz has the better overall team.
In exactly two weeks (Oct. 29) the Nuggets open at Salt Lake City. There’s a problem right away. The Nuggets have suspended Carmelo Anthony from the game (and the next) for bad judgment (his, not theirs). Then, the teams don’t meet again until Jan. 25 in Denver. The Nuggets will have a rare four-day rest period before that game, and it is hoped Anthony will not be suspended. On March 6, the Nuggets travel to Utah. The teams conclude the season series April 2 in Denver.
In comparison, last season the Nuggets split their first two games with the Jazz (losing the second in overtime) in Denver before being drubbed in the last two, by 27 points in each.
Tonight’s Nuggs-Jazz exhibition won’t be an indicator because starters will not play much.
So far the Nuggets have won a blowout game indoors and a wind-blown game outdoors, and here’s what you should know:
Anthony (finger) and Allen Iverson (knee) need to be in the lineup full time soon because of the new (?) emphasis on defense. Despite all the local trumpets, Anthony didn’t play much defense in the Olympics and likely won’t play much defense this season. Iverson can’t defend taller scoring guards. Both will be advanced offensively, because of Anthony’s Olympic experience and Iverson’s final contract year.
Despite our requests for an Iverson-J.R. Smith starting backcourt, Smith will come off the bench, but play 30-plus minutes a game and average 20-plus points, and he’s trying very hard to play defense, cut down on his 3-point attempts and listen to his parents’ plea to grow up.
The Nuggets haven’t figured out when to double-team in the corners and in the low post yet, but the defense against the pick-and-roll has improved.
Nene has lost weight and gained confidence. Kenyon Martin will have a stronger season offensively and defensively. Anthony Carter has to play more defense and shoot less, distribute and occasionally drive (but not that lime green Hummer).
Linas Kleiza seems lost on both ends. Juwan Howard was a bargain and a solid pickup to spell Nene. Chris Andersen was a bargain and a solid addition to the front line bench. “I don’t think many guys will want to go inside against (hammers) Kenyon and Chris,” Karl says.
Who and when is Sonny Weems?
Renaldo Balkman, with his windmill arms and dunks and his hustle and heart, can factor some, and Dahntay Jones can contribute at times. Chucky Atkins and Steve Hunter, with their salaries and lack of factoring and contributing, still could be traded. Ruben “Sandwich” Patterson is a potential DNP, (did not play), and Mateen Cleaves, James Mays, Nick Fazekas and Smush Parker will not play for the Nuggets. Coby Karl probably will at some point in January and at point.
And the Nuggets’ mantra should be: “Beat Utah!”
Woody Paige: 303-954-1095 or wpaige@denverpost.com
