The Nuggets’ view of back-to-back games against the same opponent — in this case division rival Portland — depends on who is being asked.
“I like it. I’m a big back-to-back guy,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “I think the league has had a history of developing traditional rivalries through back-to- back situations. I’m not sure Portland’s our rival, but the old days when the Celtics and Knicks would play back-to- back and take the train ride up the coast, it was a good part of the tradition of NBA basketball.”
Said guard J.R. Smith: “I hate it. Because if you have a great game the first time, the second time is going to be even tougher.”
Going into Monday’s game, the Nuggets have already played seven sets of back- to-backs, but none of those were against the same opponent. Their record in the first games was 5-2. Their record in the second of the back- to-back is 3-4.
“I think in July when you make the schedule, back-to- backs are great ideas,” Karl said. “In the middle of the season sometimes they don’t feel good. Four in five nights doesn’t feel good, but it’s the chore that we have, and I think we’ll persevere and challenge ourselves to get ready for it.”
Footnotes.
A brutal snow and ice storm forced the Trail Blazers to drive to Eugene, Ore., to get a flight to Denver. That three-hour trek caused Portland not to arrive in town until 5 a.m. Both teams may have trouble getting back to Portland for tonight’s game. . . . Dick Vitale will be in town to do a book signing on Jan. 6 from 5-6:30 p.m. at the LoDo Tattered Cover. On Jan. 7, ESPN’s NBA and NCAA commentators are switching roles that night, and Vitale, along with Dan Shulman, will broadcast the Nuggets-Heat game at the Pepsi Center.
Chris Dempsey and Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
