As expected, Nuggets guard J.R. Smith will not be suspended for the elbow he threw in Tuesday’s game that missed the face of Dallas’ Antoine Wright.
“To me, it’s a story we should forget about and move on from,” Denver coach George Karl said. “I don’t know if that elbow, if it would have connected, if it would have deserved a suspension. I think it’s a technical foul, maybe a flagrant.”
Karl remained angered about Dallas owner Mark Cuban, who went onto the court at halftime and told Smith that he should be suspended for his actions.
“The precedent of having owners on the court and chatting and trash-talking one of my players, it’s unprofessional for even a coach to do that,” Karl said. “I just thought what I saw of it, he was pushing the line. If J.R. does something that’s punishable, go through the protocol.”
Melo on mend.
Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony said his broken right hand is healing nicely and he has his eye on the Jan. 30 home game against Charlotte as a possible return date.
“After this week, when we come back (Wednesday) we have four days without games, so I’ll utilize that,” Anthony said. “I’m looking at maybe the Charlotte game. I’m pretty sure I’ll be back by the first of the month.”
Anthony said he has been running often to “keep my cardio up,” and Thursday he began doing court work, “doing some cuts and try to get back in court shape.”
Anthony injured his hand in a Jan. 5 game against the Pacers.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
