MEMPHIS, Tenn. — This was a win for teeth-clenching, sweat-dripping, floor-burning hustle.
This was a win for little guards who draw the charge.
This was a win for those who say they don’t play defense in the NBA.
The Nuggets won on Tuesday because of their defense, stymieing Memphis 100-85 at FedEx Forum.
Yes, this was a win against Memphis (11-33). But one must give credit to Denver’s defense on a night when, Chauncey Billups said, “Our offense was not really that good.”
From the start of the fourth quarter until the 2:19 mark — when Denver took out its starters — the Grizzlies scored just 10 points. For the night, the home team shot 37.5 percent. The Nuggets (30-15) forced 26 turnovers, swiped 15 steals and blocked 15 shots — all season highs.
“They were intimidating in there with their athleticism,” said Memphis coach Lionel Hollins, making his coaching debut for the season, replacing the fired Marc Iavaroni. “They were flying to the ball, reaching and knocking balls out of our guys’ hands.”
Even J.R. Smith played some D. Before the game, a television reporter asked Nuggets coach George Karl if Smith had recently improved defensively. Karl just sat there, staring at the reporter, who rephrased his question about Smith’s defense, getting nothing out of the coach.
But after Tuesday’s game, Karl said, “Defensively, even J.R. made some really good plays for us.”
Indeed Smith tallied two steals, drew a charge and led Denver with a plus-minus rating of plus-27. Oh, and he had 20 points, too.
There were two defensive spurts, so to speak, the first coming in the second quarter, when Memphis led.
Leading by eight with 7:16 left in the half, the Grizzlies were suddenly rattled — “They made us take tough shots, got into the passing lanes,” Memphis’ O.J. Mayo said — and Denver finished the half on a 23-6 run to take a 54-45 lead.
Karl credited Kenyon Martin for the infectious intensity.
In the fourth, the Nuggets “did a good job running and trapping us,” Grizzlies guard Mike Conley Jr. said. Denver led by seven entering the quarter, but by the 2:19 mark, it was over.
While Billups led Denver with 29 points, the night belonged to guys like Martin, who had three blocks and five steals, and reserve Chris Andersen, who had five ferocious blocks. The Birdman’s big night happened on the three-year anniversary of his banishment from the NBA for substance abuse, which lasted two seasons.
Now the Nuggets head to New Orleans for the third of four matchups. The teams split the games at the Pepsi Center. To win, Denver must play defense like it did on Tuesday — on Chris Paul.
“He’s probably the toughest matchup out there for any point guard,” Billups said. “They live and die with how he plays. He’s tough. I’m looking forward to it.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
Nuggets Recap
What you might have missed
In a strange game marred by fouls and turnovers, the Nuggets had 14 assists and a season-high 27 turnovers. Nene had eight of the turnovers, and to his credit one of the assists. . . . Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups, who was already upset because he earned two fouls in the first quarter, received a technical foul for arguing a call while on the Denver bench. . . . With 2:19 left, reserve Sonny Weems entered the game to much fanfare. He grew up in West Memphis, Ark.
Final thought
Denver played sturdy defense and everyone made at least one important play on that end.
Up next
Tonight at New Orleans, 6 p.m.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
