On Thursday, George Karl was inside the seemingly foreign confines of the Pepsi Center, for the first time in nine days. The coach wore a North Carolina hat and a smile. Wednesday, his Nuggets won a statement game at Orlando and the Tar Heels won at Duke. His alma mater is third in both major polls, and his Nuggets third in the Western Conference. Said Karl: “It’s pretty impressive. And the good thing is that as coaches, we see windows of betterment, and that’s exciting.”
As we pause for the all-star break, here’s a 5-minute guide to the rest of this potentially historic season for Denver (36-17).
3 things needed to finish strong and make a playoff run
Carmelo Anthony must stay committed to defense.
This was Melo’s campaign promise at the start of the season, and for the most part he has shown improvement. He needs to get better, not go backward, in the stretch run to the playoffs.
Chauncey Billups must get everyone involved.
The team-first point guard has changed the culture by getting everyone touches, most notably Nene in the post. Billups needs to trust the youngsters, something Allen Iverson did not do.
This team must remain confident, not cocky.
In the past, the Nuggets have talked the talk, but sometimes they were barking when other teams were biting. This season, there is a cool confidence, and it starts at the top with George Karl.
X factors
Can Nene stay healthy?
Knock on wood or, if you have access to one, a forest. Denver’s center is strong and having a breakout season.
Can J.R. Smith be counted on?
The Nuggets’ slam-dunking, 3-slinging youngster has had glimpses of glory, but only glimpses. In the past seven games, he has scored more than 10 points only once.
Can Billups fight off fatigue?
At 32, Billups is a year older and playing a more uptempo game than when he drew heat for slowing down in the playoffs for the Pistons a season ago.
Big games at home
Feb. 23 vs. Boston. The defending champs make their only trip to town, seeking revenge for a loss at home in November.
Feb. 27 vs. Lakers. For all of Denver’s success, it has yet to show it can stay with Kobe, right, and L.A.
March 5 vs. Portland. Necessary win vs. top division rival.
And on the road
March 3 at Detroit. Billups makes what is sure to be an emotional return to Detroit.
April 9 at Lakers. A potential gauge against the conference’s best team as to where the Nuggets stand heading into the postseason.
April 15 at Portland. It’s possible this game, the Nuggets’ last of the regular season, could have a huge impact on playoff seeding.
