As if they were jinxed, just when the Nuggets staff put up locker room signs that read “Teamwork Makes the Dream Work,” the team stopped working together.
The previous few games had showcased some frighteningly selfish play — and frighteningly low assist totals. But in Wednesday’s 112-99 Pepsi Center win against the Oklahoma City Thunder, seven Denver players scored in double figures — Carmelo Anthony had 22 points, while the home team totaled 29 assists.
And the Nuggets (41-25) could finally take a deep breath after losing three straight and eight of their past 11. It boils down to this — the Nuggets don’t lose at home to sub-.500 teams. It hasn’t happened yet this season (24-8 overall at home).
Fans have been begging for Renaldo Balkman, a hybrid of hair and hustle, since the guy showed up in town. On occasion, he will play — showcasing his rebounding and tenacity on the glass — but mostly, he has been kept on the bench — because coach George Karl is wary of his defense and jump shot. But with Kenyon Martin resting his back, the fans got their wish. Balkman had 14 points and 15 rebounds.
Oklahoma City (18-47) had won five of its past six games while top scorer Kevin Durant rested his right ankle. That sudden dominance came to an end against a team with a winning mark, which none of the Thunder’s recent victims had.
Benjamin Hochman:
303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
