Now that the Nuggets have gotten through the last five games (before Friday’s late matchup against Washington) unscathed, coach George Karl plans to take this weekend to do some fine-tuning.
“We’ll take Saturday and Sunday as practice days to work on some things,” Karl said. “You’ll see us go on the court a little bit more and try to address some situational weaknesses that we’ve had in the last couple of weeks.”
The goal is to shore up loose ends before a tough three-game road trip: Phoenix on Monday, New Orleans on Wednesday and Dallas on Friday.
Transition defense is on the docket.
“My whole thing is understanding,” Karl said. “We’re at the stage where we (need to) get to know each other better, get to understand who we are better.”
Karl’s MVP.
The NBA’s MVP race is down to three main candidates, Cleveland’s LeBron James, Miami’s Dwyane Wade and the L.A. Lakers’ Kobe Bryant.
Asked whom he’d give the nod to, Karl said James.
“I just think LeBron’s been more consistent, above the curve of special,” Karl said. “I just think his specialness has always been there, but this year it’s been more consistent. They made the Mo Williams change, but basically their team personality-wise is very similar to what it was last year.
“His ability to make those guys better I think gives him the edge. He doesn’t make many bad decisions anymore. He used to have a little bit of a turnover game, a little bit of a bad-shot game. Now, he’s fairly much in control. He does what he wants to do. He and Kobe are the best closers. Along with, I think he’s improved his defense. He’s definitively a better defensive player this year than he’s ever been. So, I’d give it to LeBron.”
Footnotes.
Forward Linas Kleiza said his stitched-up left eye is not giving him any problems on the basketball court. “It’s just a swollen eye, that’s it,” he said. . . . Forward Renaldo Balkman will sign autographs and participate in a Q&A session at ESPN Zone from 3-4 p.m. today.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
