In Saturday’s second quarter, the Nuggets’ Chris Andersen soared and, like a volleyball player, spiked a John Salmons shot toward the floor.
Yes, Birdman is playing through pain in his right knee, but after sitting out Friday against the Clippers, the reserve center was active all night, with nine points and five rebounds in 25 minutes. Oh, and he swatted three shots.
In the fourth quarter, with Chicago still hanging around, Andersen scored two consecutive baskets that helped Denver bury its opponent.
As for Andersen’s knee tendinitis, coach George Karl said: “I think he’s been bothered by this the whole season. There are times when he comes out of the game, I ask him: ‘Are you OK? You want to keep going?’ We’re hoping to get in control of it to where he feels healthy and more comfortable, but he also feels responsible to be out there and help us win a game.”
On Lawson.
Asked about speedy guard Ty Lawson, Bulls coach Vinny Del Negro said in jest: “He’s hard to watch on film, he’s so fast. He’s just flying up and down the court. And he’s pushing the ball and is making some shots, so that opens up his penetration. But he’s very, very athletic with his speed and the tempo they want to play.”
Against Chicago, Lawson played 22 minutes and had nine points, three assists and a steal.
Thoughts on Iverson.
Karl has said some fascinating things lately about Allen Iverson, a former Nugget who is currently unemployed. On Saturday, Karl said: “For me, I’m hoping it isn’t (the end of his career). I want him to play again and play well. That’s my positive energy to A.I. because he’s been a positive guy to me. I think somewhere along the way the switch will go on — he might be a starter, but he might not be a starter. And he has to accept that. If he accepts that, he can be a good player.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
