The Golden State Warriors could be the worst opponent for the Nuggets tonight, except for, you know, a really good team.
Denver’s focus has fluctuated recently against woeful teams. The Warriors aren’t very good, but they are dangerous because they are a run-and-gun team. As one NBA player recently said, “They don’t have any plays!”
“The pace of the game and speed of the game is probably going to surprise our team,” Nuggets coach George Karl said Monday, a day after a shocking 106-100 loss at home to the Minnesota Timberwolves, who improved to 2-15.
“They play as fast and quick as any team in the league,” Karl said of the Warriors (6-10). “They try to wear you out just by attack, attack, attack. We need to control their offensive explosiveness. And, if we don’t stop their running game, we’ll give them an opportunity.”
The Nuggets (12-5) were still a little shellshocked Monday. Karl was fiery at times during the team’s practice, screaming to his players about respecting the game.
After Sunday’s loss, Karl was similarly simmering when addressing the media, proclaiming that his team doesn’t have a “play hard” lineup. The Nuggets had just four assists in the second half.
“In the NBA, play hard is a talent,” Karl said Monday. “Gary Payton, that was one of his biggest talents. I’ve had other guys who never understood that talent. Sometimes my team doesn’t understand play hard. And our personality of play hard has changed. Last year, it came from Dahntay Jones, Anthony Carter and Chris (Andersen) being some of the top energy guys in the NBA. Now, we’re searching. Maybe we have to get it more from our talented kids — maybe Carmelo (Anthony) more. But a lot of time, play hard comes from your role players. My biggest focus is play hard. I don’t like coaching when my team is being outworked.”
One area in which Denver has excelled is low-post defense, but in tonight’s game that won’t come into play too much because, as Kenyon Martin said, “I don’t think they put anybody down there.” The Warriors at times play four, even five guards, which naturally provides mismatches on both ends of the court.
“They run a few plays but are just trying to shoot 3s and get more shot attempts than you, and are hoping they catch fire,” Nuggets guard Chaun-cey Billups said. “It’s a tricky team to play.”
Defenses must be creative, Billups said, adjusting to mismatches. It was the Warriors, after all, who defeated the Dallas Mavericks last month with just six healthy players.
“They’re always dangerous if you don’t come to play,” Martin said.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
Golden State at Denver
7 p.m. tonight, ALT, KCKK 1510 AM
Spotlight on Monta Ellis: Though it has been a bumpy season for his team, the 24-year-old guard has been putting up big numbers for the Warriorsall-star numbers, if he played for a winner. In the Warriors’ fast-paced offense, the 6-foot-3 Ellis is averaging 23.1 points (ninth in the NBA), 5.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds and 2.4 steals. Because of an injury, Ellis played against the Nuggets only one time last season, finishing with 17 points and four assists.
Nuggets: Nene suffered a bruised right knee when he hit the floor during Sunday’s game. But he is probable for tonight’s game, as is his backup, Chris Andersen, who also missed Monday’s practice with a sinus infection. “Chris has been struggling with his energy and his cold,” coach George Karl said. “Nene and Kenyon (Martin) are playing big minutes. We’ve got to be careful and make sure they’re healthy.” . . . He hasn’t attempted many long-range shots, but rookie guard Ty Lawson ranks eighth in the NBA in 3-point shooting (12-for-25, 48 percent).
Warriors: The Pepsi Center could have a high-scoring game tonight, considering the Warriors rank third in the NBA in points per game and the Nuggets are second. . . . Anthony Morrow ranks third in the NBA in 3-point shooting (32-for-61, 52.5 percent). . . . Stephen Curry ranks sixth among NBA rookies in scoring (10.4 points per game) and second in assists (5.4). . . . The Nuggets are 54-16 at home against the Warriors.
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
