SACRAMENTO, Calif. — Charlotte, Detroit, New Orleans, Memphis, Philadelphia and, yes, Sacramento.
Denver played all these teams since Dec. 8, all these teams were under .500 at that time, and all these teams beat the West’s No. 2 team from a year ago.
The Nuggets are now the hunted. Entering Saturday’s game at Sacramento, where Denver lost Dec. 28, the Nuggets had defeated only two .500-or-lower teams since Dec. 8 (Oklahoma City and Golden State). Yes, the Nuggets have been plagued by injuries, but coach George Karl knows that an inexcusable loss or two can be the difference in a playoff seed.
“I think we’ve lost some games because of (being the No. 2 team last season),” Karl said. “With the injuries, we’ve had some single-digit losses because we haven’t made the defensive stops. But I think we’re adjusting to teams coming after us.”
Big-time Bird.
Reserve center Chris Andersen is playing through some lingering pain in his ankle but valiantly returned in Friday’s game (eight points, six rebounds) and was back at it against the Kings on Saturday. A week ago, Karl thought Andersen would miss the games this weekend.
“Lately, he’s given us what he gave us last year,” Karl said. “I think his play is really important to us. Every team likes to have that hustle, intangible player who can win a game without scoring, and Chris is one of those guys.”
No change.
Karl said the team hasn’t banned card games from team flights — a small number of teams have done so since the Gilbert Arenas-Javaris Crittenton fallout.
“No, We still have camaraderie (on the plane),” Karl said. “I think there’s probably a point where it (could) get out of control, but I think it’s almost a tradition of the NBA. I remember poker games with (former trainer) Chopper Travaglini in Denver are somewhat famous.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
