The Nuggets have played like one of the best in the West, which is good, since they’re now playing the best in the West.
After hosting the Phoenix Suns on Wednesday, the Nuggets take on the Lakers in Los Angeles on Friday, the Jazz in Utah on Sunday, the Mavericks in Denver on Monday and finally the Spurs in Denver on Thursday.
Sheesh.
“It’s pretty simple,” coach George Karl said. “You’re going to play five top playoff teams, five teams that could be your playoff opponent in first, second or third round and five teams that you’re playing and trying to sustain (momentum) and keep a distance between the other teams in the standings.”
All five of those opponents are either in first or second place in their division. As for the Nuggets, they have actually fared quite well against talented teams in this exciting season. Against teams currently .500 or better, the Nuggets are an astounding 21-8.
Friday’s game will be Denver’s first at the Lakers since the 2009 playoffs.
K-Mart on tear.
Denver forward Kenyon Martin has led the team in rebounding since Dec. 28 in every game except two, and in one of those, he was ejected.
Not a bad hand.
Karl loves point guards, and he will have a few good ones when he coaches the Western Conference all-stars Feb. 14, with Steve Nash, Deron Williams and Denver’s own Chauncey Billups, who replaced the injured Chris Paul on Wednesday.
“It’s going to be easy offense — I’m coaching defense,” Karl said. “Nash and Chauncey got the offense.”
Benjamin Hochman, The Denver Post
