WASHINGTON — During the day Friday, there was a 50-50 chance the Nuggets’ Chris Andersen would play at night. But the Birdman and the training staff decided his strained lower back needed the rest. Sure, Denver would have liked him out there against Washington, but, as coach George Karl said, “I think he knows we need him against Boston.”
That’s who the Nuggets host Sunday, so Birdman didn’t play Friday, following Thursday’s injury.
With Andersen out, Denver went down the bench one slot to big man Malik Allen, who has provided some admirable play, here and there, of late. Allen averages 7.5 minutes per game, but by halftime Friday, the 6-foot-10 post had already logged 12 minutes. For the night, Allen logged 22 minutes, scoring four points with four rebounds.
Yikes.
After a sturdy performance at Cleveland on Thursday, Denver guard J.R. Smith missed his first six shots Friday, not scoring from the field until the 6:49 mark in the fourth quarter. The Nuggets reserve finished 1-for-8 for just four points. Karl said he hoped his bench would step up its play in a back-to-back situation. The starters were fatigued, but the bench scored just 14 points.
Still chugging.
Earl Boykins, a 5-5 guard and Denver fan favorite, scored 12 points Friday for the Wizards. For the season, the 33-year-old averages 7.5 points and 3.0 assists.
