The arm-flapping, chest-beating, shot-blocking Chris Andersen sure looked familiar Sunday, didn’t he?
And I’m not just talking about the slicked-back, gelled hair.
Andersen ran the court with energy, jumped with explosion and played with purpose. Nine points, six rebounds and four blocked shots later, it was clear that, at least for one afternoon, the Mattress King turned back into the Birdman.
And just in time.
His importance is greater than ever, especially given the fact that the Nuggets made no trade deadline moves for frontcourt depth. His health is more crucial than ever. But rarely this season has Andersen felt like himself.
Almost immediately after the Nuggets’ 114-105 victory over the Celtics, Andersen was back on the training table. Constant treatment has been the norm. Lately, he has been dealing with tendinitis.
This is not to say he’s completely back. The balance of the season will determine that. But if the Nuggets are to become the solid defensive team required of every NBA title contender, Andersen needs to be there. And he needs to not just be there, but be active.
Andersen played 32 active minutes Sunday. It was the second- most minutes he has played in a game this season. He was, at times, the game-changer we all remember from a year ago.
“We did a lot of good things because of Chris’ zoning up and being a presence to the ball,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “Our number one defensive (priority) is to get a better defensive presence in the paint.”
Through the coach’s eyes, it appears Birdman is flying higher and stronger as the season moves along.
“It looks that way,” Karl said. “It looks like he’s got more bounce. He was very good in the first half, and in the second half, I actually thought about finishing with him.”
February has been Andersen’s best month of the season with his averages of 9.1 points, 6.6 rebounds and 2.1 blocks. The only thing he didn’t do well Sunday was hit free throws (shooting 1-of-7 at the line). But with a season average over 70 percent, that looks more like a dismissible blip than anything else.
Andersen is on the rise, and it’s fun to witness. I’d buy a mattress from that Birdman anytime.
