Once upon a time, the Nuggets played down to the level of teams like the Wizards. They were maddening games that, even in a win, left a sour taste and dangled many more questions than answers.
Well, not anymore.
The new Nuggets are perfecting the art of the blowout. They are doing so against teams that probably should be blown out. The Wizards, who have some young talent, still qualify as one of those teams.
And Friday night at the Pepsi Center, the Nuggets left no doubt in a 114-94 thrashing of the Wizards.
But more than a win that was to be expected against a team that had just one road win in 33 tries coming into the contest, the Nuggets are beginning to carve out an all-business, all- the-time personality.
“It wasn’t our best effort, but the big thing was not to take a step backwards, and I don’t think we did that,” coach George Karl said. “I thought we at least sustained some of the positive stuff we’ve been doing.”
There is a no-nonsense quality to much of what the Nuggets do. They beat the teams they are supposed to beat — 5-1 against under. 500 teams since the Carmelo Anthony trade — while at the same time staying competitive against the upper echelon of the league.
There are growing pains to be had, for sure. But these Nuggets are quickly establishing the fact that they won’t be the authors of their own demise.
“It’s real important,” forward Danilo Gallinari said. “It’s easy to find motivation to play against the Spurs or great teams, but you’ve got to find the motivation to play against these teams and try to put away games from the beginning.”
Blowouts are proof that these games are no longer a burden. Since the trade, the Nuggets have won them by an average of 25 points. On Friday night, the Nuggets put the struggling Wizards through the grinder early, hustling their way to a 14-point lead after the first quarter.
The team was rewarded with a standing ovation from the crowd as time ticked away on the period. It may be the earliest standing ovation ever.
“The difference is we have a different team,” guard J.R. Smith said. “We have a different personality, different makeup. It’s every man taking care of each other.”
With the Portland Trail Blazers nipping at the Nuggets’ heels, these games take on added importance.
Not only is this team trying to work to become a more cohesive unit, the Nuggets are doing so while trying to maintain their current fifth spot in the Western Conference. Anyone wondering if the Nuggets can possibly catch Oklahoma City for fourth should first worry about the teams behind them.
As has been customary with this team, multiple players scored in double figures Friday, though none hit 20 points. Chris Andersen was part of a quartet that led the team with 17 points apiece. It was a season high for the Birdman and one short of his career high. Andersen added 11 rebounds and five blocked shots.
The Nuggets have won nine straight home games and are 12-4 since the trade.
“People are just going out and being who they are,” forward Kenyon Martin said. “Guys utilizing the talents to the best of their abilities, and I think it is working.”
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
Birdman back
When Chris Andersen starts the block party, the Nuggets usually come out on top. Andersen had five blocks Friday against Washington. The Nuggets are 3-0 this season when he swats five or more.
Dec. 3: Six, at L.A. Clippers, W 109-104
March 21: Five, vs. Toronto, W 123-90
March 25: Five, vs. Washington, W 114-94
Nuggets Recap
What you might have missed
The Nuggets had 22 rebounds — in the first quarter. They finished with 45. . . . Chris Andersen had four blocked shots in his first 10 minutes of action. . . . The Wizards dropped to 1-34 on the road this season.
Final thought
The Nuggets put away a team they should have.
Up next
Wednesday vs. Sacramento, 7 p.m.
