From poor defensive rotations to a lack of rebounding, the Nuggets have struggled against Oklahoma City, a big reason they’re down, 3-0, in the first-round playoff series. At today’s shootaround, Denver coach George Karl preached to his team that they must be more aggressive.
“Whatever we do, do it by being physical and aggressive. Assert ourselves in the game early,” Karl said. “However it has to go — whether it’s running, shooting jumpers, wrestling and powering the game to the basket — be ready to do it.
“Show that you’re a true competitor and go out and play with desperation and intensity. We’ve got to find some basketball answers, but pride is key.”
Game 4 is tonight at Pepsi Center.
Karl was steadfast that the Thunder is a team that the Nuggets can beat, though Denver has lost five games this month against Oklahoma City.
“They’ve won a lot of close games and all the games against us in the last five, and I respect that, but establishing them as a dominant team over us, I’m not sure that’s the case,” Karl said. “We have to stay humble, kick some butt and earn some territory by winning tonight.”
Karl said he will keep his same starting lineup, Nene, Kenyon Martin, Danilo Gallinari, Ty Lawson and Arron Afflalo.
The Nuggets have been atrocious from the free throw line in this series. In Game 3, Denver was 30 of 45, and lost by three points.
Asked if there’s anything the Nuggets can do to improve their free throw shooting, Karl said, “Not that I know of. Hypnotist? Voodoo dolls? That’s a powerful stat. It’s a heavy situation.”
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
