Nuggets Need to Step Up Game Heading into Playoffs

I would first like to apologize for my failure to post anything in such a long time. I don’t like making excuses, but I was busy getting dunked on by Coby Karl and filling K-Mart’s car with buttered popcorn.

Anyways, the coolest team in sports history has had some extreme ups and downs lately, but they still remain in the hunt for the #2 seed in the Western Conference. While that is certainly an important goal to strive towards, it would be much more disappointing if the Nuggets did not win the Northwest Division title over the Utah Jazz. I mean really, do they even allow jazz music in Utah? On another note, it would be in Denver’s best interests to try and avoid the fourth seed and a possible second round match-up with the Lakers.

It seemed as though Ty Lawson’s return from his injury would provide a spark for the Nuggets. However, he has received inconsistent and often sparse playing time since his return. Lawson’s energy and speed off the bench was a huge help for the Nuggets earlier in the season, and there is no reason to think he can’t benefit his team with more minutes. While Anthony Carter has cut down on his turnovers from last year, he does not have the speed or the scoring ability that the Nuggets sometimes need. For whatever reason, the Nuggets haven’t shown the offensive potency we’ve come to know and love.

It will be interesting to see which team the Nuggets are matched up against in the first round. The Portland Trailblazers would seem to be the team the Nuggets match-up the best against. The Spurs, Thunder, or Suns could prove more of a problem. No matter whom they face in the first round, home-court advantage will provide the Nuggets with a distinct advantage. Winning on the road has been an issue for Denver all year long, and it will not get any easier in the playoffs. I mean heck, the opposing fans could have thunder sticks. Thunder Sticks!

The Nuggets need to remember to do what has made them successful in the last couple of years: forcing turnovers that lead to fast-break offense, being productive with starters and bench players, and possibly the most important factor for the Nuggets on the offensive end—getting the ball to Carmelo Anthony (especially when he is feeling it). If Denver can execute these aspects of their game, they can beat anybody on the home or on the road.