Nuggets Feel at Home for the Holidays in the Pepsi Center

After an uninspiring road trip, the Nuggets have returned to the Pepsi Center for a three game homestand. While there is no question that injuries and illnesses have definitely taken a toll, it has become commonplace for Denver to look like a different team when playing in other team's arenas.

Carmelo and crew defeated the Orlando Magic on Tuesday night upon their return from an East Coast road swing that saw the Nuggets lose three out of four. Melo's scoring led the way with Ty Lawson's speed and general intangibles complementing the small forward. It may only be a matter of time before we check the internet or get a text message from a friend informing us that Carmelo has been traded, therefore this is the perfect opportunity to relish his talents and reflect on what he has meant to this team.

While attending the Nuggets game in Boston this past week, I learned that Melo would not be playing due to soreness in his knee. Without Melo, Denver looked lost offensively and seemed to have nowhere to turn in many situations. The win against Orlando solidified Melo's offensive importance and versatility in my mind, and simultaneously made me cringe to think about what life might be like post-Melo. With trade rumors always swirling about, it is hard not to assume that Melo will be playing in a different uniform in the near future, and the Nuggets should not be blamed for wanting to get something for him rather than lose him to free agency.

Alas, Denver will have to figure out a way to reformulate its offensive dynamic sans Carmelo Anthony if he is traded, and it seems that a heavy dose of Ty Lawson and a fast-paced, fastbreak offense will certainly be a key component. While K-Mart and Birdman won't provide a huge boost offensively, they certainly will help with offensive boards when they get back from their respective injuries. The Nuggets will also be receiving at least one player if they do execute a trade this season, and hopefully that player could provide Denver with a new offensive threat.

It won't seem the same without Melo, though. Denver seems like home for him, and the Nuggets have gradually been formulated into a solid team that contends for the playoffs yearly. The main thing that has helped the Nuggets through all of Melo's years here is their ability to be dominant at home. . .even when he has been injured or ill. It seems like the Nuggets might still be able to rack up the wins without Melo in the Pepsi Center, the real question would be their ability to do the same on the road.