It might just be me, but it feels like the Nuggets have a little momentum and good vibe to them. I’m not just talking about the recent winning streak either. They won one at the buzzer courtesy of Melo, they finished out one against a Phoenix team intent on spoiling the vibe for the Nuggets sans Melo, and Karl is on pace to get his one thousandth win before Christmas.
Beyond all this, however, is the attitude carried by all the Nuggets right now. Everyone is speaking in the press like the season has true purpose and of a desire to get better. Kenyon Martin even recently expressed his desire to come back earlier than he thought possible. This is certainly a difference from the interview earlier this season in which he said he had no desire to rush his return as he had no contract extension offered to him yet.
My theory is the Nuggets front office strategy of keeping people out of the know and on their toes is actually paying off in terms of team effort. J.R. Smith is in a contract year as are Chauncey, Afflalo, Martin, and some of the other bench players. Fear is a great motivator. Even George Karl is no stranger right now to the tension and a looming career decision. Everyone is playing for something more than pride and wins. Security is a tough thing to grasp in this life for most people and with things in this country as unsure as ever it only seems appropriate our sports stars should feel the grip of unease as well.
It is only right for guys like Martin to understand the organization’s position with the team’s future considering Melo’s situation, the impending CBA, and his history of injuries. It is time for the players to earn their salaries and get some wins with extra effort and selflessness.
On a lighter note, it certainly helps to have your guys come back from injury with renewed senses of competition flowing through their veins. The Birdman has returned and none too soon. Without his presence the Nuggets just seemed a little flat. He injects the crowd with frenzy and the floor with energy. His always freshly inked body screams Nuggets. Though I believe his abandoned style of play gets him in trouble sometimes, specifically when going for blocks and leaving the other side of the rim to opposing players, it inspires other Nuggets to lay themselves on the line a bit more.
In conclusion, I feel these Nuggets are on the verge of great things. The vibe is just right. They must take it one game at time, continuing tonight with the Milwaukee Bucks. This is a team that beat the Nuggets both times last year and though they are not doing well, so far, are completely capable of upsetting Denver on its home floor. Let’s keep up the intensity and keep winning games we are supposed to win. THIS IS ONE HELL OF A VIBE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
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