Out Thought, Out Paced @ Home
Slow Starts, Mental Break Downs Haunt Nuggets in 112-110 Loss to Pacers
A barrage of three's from J.R. Smith was not enough for the Nuggets to overcome a sluggish night, as they fell at home to the Indiana Pacers 112-110. After the Nuggets fought back from as much as 9 points out in the final three minuets, it came down to free throws from the would-be savior, J.R. Smith.
On the Nuggets last possession of the game, the Nuggets drew up a play that was supposed to free up Smith, for a 3 point attempt in the left corner of the court. The play did not work as designed but Smith was able to get a shot off, it rimmed off but hope loomed ever present as Mike Dunleavey was whistled for fouling J.R. Smith while in the act of shooting. With 2.8 seconds remaining, J.R. Smith stepped to the line with a chance to tie the game with three made free throws. After sinking the first two, Smith's third and would-be tying shot, edged off the back of the rim and into the waiting hands of an Indiana rebounder. Game set match. Head coach, George Karl, attributed the Nuggets loss to a lack of smart basketball play. While Karl was pleased enough with the physical output of his team, he charred the Nuggets mentally challenged play. Additionally, the Nuggets struggled out of the gates in each of the four quarters, of the ball game, a fact that, after the game, was highlighted by multiple players as being one of the keys to the Nuggets defeat. "It was frustrating, getting down by so much and having to expend so much energy coming back," remarked Allen Iverson, who had another off night despite ending up with a pleasing stat line of 26 pts., 8 asst., and 7 rebs. Iverson, noticeably dejected after the loss, said to reporters that "I think I need to go back to Virginia and find my game." The Nuggets will not be able to sulk for long, they face the Lakers and Clippers in back to back games, respectively, beginning on Thursday night in Los Angeles. The loss drops the Nuggets to a 9-6 record on the season.
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Nuggets Release Mike Wilks
Anthony Carter's return enough to make young guard expendable
The Denver Nuggets on Wednesday released guard Mike Wilks. Signed on October 27, Wilks averaged 3.0 points and 1.5 rebounds in eight games. The 28-year-old Wilks has played five seasons with seven different teams after being drafted by the Atlanta Hawks in 2002. Anthony Carter's recent season debut following a hand injury, more or less, precluded this roster move. Carter has been a vital cog off the bench in his 3 games this season. Supplying defensive oriented leadership, Carter, has lauded by his coaches for giving the Nuggets more of what they are needing. Also contributing to the decision to release Wilks was the anticipated return of another point guard, free agent acquisition- Chucky Atkins, whom is expected to be back in the next few weeks.
posted: 11/28/07 13:02:44 MST
