DENVER NUGGETS
Recap/Rewind The Nuggets suffered through another sub-par week, losing to Charlotte, Portland, and Sacramento and needing overtime at home to avoid the dubious distinction of falling to the Trailblazers twice. This isn’t what they had in mind when they made that big mid-season trade.
Notable News: Denver is having real trouble keeping its two superstars on the floor at the same time. First Carmelo Anthony languishes in suspension and then a few games after he’s back Allen Iverson goes down with an ankle sprain. Iverson was still selected for the Western All-Star squad and smart money says Carmelo will follow through commissioner’s choice given the injuries to two players previously named. Despite the delay ‘Melo continues to torch the twice. He scored 33 twice this week against the Blazers. Steve Blake added 19 points (8 in overtime) and a career high 14 assists in the second game against Portland, devastating his former club for the second time this season. In addition to his excellent board work Marcus Camby had three games with 5+ blocked shots this week. Nene Hilario has also had an excellent week scoring the ball, putting up double figures in four straight games. Despite all this the Nuggets ended up giving up 102.9 points per game in the month of January.
Fast ForwardThe Nuggets welcome the Suns and Hornets Monday and Wednesday before heading out on a mini road swing next weekend against the Pacers and Bucks.
MINNESOTA TIMBERWOLVES
Recap/Rewind The Timberwolves no doubt felt a sense of euphoria after beating the Suns 121-112 last Monday in one of their best games of the season. They celebrated by losing back to back to back to the Kings, Hornets, and Mavericks. To their credit the Dallas loss was only by one point. The ‘Wolves remain unable to threaten the directionless Nuggets for second place in the division.
Notable News: Kevin Garnett scored 44 points and grabbed 11 rebounds in the victory against the Suns. Who knew he was so good? Oh yeah, that’s right…everybody. He averaged 27 points and over 11 rebounds per game for the week. Mark Blount continues to be a viable offensive option at 15ppg for the week. Ricky Davis tallied more points but again played less consistently. New coach Randy Whitman has not taken a shine to point guard Mike James’ game, cutting his minutes substantially.
Fast ForwardThe ’Wolves play at Houston Monday, host Golden State Wednesday, travel to Memphis Friday, and are back home against Boston on Sunday.
PORTLAND TRAILBLAZERS
Recap/Rewind The Blazers also had a 1-3 week, losing to the Hornets, beating the Nuggets, then losing to the Nuggets in the return match in overtime and falling to the Bulls by two at home the next night.
Notable News: Forward Zach Randolph continued to delight fantasy nuts everywhere by averaging over 24 points and 11 rebounds for the week. The Blazers would be happier if this led to some wins. Rookie Brandon Roy continues to stake his claim to a share of the team driver’s seat. He averaged over 20 points per game himself. Rookies Lamarcus Aldridge and Sergio Rodriguez also saw significant increases in their playing time but Rodriguez sprained his ankle badly and is expected to be out for at least ten days. Second-year man Jarrett Jack continues to score and pass solidly but the production of his draft-mate Martell Webster has fallen off the ends of the map. Apparently thar’ be sea monsters in the Blazer locker room.
Fast Forward The Blazers have a light, but tough, schedule this week. They host Phoenix on Tuesday before beginning a four-game Eastern swing on Friday against the Bobcats. The trip continues Sunday against the Wizards. Gilbert Arenas has vowed to drop 50 on the Blazers in retaliation for his perceived shabby treatment this summer as part of Team USA. Blazer coach Nate McMillan was one of the assistants on that squad. The Blazers, in turn, have promised to try their best to score 50 on the Wizards as a team. No promises though.