Nuggets headed to playoffs for first time in 9 years!

Boom · Post by **Boom** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 12:45 am

Utah loses and Denver beat the Kings.

The playoff race for the 8th and final spot has been completed. Denver wins it!

I would just like to add that Camby had the game of his life!

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:18 am

Congrats. Actually they could be a pretty tough matchup for Minnesota, which is not playing as well as it did earlier in the season.

If Anthony continues to play like veteran go-to player, Denver could repeat their 1/8 upset from a few years ago. Also remember that Minnesota has never won a playoff series. KG is going to need help not just from Cassell and Spreewell, who has not played well the second half of the season, but Wally and Hudson, assuming he's healthy. Olawakandi was a total waste of FA money.

reeche · Post by **reeche** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:44 am

Carmelo deserves a lot of credit. Phenomenal rookie season. They should get bounced in the first round but that franchise has a good looking future.

The_Sir · Post by **The_Sir** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 1:16 pm

Anyone remember last time the Nugz were an 8 seed. Sonics must have won like 65 games that year. I'll never forget Mutombo grabbing the last rebound at the end and clutchin the ball in front of his face on the ground.

I'll take the Nugz in that series. I like the way they match up with minnesota. Plus, KG has had 7 consecutive first round exits. Melo won the national championship his last postseason. My moneys on the Nugz to upset.

wco81 · Post by **wco81** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 2:56 pm

One difference is that that was a best of 5 series whereas this is a best of 7.

Badger_Fan · Post by **Badger_Fan** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 6:53 pm

Let's remember a couple of things here. The Wolves now have a wealth of playoff experience. Not only KG and the other guys like Wally that have been there with the Wolves the past couple of years, but Cassell and Spree have both made deep, deep runs in the playoffs.

On top of that, the Nuggets have little playoff experience. Only Camby and Jon Barry have any real experience. Miller, Anthony, and Nene have none.

It's a good year for the Nuggets, but they won't be extending their stay in the playoffs.

The_Sir · Post by **The_Sir** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 6:59 pm

So you think, like most, that KG and the Twolves will finally win a playoff series after 7 consecutive failed attempts?

I realize the odds are against my prediction, but considering that, I'd definitely put my money on the Nugz to upset.

Here's the thing though, that series will never happen. The Twolves WILL NOT be the #1 seed in the playoffs. They'll lose tommorow night in Memphis and the Spurs will beat the Nuggets.

Tim Duncan(BY FAR the best player in the league) and the Spurs will coast to their 2nd consecutive championship and their 3rd in the last 6 years.

Boom · Post by **Boom** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:01 pm

Sota's gonna have to win because the Nuggets are all but conceding this game against the Spurs tmw night.

Jeffy's already said that the starters will see very little playing time, if any in San Antonio.

reeche · Post by **reeche** » Tue Apr 13, 2004 7:30 pm

I don't think it's realistic to compare this years T'Wolves team to prior T'Wolves teams which were basically one man show's.

Cassell quietly put together one fine season. Sprewell is a great player to have as your third scoring option.

Same goes with Szczerbiak who is now a role player like he should be instead of your #2 scoring option.

And of course there is Garnett. The west is very tough. The Wolves could lose to some of the other top teams, but it's hard for me to see them losing to the Nuggets.

Badger_Fan · Post by **Badger_Fan** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 1:43 pm

The_Sir wrote:So you think, like most, that KG and the Twolves will finally win a playoff series after 7 consecutive failed attempts?

I realize the odds are against my prediction, but considering that, I'd definitely put my money on the Nugz to upset.

Here's the thing though, that series will never happen. The Twolves WILL NOT be the #1 seed in the playoffs. They'll lose tommorow night in Memphis and the Spurs will beat the Nuggets.

Tim Duncan(BY FAR the best player in the league) and the Spurs will coast to their 2nd consecutive championship and their 3rd in the last 6 years.

I disagree wholeheartedly with a few things there. One, Duncan is not the best player in the league BY FAR. He's probably the best in the league, but not by that big of a margin. Even comparing Duncan and Garnett gets interesting. Garnett has so much more versatility, is a better rebounder, and a better passer. Duncan is easily the better post player. I think that Duncan is better because of what a dominant post player means in the NBA, but Garnett's overall skills are unmatched in basketball.

Second, the Grizz aren't really playing for anything right now either. They're locked into the 6th seed. What's really interesting is that assuming teams would rather play Minnesota than San Antonio in the first round, it would behoove both Denver and Memphis to win tonight.

Go Wolves!

sdrotar · Post by **sdrotar** » Wed Apr 14, 2004 3:18 pm

I'd be stunned if the Nuggets pulled off any upset - they're just not consistent enough - but nevertheless, they're WAY ahead of schedule on Kiki's rebuilding process...

It's nice to see them getting some love in Denver again!