Chris Marlowe

There Is a Lot To Like About the San Antonio Spurs…

I have to admit that during the regular season, when the Denver Nuggets matched up with the San
Antonio Spurs, I wanted to kick their Aztec!

I don’t like ‘em.

Their coach Gregg Popovich is cranky, sometimes arrogant, especially with the media. Just ask ABC’s Doris Burke!

Their star, Tim Duncan, can be annoying—whining and complaining about call after call.

Their 6^th man, Manu Ginobili, falls down constantly—whether there is contact or not.

All in all, the Spurs are a very difficult team to root for, especially if you live in the Western Conference region.

And since I stated in my last blog that I am rooting for Chris “Birdman” Andersen to win the title, I can’t pull for the black and silver of San Antonio.

But I can admire much of what the Spurs do on a basketball court!

First, basically all the Spurs players (Tiago Splitter may be the exception) are incredibly skilled. They can shoot, pass, dribble, rebound and play defense at a high level.

They are the most unselfish team in the NBA. It’s never about one guy; it’s always about the team.

San Antonio’s half court offense is the best in the league. Notice how there is constant movement— all players cut, screen and

drive at full speed.

The Spurs make free throws! They don’t have a clanker in the bunch. Both Tim Duncan and Tony Parker shoot over 80%. It’s nice to know that your guys can hit freebies down the stretch!

Defensively, the Spurs are extremely active. They help their teammates but they don’t gamble unnecessarily. Most importantly, they defend WITHOUT fouling.

Finally, as much as I hate to admit it, I like the way Spurs Coach Gregg Popovich calls quick timeouts. In game 2, after San Antonio went on a 33-5 run—Miami finally scored and Pop called a timeout! He was mad because his guys botched one play.

Sunday night, the Spurs led by 20 in the 4^th quarter when Miami cut the lead to 13 with 7:30 to play. Pop called time out, and the Spurs responded and built the lead back to 17, going on to win.

In summary, the San Antonio Spurs can be a pain in the Aztec. I can’t root for them, but I sure do respect the way they have been playing in the playoffs.

That being said---Go Birdman!

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LeBron making case as all-time great

If you follow NBA basketball, you have heard this statement of greatness over and over again:

“LeBron James is the best basketball player on the planet.”

Yes, it’s true, and virtually everyone agrees, LeBron is the best.

Two years ago, however, it wasn't an open-and-shut case. LeBron and Oklahoma City’s Kevin Durant were perceived to be equals.

But these days, with one ring on his finger, and another perhaps on the way, James is considered the penultimate player.

But just how great is he? The greatest now, yes – but is he the best of all time?

In my opinion the answer is no…. just not yet.

Before I evaluate LeBron, let’s have some fun.

Here are my selections for the 20 greatest players of all time. At one time or another, live or on TV, I have seen every player on these lists in action.

Lets start with the “5 Tops” in NBA history. No positions, just the five most dynamic, athletic, impactful and historical hoopsters that ever lived. A reminder: rings count!

Bill Russell: The greatest winner of all time with 11 NBA Championships in 13 seasons. The NBA MVP award is named after him.

Wilt Chamberlain: Wilt was the most dominating individual force to ever play the game. “The Dipper,” a nickname he hated, still holds an astounding 62 NBA records – including scoring 100 points in a single game.

Kareem Abdul-Jabbar: Kareem scored the most points of any player in the history of the game. He was a six-time NBA MVP and collected six rings. His pet shot, the “skyhook,” was the single most devastating weapon the NBA has ever seen.

Michael Jordan: The most versatile wing player in NBA history. He won six scoring titles and six NBA Titles. And then, of course, there are the shoes!

Magic Johnson: Magic was and is the gold standard for point guards in the NBA. He led the Lakers to five NBA Championships and perhaps would have won more had he not been diagnosed as HIV positive.

My second five:

Larry Bird, Julius Erving, Shaquille O’Neal, Oscar Robertson, Hakeem Olajuwon.

The third five:

Kobe Bryant, Jerry West, Moses Malone, Tim Duncan, Rick Barry.

Honorable Mention:

John Stockton, Elgin Baylor, Elvin Hayes, Karl Malone, John Havlicek, and Scott Hastings.

So where does LeBron rateamongst these all-time greats?

In my opinion, he’s not in the top five and probably not even in the second five – but he’s certainly on par with the third group and moving up quickly on the outside.

LBJ already has scored over 21,000 points at the young age of 28. By the end of his career, he might be the leading scorer of all time.

As I mentioned, James already has one ring with the second just four wins away.

And he will have chances to win many more.

If he does, LeBron Raymone James just may end up being the best basketball player of all time.

Who’s in your five?

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Rooting for the Birdman

Former Nuggets forward seeking first NBA title with Miami Heat

Now that the dust has settled and the Denver Nuggets are out of the playoffs, I need someone to root for to win the NBA Championship.

The Miami Heat, Indiana Pacers, Memphis Grizzlies and San Antonio Spurs all have qualities to admire: athletic players, terrific coaches, and fan bases that are dying to get to the winner’s circle.

But there's one obvious choice for me.

I’M ROOTING FOR THE BIRDMAN!

Yes, that’s right, I want former Nuggets forward, Chris “Birdman” Andersen to win his first NBA title with the Heat.

Chris, literally and figuratively one of the most "colorful" players in the NBA, spent seven years in Denver, split into two different stints.

He was waived by the Nuggets last July and was out of the league until the Heat called in January of 2013.

Miami, needing a big man, signed Chris to a 10-day contract on Jan. 20, a second 10-day contract on Jan. 30, and for the rest of the season on Feb. 8.

In the 42 games that Andersen appeared in during the regular season, Miami went 39-3. This marked the highest winning percentage in NBA history for a player appearing in at least 40 games during a single season!

Here are a few reasons why I want Chris to win the NBA championship.

Whenever possible, I support former Nuggets – especially ones who gave the Mile High City the thrills Birdman did.

I love the way he plays hard – like a man with his Mohawk on fire!

He is a good guy – sometimes edgy, but honest and forthcoming. He also was remarkable in the community, particularly with Mount Saint Vincent, a residential center for abused and neglected children.

When I introduced Andersen to my teenage daughters one day at the Greenwood Athletic Club, he was friendly, polite and engaging.

And he remembered their names the next time around.

Finally, Chris turns 35 in July, and this may be his last chance to win an NBA title.

The stage is set.

Will “Bird” soar and put the final ball into the nest? Or will he end up with a big goose egg?

Stay tuned.

Taking stock of Nuggets' playoff exit

Some questions tougher than others as Denver enters off-season

It’s been a very difficult week in Nuggets Nation.

Difficult for the coaches, players, staff, fans – and yes the announcers!

I’ve been tired, depressed and surly.

I haven’t shaved since the Mile High Crew lost Game 6 in Oakland and surrendered their first-round playoff series 4-2.

As an aside, I shaved a few hours before Game 6 and cut my chin badly – perhaps foreshadowing what was to come.

So, what have I been doing since the season ended? Answering questions about your Denver Nuggets.

At the gym, gas station, supermarket, walking the dog, and out to dinner.

I try my best to answer all the questions – some are actually easy to respond to.

First of all, what happened?

The Nuggets ran into to a young, hot shooting Warriors squad that was peaking at just the right time. Meanwhile, the Nuggets played their best basketball of the season in March and were dealing with the loss of Danilo Gallinari (knee) and Kenneth Faried’s sprained ankle. When your two starting forwards are out, or not 100 percent, I don’t care how much depth you have, it's tough to overcome.

Would a healthy Danilo Gallinari have made a difference?

Yes, of course. Big difference. Gallo was the Nuggets’ second-leading scorer, their top 3-point shooter and their best free-throw shooter. He was also versatile on defense, and an outstanding “Big Game Hunter.”

Why did Denver have so much trouble shooting 3-pointers?

Easy. The Nuggets were a below-average 3-point shooting team. However, I didn’t expect Wilson Chandler (41.3 percent) and Ty Lawson (36.6 percent) during the regular season, to struggle as much as they did in postseason. That being said, it was refreshing to watch Andre Iguodala shoot nearly 50 percent from long range during the playoffs.

Why did Warriors center Andrew Bogut dominate the Nuggets big men during the series?

Because he’s good! Bogut, when healthy, is a top-five center in the NBA. He was the No. 1 overall pick in 2005 and a third-team All-NBA selection in 2010. During his career, he has had an assortment of difficult injuries. Unfortunately for the Nuggets he got healthy at just the wrong time.

What happened to the Denver’s defense during the playoffs?

The Warriors exposed the Nuggets major weakness: defending the 3-point shot. The Warriors were the best 3-point shooting team in the NBA this season making 40 percent of their attempts. Meanwhile, the Nuggets gave up the second-most 3-point field goals in the league. Whenever Denver chose to double team, or gambled on a steal and did not get it, the Warriors made them pay.

Two questions that come my way are much more difficult to answer.

Did Warriors coach Mark Jackson outcoach Nuggets coach George Karl?

Some football guy once said, “It’s not the X’s and the O’s that win games – it’s the Jimmys and the Joes!

That being said, Warriors coach Mark Jackson did some good work by using the three-guard (and sometimes four-guard) offense, mixing in some zone defense, and believing in rookie Draymond Green.

George Karl also showed some coaching savvy by putting the ball in the hands of Andre Miller to win Game 1, shifting to a small lineup with Wilson Chandler at center that nearly won Game 3, and starting the “big” JaVale McGee lineup, which was the catalyst for the Game 5 victory.

What do the Nuggets do now?

Re-sign Andre Iguodala and then trade for or sign a legitimate shooter.

With the 27th pick overall, draft another perimeter shooter or a post-up player who can make free throws.

Work with centers JaVale McGee and Kosta Koufos on their strength, inside games and free-throw shooting.

Develop Ty Lawson’s left hand and 3-point shooting, and continue the evolution of the Manimal.

Promote Evan Fournier into the everyday playing rotation.

Finally, one more thing.

The Denver Nuggets are young and talented.

They won 57 games during the regular season and advanced to the playoffs for the 10th straight year.

Yes, they failed to advance out of the first round again this season.

But every year they keep knocking on the proverbial door.

They got through that door and all the way to the Western Conference Finals in 2009.

And it will happen again – soon.

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What to watch for in Game 2

It takes 16 victories in the playoffs to win the NBA Championship.

For the Denver Nuggets, one down 15 more to go.

Saturday’s victory over the Golden State Warriors was the Nuggets’ first in a playoff series opener since
2010 – and it was sweet.

The Mile High Crew beat a good Golden State team, despite playing without two of its best players, Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried. Not many teams in the NBA could have accomplished that.

Of course, not many teams have a player like Andre Miller, who scored 28 points – 18 in the fourth quarter – and made the first game-winning shot of his basketball career!

Now, let’s look ahead to Game 2 on Tuesday night.

As you may have heard, the Warriors will be without All Star forward David Lee, who left Saturday’s game and was later diagnosed with a torn hip flexor muscle. He is done for the season.

Replacing 18 points, 11 rebounds and a league-leading 56 double doubles won’t be easy. I expect Golden State coach Mark Jackson to start Carl Landry for Lee and then dust off seldom-used Richard Jefferson.

Jefferson, once a terrific player, has fallen out of favor in the Bay Area, garnering an average of 10 minutes of play in 56 games. He had 19 DNP-CDs and missed another seven games with a calf injury.

But beware: RJ is a career 15-point-per-game scorer, a career 37 percent 3-point shooter and went to the NBA finals twice with the J-Kidd, K-Mart New Jersey Nets. He could be the Warriors wild card on Tuesday.

Also, expect the Warriors to play more zone defense in Game 2. While not a great zone, a la Syracuse, it did bother Denver and slow the pace to a crawl.

Watch for Denver coach George Karl to adjust and put Wilson Chandler and Corey Brewer at the foul line on offense. From there, they can attack the middle and make plays. It would also help if the Nuggets can shoot better than 3-for-16 from 3-point range.

The Nuggets did a great job of covering Stephen Curry in the series opener, holding him to 18 points on 7-of-20 shooting. I expect this to continue. Curry, while a terrific shooter, doesn’t drive and finish. As a defender, you can use that fact to cover him tightly and run him off the 3-point line.

A big concern for Denver in game one was rebounding. The good guys were out-boarded 55-45, and a whopping 16-6 in the crucial fourth quarter.

That should change in Game 2 when Faried returns to the lineup.

Manimal is not only Denver’s best rebounder, but he shoots 55 percent from the field and has 31 double doubles and 113 blocks.

He also has an inspirational spirit that is a big part of the Nuggets “teamness.”

So, Tuesday night, the Denver Nuggets will attempt to take another step in the right direction.

Hopefully, after the game is over, it will be two down, 14 to go.

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Nuggets still good enough to win the West

Mapping out the path for Denver to reach the NBA Finals

The Denver Nuggets can win the West.

There, I said it. You heard it, and that’s all there is to it.

Even with forward Danilo Gallinari out for the season, opportunity knocks for the Mile High Crew.

How? Let’s examine some playoff scenarios for the hometown team.

Say the Nuggets finish as the No. 3 seed in the West and matchup with the No. 6 Golden State Warriors.

Denver would have home court – the best home-court advantage in the NBA. Plus, they have confidence playing the Warriors, as evidenced by winning the season series 3-1.

Golden State has no answer for the Nuggets inside game, which leads the NBA in points in the paint.

Bam.

Next scenario: Nuggets play the Houston Rockets in the 3-6 matchup.

Bring it on!

This past Saturday night, Denver torched the Rockets 132-114 to complete a 4-0-season series sweep.

Andre Iguodala is James Harden’s worst nightmare, holding “the Beard” to 18.3 points – 7.7 below his season average – in the four meetings. Harden has shot .380 from the field (.190 from 3-point range) and committed 22 turnovers.

The young Rockets just don’t have enough to beat the Nuggets.

Wham.

Scenario No. 3: Nuggets finish fifth and play the fourth-place Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.

If the Nuggets finish with a better record, they would still would have home court against the higher-seeded Clips.

I believe that that Nuggets coach George Karl and his staff have figured out the Clippers, beating them two of three times this season. They can slow down Chris Paul with Iguodala, and shut off “Lob City” by racing back on defense and fouling Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan every chance they get.

Jam.

Finally, the Nuggets could finish fourth or fifth and take on the Memphis Grizzlies. In my opinion, this would be the toughest first-round encounter.

Home-court advantage would be important in this series but not crucial.

Nuggets won three of the four games played this season, including a big one on Beale Street.

The Griz are very good and have mountain men bigs Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol. However, they don’t have Rudy Gay or OJ Mayo, who used light up the Nuggets.

Good guys would win in a tough 6- or 7-game series.

Slam.

So in my game plan, the Nuggets advance out of the first round into the Western Conference semi-finals, where they will most likely face either the San Antonio Spurs or the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Let’s say they get the Spurs. San Antonio would have the home-court advantage, which would be important, but not a deal-breaker.

The Spurs have injury concerns of their own, with its top two playmakers Manu Ginobli and Tony Parker banged up. The young, energetic Nuggets would rely on Ty Lawson and speed to run the veteran Spurs ragged.

It would be a changing of the guard.

Shazam.

Finally, a matchup with the Thunder, which won the West last season.

Folks, OKC isn’t the same team it was a year ago.

The loss of Harden has reduced the Thunder to a two-man crew, Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook. Granted, Durant and Westbrook are two special players, but the Nuggets beat the Thunder three out of four this season using a nine-man rotation.

In my opinion, nine beats two and “teamness” overwhelms superstars in the playoffs for the first time ever.

Denver wins the West. Karl and the Nuggets have the last laugh.

Bring on Miami.

George Karl making case for Coach of the Year

Voting for NBA Coach of the Year is a tricky proposition.

Is it the coach of the team with the best record? Is it the coach of the team with the biggest improvement from last season to this season?

I say it’s the coach that does the most with the talent he has available.

That’s why George Karl should be named NBA Coach of the Year.

First, let’s look at the accomplishments of the Denver Nuggets at this point in the season.

The Mile High Crew is 45-22, 23 games over 500. This is one of it’s best records in franchise history after 67 games. They are now percentage points behind Memphis for the No. 4 seed in the West.

After beating the Grizzlies on Friday night, they have won 11 consecutive games – their longest win streak since 1983. One more and they tie the Nuggets franchise record.

They have won 15 straight home games, and at 30-3 overall, they have a chance to establish their best home record ever.

Denver is also undefeated in March, with an 8-0 record.

One other statistical tidbit: the Nuggets have the advantage or have already won the season series against six of the other seven current playoff teams in the Western Conference – the Oklahoma City Thunder (2-1), Clippers (2-1), Grizzlies (3-1), Golden State Warriors (3-1), Houston Rockets (3-0) and L.A. Lakers (3-1).

Denver is 1-1 against. the San Antonio Spurs and has a chance to take the lead in the seires with a win in the Alamo City later this month.

Now back to my proposal. The NBA Coach of the Year should be the coach that does the most with the talent available.

With that in mind, let’s examine the other candidates:

Erik Spoelstra of the Miami Heat does a great job. His team is 50-14, has won 21 straight, and boasts the best record in the league. He also has the best talent in the league with MVP LeBron James and perennial All-Stars Dwyane Wade and Chris Bosh. He also has Ray Allen, one of the greatest shooters in NBA history.

Gregg Popovich of the Spurs always has his team in contention. This season the Spurs are 50-16 – tops in the West. But Pop has been fortunate; he has three future Hall of Famers on his roster in Tim Duncan, Tony Parker and Manu Ginobili!

The Thunder’s Scott Brooks was the 2010 NBA Coach of the Year. He is lucky to have scoring leader Kevin Durant, All-Star point guard Russell Westbrook, and last year’s top league shot blocker Serge Ibaka.

Vinny Del Negro, coach of the Clippers, has the league’s best point guard Chris Paul, All-Star forward Blake Griffin, former NBA Champion Chauncey Billups, and leading Sixth Man of the Year candidate Jamal Crawford.

Finally, Memphis coach Lionel Hollins deserves kudos for his work this season. But he has two All-Stars in Zach Randolph and Marc Gasol, and the Nuggets have already beaten the Griz three times.

You get the idea. Those coaches are blessed because their teams are loaded!

Meanwhile, Denver Nuggets Coach George Karl counters with “teamness”.

No superstars, no stars (although Ty Lawson is on his way); just an ensemble cast of characters playing their butts off and getting the job done.

George Karl is getting the most bang for his buck from the Denver Nuggets. His team is hot at just the right time, with the playoffs just around the corner.

He has my vote for NBA Coach of the Year.

Lawson among NBA's top-five point guards

We’ve all been waiting for Ty Lawson to step up and go to the next level. In my opinion he has done that.

Right now – at this very moment – I believe that Ty is one of the top five point guards in the NBA.

Here is my top-five list – as of March 2013:

Chris Paul, Tony Parker, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry and Ty Lawson.

Forget about Rajon Rondo, Derrick Rose, Deron Williams, Jason Kidd and Steve Nash. They are either out of commission or on the other side of midnight.

Let’s take a closer look at the Denver Nuggets point man.

After a slow start in November and December, Ty has been on a tear. In January, He averaged 17.9 points and 6.5 assists. Very good.

In February, Ty scored 23.5 points per game and handed out 8.5 assists, shot 50 percent from the field and 82 percent from the line. Outstanding!

Finally, after three games in March, Ty is averaging 17.5 points, 7.5 assists and had a huge game winner against OKC. Consistency is key.

Currently, Ty has scored 20 or more in 9 of his last 11 games.

Can you say big time?

Watching Ty recently has been a joy. He has been aggressive – driving the lane with reckless abandon. His mid-range game has come to life. His 3-point shooting is up to 35.5 percent, and climbing. And of course, as you may know, that when Ty hits jumpers no one can guard him!

His passing has also improved. Did you see the no-look bounce pass to Kosta Koufos in the win over Atlanta? Or the way Ty is throwing lob passes these days? His lob to Kenneth Faried for a one-hand jam in Sacramento Tuesday night was a beauty.

To sum is up, Ty Lawson is now one of the best point guards in the Association. Can he lead the Denver Nuggets to the NBA Championship one day? Stay tuned.

Nuggets 4 Game Road Trip: A Preview.

Well, after winning eight straight games and 14 of 16, the resurgent Denver Nuggets head out on the road for a tricky four-game trip.

They will play four games in five nights against the Cleveland Cavaliers, Boston Celtics, Toronto Raptors and Brooklyn Nets.

How will the Nuggets do on this trip? Here’s my Marlowe rundown on the opponents the Mile High Crew will face.

First up, the 14-34 Cavaliers. Sounds like an easy win doesn’t it? Well, think again! Yes, the Cavs have the third-worst record in the NBA. Yes, the Nuggets have already beaten them once at Pepsi Center, 98-91.

But that was then, and this is now. The Cavs, led by All-Star guard Kyrie Irving have won five of their last seven games. Victims include Boston, Milwaukee and OKC!

In addition, on Jan. 22, the Cavs bolstered their roster by trading for three new players, Marreese Speights, Wayne Ellington and Josh Selby. Speights, particularly, has been a great pickup averaging 15 points off the bench.

The moral to this story: the Nuggets need to be focused and very ready to get a win at “The Q”.

Sunday night, back-to-back, the Nuggets take on the Boston Celtics, who are 25-23 and riding a six-game winning streak. They are good at home (17-9) and sub-par on the road (7-14).

The Celtics are an experienced, but aging, group. Kevin Garnett is 36, and running mate Paul Pierce is 35. Boston also is hurting without All-Star guard Rajon Rondo (knee) and rookiestandout Jared Sullinger (back).

All that being said, it might be wise for the young Nuggets to remember the great quote from former Houston Rockets Coach Rudy Tomjanovich: “Never underestimate the heart of a champion!”

After a day off Monday, the Nuggets will match up against the revamped Toronto Raptors on Tuesday. The Raps, 17-31, are going nowhere this season. But they just acquired Rudy Gay from the Memphis Grizzlies. With Gay joining DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry, The Raptors now have one of the most athletic and exciting teams in the league.

The Nuggets have fared well in Toronto in recent seasons and should have enough to get out of Canada with the W.

(Note to self: Chris, don’t forget to bring your passport!!)
The fourth and final game of the trip is against the revitalized Brooklyn Nets. They have a new building, the Barclays Center, and have been playing well under new coach PJ Carlesimo.

The Nets have some studs: Deron Williams at point, Joe Johnson at wing, Gerald Wallace at small forward and a much-improved Brook Lopez at center.

This should be a great game – high scoring and very physical. Win it and head to the All-Star break on a big high!

Final analysis: the Nuggets are playing great and could go on the road and win all four.

My prediction: Nuggets go 3-1, losing to the Cavs and then beating the Celtics, Raptors and Nets.

Win Over Lakers in L.A. is the Sweetest…

It doesn’t get any better than beating the Lakers at Staples Center in L.A.

Yes, I know there are a number of other teams in the league that you love to beat, especially on the road.

Winning at Utah, at San Antonio, at New York, all very desirable.

But in my opinion, winning in L.A. is the ultimate.

Part of it is the Lakers storied history….16 NBA Championships.

Part of it is the Lakers star-studded lineup.

Then throw in actor Jack Nicholson and all the celebs, and you have the makings of the ultimate road win!

By the way, in case you didn’t know, Jack sits two seats away from our broadcast position at Staples Center. It’s always interesting to watch Coach George Karl chit-chat with “the Joker” during lulls in the game.

Also, actress Dyan Cannon, a longtime Lakers fan, usually makes chocolate chip cookies for everyone on broadcasting row! Unfortunately, she wasn’t at the game Sunday night. Hastings was really disappointed.

Speaking of my partner…during the Lakers game, Scott was carrying on a running conversation with lead official Ronnie Garretson! Ever since he attended the NBA referee symposium last fall, Hasty has become a ref favorite! Well, almost.

Sometimes the Nuggets don’t respond well when teams bully them.

I thought on Sunday night the good guys held their own with the Lakers, physically. A hard foul on Dwight Howard re-aggravated his rotator cuff injury. Dwight reportedly has a torn labrum in his shoulder and will be out indefinitely. Then late in the game, JaVale McGee inadvertently elbowed Pau Gasol in the face resulting in a bloody nose and Pau leaving the game. It’s been reported that Pau has a concussion and will also be out indefinitely. You never want to see anybody get hurt and neither foul was malicious, but the Nuggets definitely sent a message that they can play physical too.

It was great to see the emotion pour out of Danilo Gallinari after he hit the biggest shot of the game. Gallo and Andre Iguodala are two mild mannered fellows but when they get fired up, I love it!

One other observation, after Thursday’s painful home loss to Minnesota, point guard Ty Lawson called out his teammates. He told the team that they have to do better, pay attention to detail, and be more focused. The next two games, with Lawson leading the way, the Nuggets drilled the Jazz and bopped the Lakers. Bravo. That’s what leaders do. Let’s hope #3 continues to “talk the talk” and “walk the walk”.

Finally, did I tell you how much fun it is to beat the LA Lakers?

Oh, yeah I did.

 

Everything You Ever Wanted to Know About FT Shooting!!

I guess former Nuggets Coach Doug Moe was right—
most of the time free throw shooting decides the outcome
of close NBA games.

Monday night in Salt Lake City, Utah the Denver Nuggets lost a game, 105-103, to the Utah Jazz because of very unfortunate free throw shooting. The Mile High Crew missed 14 free throws making just 18-32 for 56.3%. 

Meanwhile, Tuesday night in Los Angeles, the Lakers lost at home 79-77 to the Indiana Pacers. In that game the vaunted Lakers missed a whopping 20 free throws, making just 23-43 for 53.5%.

Interestingly, the Nuggets and Lakers meet this Friday night in LA, in a battle of the two poorest free throw shooting teams in the NBA.

Right now the Lakers are last in “The “Association” shooting just 66.8%...the Nuggets are 29th…making just 67.4%.

The Lakers have the Santa Claus of sub par free throw shooting—Dwight Howard—who has made just 75-157—48.8%.

The Nuggets have Santa’s elves—Kenneth Faried at 54.8%, Ty Lawson at just under 59%, Kosta Koufos at 60%, and JaVale McGee at 62%.

Denver’s best FT shooter is Timofey Mozgov at 100%! Timo has made 2-2. Actually, Andre Miller at 84.5% has been the most reliable Nugget at the charity stripe.

Right now, the best free throw shooting team in the NBA is the Oklahoma City Thunder at just under 85%. If they keep this up they will establish a new NBA Record.

The best career individual free throw shooter in NBA history is Mark Price who shot an amazing 90.39 in his career.

Karl Malone of the Utah Jazz made the most FT’s in NBA history…9787.

Legendary Wilt Chamberlain missed the most FT of all time…5805!

It is said that Wilt made 80% of his FT’s in practice, but in games “The Dipper” could only manage 51%.

That being said, Wilt co-holds the NBA record for most FT’s made in a game with former NBA star Adrian Dantley. Both made 28 in a game. Wilt in his 100-point explosion hit 28-32 that night in Hershey, Pennsylvania. Dantley made 28-29 in a game against the Houston Rockets. I had a chance to ask Adrian what he remembered about that particular game and he quipped, “they fouled me a lot!”

Australian Eddie Palubinskas is considered the great FT shooting coach of all time. Eddie is in the Guinness Book of World Records making the most FT’s in an hour 1206-1265 using 6 balls and 6 rebounders!

In 2001-02 Eddie worked with the Lakers Shaquille O’Neal and improved his FT shooting from 38.3% to 69.4%. That season they won an NBA title together.

Former Minnesota gunner Michael Williams holds the NBA record with 97 consecutive FT made. The streak went for parts of two seasons—March 24th 1993 thru November 9th 1993.

My partner Scott Hastings shot 81% for his NBA career and in 1990-91 with Detroit didn’t miss…making all 13 he took!

In my senior year at Palisades High School in Los Angeles,
I shot 84.2% from the foul line.

 So it can be done.