Forget the Alamo

Tim Duncan wasn't supposed to play more than 15 or 20 minutes. Neither was Tony Parker. Both players were on the court for significant minutes, though, and the Nuggets still dominated the Spurs, winning 104-92. Carmelo Anthony turned in another All-Star performance days after being named player-of-the-month. He scored 32 points, made clutch baskets, and was basically unstoppable. He just might be the best player in the NBA right now.

If you saw the game you probably remember Reggie Evans flopping and drawing a technical foul from Robert Horry. Unless you were at the game, you probably didn't see Reggie spring up after the whistle and get the crowd back in the game. That was the turning point. San Antonio came out after half-time and dominated the first ten minutes of the 3rd quarter. The Nuggets came out lifeless and uninspired. After leading by 14 at half, the Nuggets' lackluster play allowed the Spurs to tie the game in the 3rd. It looked as if the Spurs would keep it close the rest of the way. But then Reggie Evans - the guy who is under-sized for a power-forward, the guy who can't score, the guy who wasn't supposed to help the Nuggets in the stretch run - came out playing like a man possessed. His energy and enthusiasm got the Nuggets back in the game. His rebounding and post-presence befuddled the indomitable Duncan. And, truth be told, his theatrics changed the tempo and got the crowd back in the game. Isn't that what we pay K-Mart, the whiny guy on the bench, millions and millions to do?

It was an inspiring win against the best team in the league. The Nuggets are only 9 games away from winning the division and getting the #3 seed in the playoffs. They're playing their best ball of the season.