A Playoff Heartbreaker

The Nuggets played like crap. They deserved the loss. But, hot-damn, they nearly stole the show there at the end, didn't they?

There were moments of grace. Few and far between, but they were there. The Nuggets looked good when they pushed the pace; the defensive lockdown between the 3rd and 4th quarters, especially against Elton Brand, was impressive; and the final few minutes when the Nuggets tied it and had a shot for the win were amazing for casual fans and aficionados alike. If the Nuggets can string together a few more special stretches then they have a great chance of tying the series.

One thing the Nuggets can take advantage of is the Clippers' predictability. On offense they will undoubtedly give the ball to Brand early and often in Monday's game. Cassell will penetrate and dish like usual. And he'll hit the open jumper if the Nuggets are foolish enough to double off him. Mobley and Radmanovic will patrol the perimeter making 3's when possible. Whoever defends Ross and Kaman will have to make the extra-effort on Brand. That probably means Carmelo and Camby will have to pull double-duty on the defensive end. But I'd rather have Chris Kaman trying to win the game than Brand or Cassell.

On defense, the Clippers are going to send two, three, and sometimes four guys at Melo until someone else on the team steps up and makes a few baskets. You can't ask much more of Miller than what he gave in Game 1. Camby will probably step up, and K-Mart, if he's really such a playoff fiend, will have to put up points for the Nuggets to win. A shooter, a shooter, my kingdom for a shooter. If I were Karl, I'd play DJ more in Game 2 and see if he gets the offense going.

Post Script:
10/10 -- that's how many times I give the ball to Melo in the clutch. I have absolutely no problem with the play-calling at the end of Saturday's game.