Nuggets Try to Get on Track Against Grizzlies

April 12, 2010

The Denver Nuggets have had a turbulent season. Head coach George Karl has been sidelined after being diagnosed with cancer. This has obviously weighed heavily on the minds of his players as they have fallen off over the past few weeks.

Heading into their match-up with the pesky Memphis Grizzlies on Monday, the Nuggets are in a 3-way tie for the 3rd spot in the Western Conference. Utah has been consistent all season long, and Phoenix is clearly the hottest team in the NBA going 21-6 since the All-Star break. It will take a perfect finish for Denver to retain the 3rd spot and home court advantage. Unfortunately, they close their season on the road against the red-hot Suns. Monday’s game is an absolute must win if they intend to stay where they are.

The Grizzlies are a young and athletic team that is capable of beating anyone on any night. You can bet that they will come out with guns blazing Monday as they look to take down one of their Western conference rivals.

Chauncy Billups was brought to Denver to be a leader. With coach Karl out for possibly the remainder of the season, the team will need Billups to lead more than ever. Carmelo Anthony is 3rd in the NBA in scoring, but hasn’t had much help over the past few weeks. He will need to step up big Monday night if the Nuggets are to hold on to the 3rd seed.

Memphis is a well rounded team offensively. They have a trio of players averaging 17 or more points per game. They are led by Zach Randolph and his 20 points per. After Randolph, Rudy Gay and O.J. Mayo have taken this team to the next level. The problem with this squad is their lack of defense. They gave up 120 to a bad Philadelphia Sixers squad on Saturday, and will have a hard time holding Denver below that total Monday night.

Written by Glenn Andrew · Filed Under NBA

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