Game 46: Phoenix @ Denver Nuggets 9:00 PM ET

[ducler]

[NuggetsWY]

No discussion? No predictions?

I'll try - I predict the Nuggets will allow Phoenix to score over 110 pts with Booker lighting the scoreboard for 30+ as he finds himself open on multiple picks. I predict Phoenix gets a fast start and leads at the end of the first quarter and much of the second. I predict Denver will win the third quarter and take the lead. I predict Nuggets' faithful will be screaming and cursing by the middle of the fourth quarter but I actually do believe Denver will win.

Of course that's been a normal game this year with only the ending varying.

Will Jokic have a double-double? 20 pts & 10 boards?
Will Harris have a 20+ game?
Will Barton have a big game? 30?
Will Murray break 20?

[skywalker33]

Rumor has it Malone will go back to a small ball front court, maybe he's learning a thing or two.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

The plumlee contract was terrible the day it was offered and it gets worse every game that passes. Guy can’t make a free throw to save his life and doesn’t do anything on the court well besides be big and dunk. Giving 13 mil a year to an average at best backup to your franchise player is a classic bad franchise move.

[skywalker33]

Maybe the Nuggets PLAYERS are tired of Malone and are revolting.....they're better than this.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

Done with Malone. Done with plumlee. Just about done with chandler. Getting there with Barton. This season went down the drain as soon as Malone decided he liked the Jokic/plumlee lineup.

[skywalker33]

Chandler MUST be blackmailing Malone. ONLY way I see him getting 30+ mpg while only putting up a 2/1/3 stat line. Maybe they're having sex together...

[NuggetsWY]

The plumlee contract was terrible the day it was offered and it gets worse every game that passes. Guy can’t make a free throw to save his life and doesn’t do anything on the court well besides be big and dunk. Giving 13 mil a year to an average at best backup to your franchise player is a classic bad franchise move.

Nah, it was an over-pay but as a backup center, Plumlee is fine. As a starting center and a crucial time player, not so good.

Maybe the Nuggets PLAYERS are tired of Malone and are revolting.....they're better than this.

I certainly hope so.

Jokic - 14 pts 17 rebounds
Harris 16 pts
Murray 30 pts
Lyles 15 pts

Question: How can Denver lose that game? With those 4 players scoring 75 pts?

Answer: The rest of the team was 9-25. Chandler only took 3 shots. He's averaging 8.4 shots per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year 10 years ago. If a starter isn't going to even shoot, he'd better make some other serious contributions. That isn't happening either. Didn't Malone say players would only play if they produced?

Phoenix was ready for Denver. Denver was ready for the weekend.

[ThunderBolt]

It probably doesn’t make you guys feel better but you aren’t the only team to recently get handled by the suns.

[Powder Blue]

Damn I felt like that was the right starting combo too....this team is all F’d up. I’m over Malone but there’s enough blame to go around for this one.

[THE J0KER]

The plumlee contract was terrible the day it was offered and it gets worse every game that passes. Guy can’t make a free throw to save his life and doesn’t do anything on the court well besides be big and dunk. Giving 13 mil a year to an average at best backup to your franchise player is a classic bad franchise move.

When they sign Plumlee couple months ago, it just seems like an overpaid contract, because nobody has clue how good is Lyles, and that is a question of time when Faried will be traded. But now it turns into a nightmare, despite guy doesn't anything wrong. It is not his fault that he not fit current Denver team. Jokic-Plumlee together on the floor does not work obviously, and when he coming from the bench he eating playing time minutes from Lyles, young player which development should be one of teams priority.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

The plumlee contract was terrible the day it was offered and it gets worse every game that passes. Guy can’t make a free throw to save his life and doesn’t do anything on the court well besides be big and dunk. Giving 13 mil a year to an average at best backup to your franchise player is a classic bad franchise move.

Nah, it was an over-pay but as a backup center, Plumlee is fine. As a starting center and a crucial time player, not so good.

Maybe the Nuggets PLAYERS are tired of Malone and are revolting.....they're better than this.

I certainly hope so.

Jokic - 14 pts 17 rebounds
Harris 16 pts
Murray 30 pts
Lyles 15 pts

Question: How can Denver lose that game? With those 4 players scoring 75 pts?

Answer: The rest of the team was 9-25. Chandler only took 3 shots. He's averaging 8.4 shots per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year 10 years ago. If a starter isn't going to even shoot, he'd better make some other serious contributions. That isn't happening either. Didn't Malone say players would only play if they produced?

Phoenix was ready for Denver. Denver was ready for the weekend.

I hear this from a lot of people. Even that he’s a starting level center and elite backup. I must be missing something because I don’t see a single skill outside of being big and strong. Absolutely terrible on any shot that isn’t a dunk or layup. Every time he touches the ball in the post it’s a wasted possession. Below average defender and rebounder.

I think he had a decent half year being the de facto 3rd option behind dame and CJ and got a reputation as a decent player. I haven’t seen anything from him in a nuggets uniform that tells me he’s anything more than an ok 4th big.

There was a guy who is a better player that I wanted in the offseason,and have wanted since I saw him in the Orlando summer league a few years ago, who we could’ve had for about 11 mil a year less than plumlee. But Willie reed went to the clippers and we handed out an untradeable contract. Who would’ve thought the clippers would be the better run team?

[NuggetsWY]

The plumlee contract was terrible the day it was offered and it gets worse every game that passes. Guy can’t make a free throw to save his life and doesn’t do anything on the court well besides be big and dunk. Giving 13 mil a year to an average at best backup to your franchise player is a classic bad franchise move.

Nah, it was an over-pay but as a backup center, Plumlee is fine. As a starting center and a crucial time player, not so good.

Maybe the Nuggets PLAYERS are tired of Malone and are revolting.....they're better than this.

I certainly hope so.

Jokic - 14 pts 17 rebounds
Harris 16 pts
Murray 30 pts
Lyles 15 pts

Question: How can Denver lose that game? With those 4 players scoring 75 pts?

Answer: The rest of the team was 9-25. Chandler only took 3 shots. He's averaging 8.4 shots per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year 10 years ago. If a starter isn't going to even shoot, he'd better make some other serious contributions. That isn't happening either. Didn't Malone say players would only play if they produced?

Phoenix was ready for Denver. Denver was ready for the weekend.

I hear this from a lot of people. Even that he’s a starting level center and elite backup. I must be missing something because I don’t see a single skill outside of being big and strong. Absolutely terrible on any shot that isn’t a dunk or layup. Every time he touches the ball in the post it’s a wasted possession. Below average defender and rebounder.

I think he had a decent half year being the de facto 3rd option behind dame and CJ and got a reputation as a decent player. I haven’t seen anything from him in a nuggets uniform that tells me he’s anything more than an ok 4th big.

There was a guy who is a better player that I wanted in the offseason,and have wanted since I saw him in the Orlando summer league a few years ago, who we could’ve had for about 11 mil a year less than plumlee. But Willie reed went to the clippers and we handed out an untradeable contract. Who would’ve thought the clippers would be the better run team?

Sure, there were better options, but it just seems like everyone is judging Plumlee as he is used by Malone. If he was playing 10-12 mpg - it wouldn't be so bad. As for his shooting, LAC has a guy that's not too good except when dunking and they seem to like him. Houston has a center that's not too great except when dunking and they like him. Those are starters who are used properly. Plumlee isn't at their level and that's why he should be a backup. Used properly, he'd fit just fine. I seriously doubt Plumlee was the best choice, but I also seriously doubt Plumlee is the problem. How he is used is the problem IMO.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

Nah, it was an over-pay but as a backup center, Plumlee is fine. As a starting center and a crucial time player, not so good.

I certainly hope so.

Jokic - 14 pts 17 rebounds
Harris 16 pts
Murray 30 pts
Lyles 15 pts

Question: How can Denver lose that game? With those 4 players scoring 75 pts?

Answer: The rest of the team was 9-25. Chandler only took 3 shots. He's averaging 8.4 shots per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year 10 years ago. If a starter isn't going to even shoot, he'd better make some other serious contributions. That isn't happening either. Didn't Malone say players would only play if they produced?

Phoenix was ready for Denver. Denver was ready for the weekend.

I hear this from a lot of people. Even that he’s a starting level center and elite backup. I must be missing something because I don’t see a single skill outside of being big and strong. Absolutely terrible on any shot that isn’t a dunk or layup. Every time he touches the ball in the post it’s a wasted possession. Below average defender and rebounder.

I think he had a decent half year being the de facto 3rd option behind dame and CJ and got a reputation as a decent player. I haven’t seen anything from him in a nuggets uniform that tells me he’s anything more than an ok 4th big.

There was a guy who is a better player that I wanted in the offseason,and have wanted since I saw him in the Orlando summer league a few years ago, who we could’ve had for about 11 mil a year less than plumlee. But Willie reed went to the clippers and we handed out an untradeable contract. Who would’ve thought the clippers would be the better run team?

Sure, there were better options, but it just seems like everyone is judging Plumlee as he is used by Malone. If he was playing 10-12 mpg - it wouldn't be so bad. As for his shooting, LAC has a guy that's not too good except when dunking and they seem to like him. Houston has a center that's not too great except when dunking and they like him. Those are starters who are used properly. Plumlee isn't at their level and that's why he should be a backup. Used properly, he'd fit just fine. I seriously doubt Plumlee was the best choice, but I also seriously doubt Plumlee is the problem. How he is used is the problem IMO.

That is true but it’s also my point. He’s a guy that you can get away with playing 10-15 mins. And you have him 13 million dollars a year. If his role was to play the first 8 mins of the 2nd quarter and the last 2 mins of the 3rd quarter, and just not screw anything up, and he was making 3 million a year, he wouldn’t be a problem.

Btw those centers in LA and Hou are pretty good on the other side of the ball

[NuggetsWY]

I hear this from a lot of people. Even that he’s a starting level center and elite backup. I must be missing something because I don’t see a single skill outside of being big and strong. Absolutely terrible on any shot that isn’t a dunk or layup. Every time he touches the ball in the post it’s a wasted possession. Below average defender and rebounder.

I think he had a decent half year being the de facto 3rd option behind dame and CJ and got a reputation as a decent player. I haven’t seen anything from him in a nuggets uniform that tells me he’s anything more than an ok 4th big.

There was a guy who is a better player that I wanted in the offseason,and have wanted since I saw him in the Orlando summer league a few years ago, who we could’ve had for about 11 mil a year less than plumlee. But Willie reed went to the clippers and we handed out an untradeable contract. Who would’ve thought the clippers would be the better run team?

Sure, there were better options, but it just seems like everyone is judging Plumlee as he is used by Malone. If he was playing 10-12 mpg - it wouldn't be so bad. As for his shooting, LAC has a guy that's not too good except when dunking and they seem to like him. Houston has a center that's not too great except when dunking and they like him. Those are starters who are used properly. Plumlee isn't at their level and that's why he should be a backup. Used properly, he'd fit just fine. I seriously doubt Plumlee was the best choice, but I also seriously doubt Plumlee is the problem. How he is used is the problem IMO.

That is true but it’s also my point. He’s a guy that you can get away with playing 10-15 mins. And you have him 13 million dollars a year. If his role was to play the first 8 mins of the 2nd quarter and the last 2 mins of the 3rd quarter, and just not screw anything up, and he was making 3 million a year, he wouldn’t be a problem.

Btw those centers in LA and Hou are pretty good on the other side of the ball

Thank you for making my point - so if the problem isn't Plumlee, then it must be how he is being used.

[The Rebel]

Nah, it was an over-pay but as a backup center, Plumlee is fine. As a starting center and a crucial time player, not so good.

I certainly hope so.

Jokic - 14 pts 17 rebounds
Harris 16 pts
Murray 30 pts
Lyles 15 pts

Question: How can Denver lose that game? With those 4 players scoring 75 pts?

Answer: The rest of the team was 9-25. Chandler only took 3 shots. He's averaging 8.4 shots per game this year, his lowest since his rookie year 10 years ago. If a starter isn't going to even shoot, he'd better make some other serious contributions. That isn't happening either. Didn't Malone say players would only play if they produced?

Phoenix was ready for Denver. Denver was ready for the weekend.

I hear this from a lot of people. Even that he’s a starting level center and elite backup. I must be missing something because I don’t see a single skill outside of being big and strong. Absolutely terrible on any shot that isn’t a dunk or layup. Every time he touches the ball in the post it’s a wasted possession. Below average defender and rebounder.

I think he had a decent half year being the de facto 3rd option behind dame and CJ and got a reputation as a decent player. I haven’t seen anything from him in a nuggets uniform that tells me he’s anything more than an ok 4th big.

There was a guy who is a better player that I wanted in the offseason,and have wanted since I saw him in the Orlando summer league a few years ago, who we could’ve had for about 11 mil a year less than plumlee. But Willie reed went to the clippers and we handed out an untradeable contract. Who would’ve thought the clippers would be the better run team?

Sure, there were better options, but it just seems like everyone is judging Plumlee as he is used by Malone. If he was playing 10-12 mpg - it wouldn't be so bad. As for his shooting, LAC has a guy that's not too good except when dunking and they seem to like him. Houston has a center that's not too great except when dunking and they like him. Those are starters who are used properly. Plumlee isn't at their level and that's why he should be a backup. Used properly, he'd fit just fine. I seriously doubt Plumlee was the best choice, but I also seriously doubt Plumlee is the problem. How he is used is the problem IMO.

They are judging him because he was clearly overpaid after we overpaid to trade for him, he is a backup Center, the only advantage he has on Faried is height and yet he is played way to many minutes while Faried is benched, and more than anything the way he affects the rest of the team. If we hadn't given up a 1st (which was the pick used to trade up from 1 pick behind us up to draft Zach Collins) and Nurkic to trade for Plumlee and cash, If he was paid like a good backup big say just over the MLE, and if Malone would play him more properly in the rotations than he is not a terrible fit.

Plumlee has hurt us badly in the future as well. He took away the ability to sign another above MLE type player next summer while keeping Jokic. We could have salary dumped Chandler and been close to the room for a max deal, but instead we get Plumlee an overpaid backup C that cost us many future opportunities.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

Sure, there were better options, but it just seems like everyone is judging Plumlee as he is used by Malone. If he was playing 10-12 mpg - it wouldn't be so bad. As for his shooting, LAC has a guy that's not too good except when dunking and they seem to like him. Houston has a center that's not too great except when dunking and they like him. Those are starters who are used properly. Plumlee isn't at their level and that's why he should be a backup. Used properly, he'd fit just fine. I seriously doubt Plumlee was the best choice, but I also seriously doubt Plumlee is the problem. How he is used is the problem IMO.

That is true but it’s also my point. He’s a guy that you can get away with playing 10-15 mins. And you have him 13 million dollars a year. If his role was to play the first 8 mins of the 2nd quarter and the last 2 mins of the 3rd quarter, and just not screw anything up, and he was making 3 million a year, he wouldn’t be a problem.

Btw those centers in LA and Hou are pretty good on the other side of the ball

Thank you for making my point - so if the problem isn't Plumlee, then it must be how he is being used.

The contract is a problem. The way he’s being used is a problem. But plumlee is a problem too. He keeps trying to post up when he has zero post ability. And he can’t make a free throw to save his life. Biggest play from yesterday’s game was the flagrant foul sequence. Plumlee at the line for 2 and the ball down 8. That’s a chance to cut it to 3 or 4. Instead, plumlee bricks both, we miss and they get a dunk on the other end. Basically a 6 point swing.

[NuggetsWY]

That is true but it’s also my point. He’s a guy that you can get away with playing 10-15 mins. And you have him 13 million dollars a year. If his role was to play the first 8 mins of the 2nd quarter and the last 2 mins of the 3rd quarter, and just not screw anything up, and he was making 3 million a year, he wouldn’t be a problem.

Btw those centers in LA and Hou are pretty good on the other side of the ball

Thank you for making my point - so if the problem isn't Plumlee, then it must be how he is being used.

The contract is a problem. The way he’s being used is a problem. But plumlee is a problem too. He keeps trying to post up when he has zero post ability. And he can’t make a free throw to save his life. Biggest play from yesterday’s game was the flagrant foul sequence. Plumlee at the line for 2 and the ball down 8. That’s a chance to cut it to 3 or 4. Instead, plumlee bricks both, we miss and they get a dunk on the other end. Basically a 6 point swing.

Sorry, still sounds like a coaching problem. There are plenty of players in the NBA that are told, "do this" or "don't do that" or else you don't play. Late in a close game, Plumlee should be on the bench. 6-point swings aren't so important in the late 1st-early 2nd and late 3rd-early 4th.

[SoCalNuggsFan]

Thank you for making my point - so if the problem isn't Plumlee, then it must be how he is being used.

The contract is a problem. The way he’s being used is a problem. But plumlee is a problem too. He keeps trying to post up when he has zero post ability. And he can’t make a free throw to save his life. Biggest play from yesterday’s game was the flagrant foul sequence. Plumlee at the line for 2 and the ball down 8. That’s a chance to cut it to 3 or 4. Instead, plumlee bricks both, we miss and they get a dunk on the other end. Basically a 6 point swing.

Sorry, still sounds like a coaching problem. There are plenty of players in the NBA that are told, "do this" or "don't do that" or else you don't play. Late in a close game, Plumlee should be on the bench. 6-point swings aren't so important in the late 1st-early 2nd and late 3rd-early 4th.

If he shot about 30% higher from the FT line and knew his limitations, it would be a coaching issue. We made a guy who is completely unusable in a playoff series one of our highest paid players.

Several times I’ve seen plumlee dribble down the court, stop, go between his legs a couple times, turn and post up 15 ft from the basket and throw up an awkward hook shot. Now I’ve come around on the Malone has to go movement, but do you think it’s Malone’s fault plumlee thinks that’s something in his arsenal?

[NuggetsWY]

The contract is a problem. The way he’s being used is a problem. But plumlee is a problem too. He keeps trying to post up when he has zero post ability. And he can’t make a free throw to save his life. Biggest play from yesterday’s game was the flagrant foul sequence. Plumlee at the line for 2 and the ball down 8. That’s a chance to cut it to 3 or 4. Instead, plumlee bricks both, we miss and they get a dunk on the other end. Basically a 6 point swing.

Sorry, still sounds like a coaching problem. There are plenty of players in the NBA that are told, "do this" or "don't do that" or else you don't play. Late in a close game, Plumlee should be on the bench. 6-point swings aren't so important in the late 1st-early 2nd and late 3rd-early 4th.

If he shot about 30% higher from the FT line and knew his limitations, it would be a coaching issue. We made a guy who is completely unusable in a playoff series one of our highest paid players.

Several times I’ve seen plumlee dribble down the court, stop, go between his legs a couple times, turn and post up 15 ft from the basket and throw up an awkward hook shot. Now I’ve come around on the Malone has to go movement, but do you think it’s Malone’s fault plumlee thinks that’s something in his arsenal?

It seems as though you've decided he is no good because of his salary. That's on the front office. Good for him to grab the money.

FG 57% - very nice
3 FT per game - not hurting us
6 rebounds in just 20 mpg - that's nice
2 assists per game
1 block
almost 1 steal

Please help me understand where he is hurting the Nuggets --- if you say defense - I'll respond that his defense is better than some players getting more minutes.