Game 25 : Denver Nuggets (14-10) @ Portland Trail Blazers (13-11)

[THE J0KER]

Even without MPJ Denver is a better team than all-healthy Portland, but this is a road game, Blazers are in better shape this season so far (When Lillard playing they are 8-4 so far) and they beat Nuggets already in October at home (thanks to 25-44 Denver's awful 3rd quarter), so it is more accurate to say that tonight no true favorite in Portland than that in-slump Denver (still not won a single game in December) is favorite.

[THE J0KER]

63-64 on halftime, I guess we should lead but 9vs3 turnovers and 67%vs100% in FT% makes difference in Portland's favor.

[skywalker33]

Great game down the stretch, back and forth...c'mon Nuggets !

[skywalker33]

JAMAL MURRAY FOR 3 !!!

[skywalker33]

Nuggets win, Nuggets win !!

[skywalker33]

Jamal's game, came to life in the 4th qtr to win this game. He still needs to start dominating the whole game, can't expect to will all games in the 4th.

[THE J0KER]

My favorite Serbian team lose today with a buzzer vs arch-enemy local rival, if the same happens in this Northwest derby it would be a little too much for me on the same day

Lillard was spectacular (40-4-12, 9 threes), and former Nuggets Nurkic and Grant were good too, but this time we stopped Simons (6pts tonight, 29pts in October)... and also, we have Jokic 33-10-9, Gordon and Hyland on their good level from this season, and "old/bubble Murray" was back in 4th quarter (scored 12 out of his 21 pts). Denver used to lose close games this season lately, but this time we come back after -10 in the final quarter, so this is one of our best wins in 2022. If we lose it tonight together with Lillard we should blame free throws (15-22 vs 16-16).

Sorry, but I must send one critique to Malone again. Why Hyland's playing time is limited to 25 minutes despite playing well and Porter being out?? Bones was +19 in +/- while KCP and Brown were -20 and -17, so he should stay until the end of the game instead of one of these two.

[skywalker33]

A good win against a solid team on the road and where are Mickey8 and Maf, nowhere to be found ! I was right when I said they're never around to praise a good win, only here to bitch about a loss.

Anyway, Dame went off for 40pts but it was our Dynamic Duo who stole his thunder while playing in a very tough venue up in POR. Nurkic had a strong game too, makes me still wonder what that could've been had we been able to play him and Joker together.

[A_dub06]

Hey Denver fans! pistons fan here coming in peace .

Just wanted to ask why bones seems to be an afterthought to coach Malone? I understand that defence has been an issue this season which he doesn’t help there, but he truly is a special offensive-minded talent and his minutes seem to be really low considering. I saw a reporters tweet the other day about Malone saying he needs to find minutes for Braun as he’s a part of the future and it surprised me because I don’t think he has anywhere close to the ceiling bones has. Is there something I’ve missed with regard to bones minutes?

[skywalker33]

Hey Denver fans! pistons fan here coming in peace .

Just wanted to ask why bones seems to be an afterthought to coach Malone? I understand that defence has been an issue this season which he doesn’t help there, but he truly is a special offensive-minded talent and his minutes seem to be really low considering. I saw a reporters tweet the other day about Malone saying he needs to find minutes for Braun as he’s a part of the future and it surprised me because I don’t think he has anywhere close to the ceiling bones has. Is there something I’ve missed with regard to bones minutes?

Many here agree with your assessment of Bones, as well as Malone. Malone considers himself a defensive-minded coach (not sure I/all agree with this) so while Bones has defensive lapses, he sits in the coach's doghouse regardless of the impact of the game. Braun is more of a defensive player, thus Malone wants to find him minutes

[Maf]

A good win against a solid team on the road and where are Mickey8 and Maf, nowhere to be found ! I was right when I said they're never around to praise a good win, only here to bitch about a loss.

Anyway, Dame went off for 40pts but it was our Dynamic Duo who stole his thunder while playing in a very tough venue up in POR. Nurkic had a strong game too, makes me still wonder what that could've been had we been able to play him and Joker together.

You really make this forum a toxic place with name calling like this. What should I write about a game I didn´ t watch? Should I comment on fast checking boxscore?

Btw I checked my posts and this season I commented only in six game threads. (Doesn´t mean I saw only six games, just don´t feel a need to comment every game) Three wins, three losses. In one of them I debated with Rebel about possibility of MPJ to become 1st or 2nd option, in other I just wrote I envy you to Joker when he wrote he cannot be angry after home loss with Pistons and the last one was the one I doubted our championship chances after Pelicans game. I was critical ONCE this season. So yeah, I am only here to bitch.

[skywalker33]

A good win against a solid team on the road and where are Mickey8 and Maf, nowhere to be found ! I was right when I said they're never around to praise a good win, only here to bitch about a loss.

Anyway, Dame went off for 40pts but it was our Dynamic Duo who stole his thunder while playing in a very tough venue up in POR. Nurkic had a strong game too, makes me still wonder what that could've been had we been able to play him and Joker together.

You really make this forum a toxic place with name calling like this. What should I write about a game I didn´ t watch? Should I comment on fast checking boxscore?

Btw I checked my posts and this season I commented only in six game threads. (Doesn´t mean I saw only six games, just don´t feel a need to comment every game) Three wins, three losses. In one of them I debated with Rebel about possibility of MPJ to become 1st or 2nd option, in other I just wrote I envy you to Joker when he wrote he cannot be angry after home loss with Pistons and the last one was the one I doubted our championship chances after Pelicans game. I was critical ONCE this season. So yeah, I am only here to bitch.

So, I make this toxic with all the name calling.....like Maf and Mickey8 ?? I see. And you commented on debating with Rebel, I OK with a differing of opinion, you usually bring some decent perspective. Just noting more times than naught I just see you two coming over to bitch after a loss, rarely do I see you post (in a positive manner) after a good win like this POR game was.

And for the record, if this isn't bitchin', what is ??

[Maf]

A good win against a solid team on the road and where are Mickey8 and Maf, nowhere to be found ! I was right when I said they're never around to praise a good win, only here to bitch about a loss.

Anyway, Dame went off for 40pts but it was our Dynamic Duo who stole his thunder while playing in a very tough venue up in POR. Nurkic had a strong game too, makes me still wonder what that could've been had we been able to play him and Joker together.

You really make this forum a toxic place with name calling like this. What should I write about a game I didn´ t watch? Should I comment on fast checking boxscore?

Btw I checked my posts and this season I commented only in six game threads. (Doesn´t mean I saw only six games, just don´t feel a need to comment every game) Three wins, three losses. In one of them I debated with Rebel about possibility of MPJ to become 1st or 2nd option, in other I just wrote I envy you to Joker when he wrote he cannot be angry after home loss with Pistons and the last one was the one I doubted our championship chances after Pelicans game. I was critical ONCE this season. So yeah, I am only here to bitch.

So, I make this toxic with all the name calling.....like Maf and Mickey8 ?? I see. And you commented on debating with Rebel, I OK with a differing of opinion, you usually bring some decent perspective. Just noting more times than naught I just see you two coming over to bitch after a loss, rarely do I see you post (in a positive manner) after a good win like this POR game was.

And for the record, if this isn't bitchin', what is ??

As I wrote I can't and won't comment on game I missed. Second, I don't know if in US you have saying similar to ours but translated it would be something like Eagle don't catch flies. And with all the respect to Portland, it was a good win, but if you want to rate us as top two seed, finals contender, it is just... good.

Don't take me wrong, I enjoy ANY win. Beating Orlando, Charlotte, Spurs, ? Make my day too. So I don't think there was any need to call out me for not commenting in this topic. And I was pretty positive after Dallas and Indy game. And I tried after first Thunder game too, praising Jordan as a back up C. Unfortunately, some of you took it as critique of Zeke.

And even in my harshest critique after Pelicans game I tried to find solution of being more positive. If I stop having too high expectations, I won't be disappointed. So, more positive posts coming.

[skywalker33]

You really make this forum a toxic place with name calling like this. What should I write about a game I didn´ t watch? Should I comment on fast checking boxscore?

Btw I checked my posts and this season I commented only in six game threads. (Doesn´t mean I saw only six games, just don´t feel a need to comment every game) Three wins, three losses. In one of them I debated with Rebel about possibility of MPJ to become 1st or 2nd option, in other I just wrote I envy you to Joker when he wrote he cannot be angry after home loss with Pistons and the last one was the one I doubted our championship chances after Pelicans game. I was critical ONCE this season. So yeah, I am only here to bitch.

So, I make this toxic with all the name calling.....like Maf and Mickey8 ?? I see. And you commented on debating with Rebel, I OK with a differing of opinion, you usually bring some decent perspective. Just noting more times than naught I just see you two coming over to bitch after a loss, rarely do I see you post (in a positive manner) after a good win like this POR game was.

And for the record, if this isn't bitchin', what is ??

As I wrote I can't and won't comment on game I missed. Second, I don't know if in US you have saying similar to ours but translated it would be something like Eagle don't catch flies. And with all the respect to Portland, it was a good win, but if you want to rate us as top two seed, finals contender, it is just... good.

Don't take me wrong, I enjoy ANY win. Beating Orlando, Charlotte, Spurs, ? Make my day too. So I don't think there was any need to call out me for not commenting in this topic. And I was pretty positive after Dallas and Indy game. And I tried after first Thunder game too, praising Jordan as a back up C. Unfortunately, some of you took it as critique of Zeke.

And even in my harshest critique after Pelicans game I tried to find solution of being more positive. If I stop having too high expectations, I won't be disappointed. So, more positive posts coming.

Then my apologies are warranted for lumping you in with Mickey8. Sorry if you feel I am the creating a toxic environment, but I feel all the negativity is what causes the toxicity, it almost defies the term "fan". Now I am not against talking in a critical way, it can stimulate conversation (God knows we could use to have a few more "conversations" on this board), but in a way that isn't just bitchin' and moaning, that's just not good adult conversation, am I right ??

Anyway, I'll just say Peace Out !!

[Maf]

So, I make this toxic with all the name calling.....like Maf and Mickey8 ?? I see. And you commented on debating with Rebel, I OK with a differing of opinion, you usually bring some decent perspective. Just noting more times than naught I just see you two coming over to bitch after a loss, rarely do I see you post (in a positive manner) after a good win like this POR game was.

And for the record, if this isn't bitchin', what is ??

As I wrote I can't and won't comment on game I missed. Second, I don't know if in US you have saying similar to ours but translated it would be something like Eagle don't catch flies. And with all the respect to Portland, it was a good win, but if you want to rate us as top two seed, finals contender, it is just... good.

Don't take me wrong, I enjoy ANY win. Beating Orlando, Charlotte, Spurs, ? Make my day too. So I don't think there was any need to call out me for not commenting in this topic. And I was pretty positive after Dallas and Indy game. And I tried after first Thunder game too, praising Jordan as a back up C. Unfortunately, some of you took it as critique of Zeke.

And even in my harshest critique after Pelicans game I tried to find solution of being more positive. If I stop having too high expectations, I won't be disappointed. So, more positive posts coming.

Then my apologies are warranted for lumping you in with Mickey8. Sorry if you feel I am the creating a toxic environment, but I feel all the negativity is what causes the toxicity, it almost defies the term "fan". Now I am not against talking in a critical way, it can stimulate conversation (God knows we could use to have a few more "conversations" on this board), but in a way that isn't just bitchin' and moaning, that's just not good adult conversation, am I right ??

Anyway, I'll just say Peace Out !!

With this I agree wholehearted.