Nuggets end up on top of scoring frenzy, remain unbeaten
By John Livingston | November 2, 2009
The Denver Nuggets scored their way to a 3-0 start last night by defeating the young and gun Memphis Grizzlies 133-123. The Nuggets were once again led by natural born scorer Carmelo Anthony who finished with 42 points for his second straight 40+ point game.
This was expected to be a return to the Pepsi Center for Grizzlies new acquisition and former Nugget Allen Iverson, but Iverson did not see any action in the contest due to the hamstring injury he has been nursing. The game instead focused on high scoring as the game looked like an NBA All-Star game with defense taking a back seat to the fast-break; the Grizzlies collected 31 fast break points and the Nuggets kept up with 26. The action packed game was highlighted by the stellar performances from Anthony and the Grizzlies rising star O.J. Mayo who also finished with 40 points.
Anthony is hitting his jump shot but is more importantly finishing plays in the paint like never before. In years past Melo has had problems finishing inside, whether it was because he was not getting foul calls or was getting unfortunate rolls off the rim on layups. Now Melo is getting more of the foul calls he deserves, attempting 31 free throws in his last two games. Melo has also developed his baseline game that he has been needing for years. Melo is spinning baseline out of the post and finishing strong at the rim with two hands getting guaranteed buckets. He is leading the league with an average of 37.7 points per game but he is leading this Nuggets team by doing more than just scoring; averaging 7.0 rebounds, 4.3 assists and 1.3 steals through the first three games of the year. Melo is certainly on an MVP pace and it will be important for the Nuggets for him to keep up his all around solid play.
The rest of the Nuggets also rebounded nicely after low scoring nights in Portland a game ago. Chauncey Billups finished with a game high 12 assists and added 22 points. Nene fulfilled his duties with 18 points and 9 rebounds and Chris “Birdman” Andersen was the Nuggets top bench performer with 12 points.
The Nuggets are certainly getting the job done and winning whichever way they need to but they will need the defense to step up if they hope to keep outscoring their opponent every night. J.R. Smith has just 4 games left on his suspension and right now the Nuggets have to be satisfied with their play without one of their most exciting players. The Nuggets now hit the road for a six game east-coast road trip in which the will face the Pacers, Nets, Heat and Hawks without Smith. They will need Melo to keep scoring in high numbers if they want to keep a zero in the loss column.
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