air's Nuggets dynasty

Samba basketball
by Mike Nugget, Denver Post Sports Writer

Behind the shadow cast by the Nuggets' biggest star of the season stands another player so vital to the team's success. Brazilian power forward Nene has had a breakout season with the Nuggets, making several 20+ point performances and being the most vital bench player for the team thus far.

Born Maybyner Rodney Hilario, Nene legally changed his name to the one he holds on the back of his 31 jersey. As all Brazilian kids, he played soccer at an early age but with his height and agility, basketball was the natural choice.

"Michael Jordan and Magic Johnson became my idols when I was young", explains Nene.

Drafted into the NBA in 2002, Nene had relatively good seasons for a newcomer, but didn't make an impact like this season. It has definitely been an impact, but it's all been a bit too easy for people to forget, considering the performances put in by starting power forward Kenyon Martin.

"I haven't thought about it like that", says Nene. "I'm just thrilled we're doing as good as we are. It's a team game."

Although Martin has been the big name, Nene could also be receiving individual recognition very soon. With the regular season drawing to a close, Nene is a strong candidate for the sixth man of the year award.

"Yes, it's possible that I will get an award. It is flattering, but honestly I think everyone on this team is thinking about the playoffs, not the awards."

Sixth man of the year or not, Nene could easily hold down a starting spot for another team. Does he feel held down by Martin?

"No. Not yet anyway. And sometimes we play together, me and Kenyon. Of course if you feel like you're not progressing as a player you might look at different options but it's not time for that yet. I don't want to leave a team as good as this. I also like to think that Kenyon, Marcus [Camby] and I make up the strongest group of post players in the league. Francisco [Elson] has had a good season too. He's improved his game also."

Nene has been tremendous scoring-wise, but there still remains some questions about his game, most of all his rebounding.

"Yes, I still want to improve. I feel I have a good chance to do it here with coach Jeff [Bzdelik] and the players."

After showing his scoring abilities this season, it would be no surprise to see Nene back stronger than ever next season. But hopefully the Nuggets fans will still see lots more great performances by the young Brazilian in the playoffs.

wtf kind of shit is this? u play a season against the computer and u post how each game went? this is some fag shit, either that or im misunderstanding what your doing. ur like posting ur god damn life story about a season that is custom to you and u cud make it so u win every game or lose every game its not like u win or lost it just matters ur settings thats what chooses if u win or lose. plz post if this isnt true. or never mind just dont post ur life story at all fag. this is some fag shit ill say it agin

Then don't post. As far as I know I'm doing the same thing everyone else on this forum.

I'm trying to find the settings to make it more challenging. Go vent your anger somewhere else.

wtf kind of shit is this? u play a season against the computer and u post how each game went? this is some fag shit

um...that is the point of this whole forum. in case you didn't notice, the forum is called "dynasty stories"

if you don't like it, go somewhere else. otherwise, it's like ragging on how bad a big mac is for you...and then ordering a big mac.

DENVER WORK TO VICTORY

Orlando 72
Denver 91

All talk of the Denver Nuggets team not being ready for playoffs can be forgotten after tonight's episode, in which the Nuggets worked their way to the win by playing some great basketball. What caught the eye was the Nuggets' determination, as well as lots of pick and roll plays on the offence. Denver capitalised on the mismatches, at times Kenyon Martin posting up against a weaker defender, or Carmelo Anthony drawing out a bigger defender to take him out on the dribble. Denver moved the ball around smoothly and played superb fast break basketball especially during the first two quarters. Kenyon Martin was again the player of the game with 30 points and 10 rebounds, while Dwight Howard made sure the Magic didn't lose by any more, with 20 and 6, adding an impressive six blocks to his stats also. It could have been a different game with the Magic crashing the board, but this was only done by the Nuggets, as they outrebounded their opponents 36-22. Orlando also suffered from terrible outside shooting, only one of their 14 three point attempts going in.

"We're strong now", said Nuggets center Marcus Camby after the game. "We showed real determination and grit tonight. We've got to keep playing aggressive, crashing the boards, moving the ball and running. We're a fast team, when we play enthusiastically we are very good." The Nuggets have another home game coming up against Minnesota and Kevin Garnett.

Starters:
Orlando (11-9 before game)
C K. Cato
F D. Howard
F G. Hill
G H. Turkoglu
G S. Francis

Denver (19-6 before game)
C M. Camby
F K. Martin
F C. Anthony
G J. Johnson
G J. Williams

Player of the game:
Martin DEN 30/10

Team leaders:
ORL: Howard 20/6/6 blk, Francis 15/3/4 ast, Hill 12/3/3 ast
DEN: Camby 18/5, Anthony 14/6/3 ast

Box scores:
Magic
Nuggets

Pictures:


I don't want it. You have it.


Najera had a season-high SIX points.


Kenyon watches his shot rattle in.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Changes made for the game:

User dunk vs. layup frequency from 30 to 25
User adjusted shot percentage from 50 to 47
CPU on-ball physical defence from 38 to 45
and Double team effectiveness from 63 to 55 to compensate

Believe it or not, it was quite a different ball game. I'm looking forward to Minnesota and the playoffs differently, could be quite a challenge. I'll make some things harder by around 1 to 5 next game.

Great blowout win...good luck next game

changes didn't seem to affect your domination... good work

wtf kind of shit is this? u play a season against the computer and u post how each game went? this is some fag shit, either that or im misunderstanding what your doing. ur like posting ur god damn life story about a season that is custom to you and u cud make it so u win every game or lose every game its not like u win or lost it just matters ur settings thats what chooses if u win or lose. plz post if this isnt true. or never mind just dont post ur life story at all fag. this is some fag shit ill say it agin

Chill out man... very aggresive on your part...
Besides, is that difficult to use correct words? I mean "ur", "wtf", "u", "plz"... There are a lot of foreign readers in here, me from Argentina for example, and your lousy slang does no good at all to our english lessons!!!

Air, keep up the good work! I would like to see your dominant forwardrs and center matching up my little "Gasol-Wright-Gadzuric" wall...

wtf kind of shit is this? u play a season against the computer and u post how each game went? this is some fag shit, either that or im misunderstanding what your doing. ur like posting ur god damn life story about a season that is custom to you and u cud make it so u win every game or lose every game its not like u win or lost it just matters ur settings thats what chooses if u win or lose. plz post if this isnt true. or never mind just dont post ur life story at all fag. this is some fag shit ill say it agin

This post is full of shit. Posting a dynasty isn't like telling your life story at all, it's basically just playing the game and then posting it for others to see. I don't get why you are so riled up about this, but judging by your other posts, you've got a lot of tongue and a shitload of grammar errors. Please learn to type properly before you even try to insult anyone.

Anyway, another blowout win... Damn, I struggled beating the game in superstar level.... I suck so much at video games.....

Convincing win against the Magic. Keep up the good work.

GARNETT BLOCKS OUT THE NUGGETS

(after double OT)
Minnesota 114
Denver 111

The game between the Minnesota Timberwolves and Denver Nuggets promised to be one of the most intriguing matchups this season. After all, it featured MVP candidate Kenyon Martin going head-to-head against arguably still the best power forward in the game, Kevin Garnett. The game proved to be just as good as expected, with nothing between the teams for most of the game. Sam Cassell had the chance to win the game for the Wolves with a last-second buzzer beater, but didn't make the shot, so an overtime had to be played. Minnesota again had the final shot which rimmed out, but they made a seven-point lead in the second OT period that was enough for the win despite Denver closing the gap to three. Garnett and Martin both had good performances, with Garnett having the edge defensively with several blocks. With Martin's tough matchup, the rest of the Nuggets team had to step up, and so they did. Carmelo Anthony had 25 points while Joe Johnson added 17 with good outside shooting. Minnesota had great performances from Sam Cassell and Latrell Sprewell. The teams could be going against each other in the first round of the playoffs, with Minnesota still battling to make it there.

"It was a tough game", said Nuggets guard Jason Williams. "We lost but we'll be fired up if we meet them come playoff time. We can still do better than this. We played a decent game but we want to do better than decent in the playoffs." Nuggets face Golden State Warriors in their next game which is their second last in regular season.

Starters:
Minnesota (13-11 before game)
C M. Olowokandi
F K. Garnett
F L. Sprewell
G R. McCants
G S. Cassell

Denver (20-6 before game)
C M. Camby
F K. Martin
F C. Anthony
G J. Johnson
G J. Williams

Player of the game:
Garnett MIN 24/9/7 blk

Team leaders:
MIN: Cassell 27/4/6 ast, Sprewell 25/4/5 ast, Olowokandi 8/10
DEN: Martin 25/11, Anthony 25/4, Camby 17/14, Johnson 17

Box scores:
Timberwolves
Nuggets

Pictures:


Melo had to step up and he did.


Garnett was as good as ever.


Martin goes to the hoop.

Thanks again for all your input.

I made further changes for the Minnesota game, not much, just some settings harder by one or so, like adjusted shot.

Argentinean Power, yep, it would be good for my big guys to have some good opponents, but that's why I'm making the changes. It makes for more interesting basketball when you have to go outside more often.

Dr Funky, I get a lot of points by making a mismatch and spotting it. Play the ball to the big guy who's against a smaller guy inside, or draw the big guy out with a guard, isolate, and take him out on the dribble.

I like the settings I have. Can't always post up, gotta run and dribble too. Looking forward to the playoffs but if I'm honest with you....

...I DON'T want to get Minnesota!

tough loss in double OT....that would have got me mad, anyways good luck next game

but if I'm honest with you....

...I DON'T want to get Minnesota!

eh...it was close. i'm sure you can take minnesota next time

tough loss in double OT....that would have got me mad, anyways good luck next game

SAC-1, it's good when it gets you mad. It means you've been playing your best and the game is exactly as challenging as it should... I think. It's hard to get mad when you've got your playoff spot secured.

i'm sure you can take minnesota next time

I'm sure I'm loving the action with all these close games. I'm DEFINITELY not quitting after this season, even if I did win it all.

The games have turned out MUCH better. Playoffs start this weekend although I got a party to attend. Meanwhile here's the Warriors game.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

NUGGETS COME BACK IN SECOND QUARTER AND TAKE WIN

Denver 86
Golden State 78

Golden State could be Denver's first round playoff opponent, just as Minnesota Timberwolves last week. This time, however, the Nuggets took a confidence-boosting win against their conference rivals. Golden State started the game well and were leading by nine points after the first quarter, after strong performances by guards Baron Davis and Jason Richardson. Denver came back strong in the second, cutting down the lead and going up by five at the half. From then on it was a close game, with the Warriors coming very close at the end thanks to their outside shooting. In the end the Nuggets held on and took the win, looking as determined as ever.

"It was another tough game tonight but we can come back if we're losing. We don't back down, we play hard until the end", said Kenyon Martin. The Nuggets have another game coming up on the west coast, the last of the regular season, against Sacramento Kings. It will give a good preview of how the teams match up against each other before the playoffs. Nuggets are first in the conference, while the Kings currently stand second.

Starters:
Denver (20-7 before game)
C M. Camby
F K. Martin
F C. Anthony
G J. Johnson
G J. Williams

Golden State (12-9 before game)
C A. Foyle
F I. Diogu
F M. Pietrus
G J. Richardson
G B. Davis

Player of the game:
Martin DEN 32/7

Team leaders:
DEN: Anthony 21/3, Camby 8/9, Williams 8/4/4 stl
GS: Richardson 27, Davis 15/3/6 ast, Foyle 4/9/4 blk

Box scores:
Warriors
Nuggets

Pictures:


With the settings changes, I've had to go to Melo too and it's been fun...


Williams makes a nice layup.


...while Nene is not the monster he used to be. Which is good.

great win.....whats your record now...good luck next game and BTW i posted my seattle game

nice win

Cheers SAC-1, Colickyboy... I'm at 21 wins and 7 losses. Guess the record would have been somewhat different with my current settings but there you go.

Sacramento are at 19-7 and are starting with Miller (C), Thomas and Stojakovic in frontcourt and Mobley and Bibby at backcourt.

I'm considering starting a bunch of no-names. With bad luck I could get Martin injured, although I might just go with my best starters because I want to see how I match up against the Kings.

I'm considering starting a bunch of no-names. With bad luck I could get Martin injured

then again, if martin got injured, that would be a nice challenge for you

then again, if martin got injured, that would be a nice challenge for you

With these settings it would be an impossible challenge. Here's the last game.
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NUGGETS LOSE TO SACRAMENTO IN OVERTIME

Denver 110
Sacramento 115

Denver Nuggets played out the last game of the regular season against arguably the hardest possible opposition, the Sacramento Kings. It was an even affair with both teams scoring after the other and few good defensive efforts. It was a treat for the fans to watch. The game went right down to the wire, with the Nuggets almost pulling off the win. They had a two-point lead with less than 24 seconds on the game clock and Sacramento had to foul. Jason Williams went to the line, but was only able to sink one of his free throws. Then Mike Bibby stepped up and buried a long-range three. Joe Johnson had the final shot of the fourth quarter but couldn't make it. In overtime the Nuggets took an early lead with two sensational fast break baskets by Johnson and Carmelo Anthony. That would all change, with Cuttino Mobley making a three-point play with an awesome layup effort where he was fouled by Marcus Camby. Sacramento didn't look back and won the game 110-115.

"If we get the chance to play them again in the playoffs, I'm sure we have what it takes to beat this team too", said Nuggets coach Jeff Bzdelik. "It's been a great season so far and we will do our best to make it a truly memorable one. It's a tough loss but we won't let it affect our progress."

Starters:
Denver (21-7 before game)
C M. Camby
F K. Martin
F C. Anthony
G J. Johnson
G J. Williams

Sacramento (19-7 before game)
C B. Miller
F K. Thomas
F P. Stojakovic
G C. Mobley
G M. Bibby

Player of the game:
Miller SAC 20/8

Team leaders:
DEN: Martin 33/13, Camby 25/8, Anthony 24/3/3 ast
SAC: Thomas 19/11, Bibby 20/5 ast, Jackson 22, Stojakovic 16

Box scores:
Nuggets
Kings

Pictures:


Camby takes advantage of the mismatch against Bibby.


Player of the game Miller collects the board.


Carmelo with another nice play.

FINAL STANDINGS

WEST
Sacramento 22-7
Denver 21-8
San Antonio 19-10
Phoenix 19-10
Golden State 17-12
LA Lakers 17-12
Memphis 17-12
Portland 17-12
----------------------
Minnesota 16-13
Houston 15-14
Dallas 14-15
New Orleans 12-17
Utah 12-17
LA Clippers 10-19
Seattle 9-20

EAST
Detroit 19-10
Philadelphia 17-12
Washington 17-12
Indiana 18-11
Miami 15-14
New York 15-14
Boston 14-15
Orlando 14-15
----------------------
Cleveland 13-16
Chicago 11-18
Toronto 11-18
Atlanta 9-20
Charlotte 9-20
New Jersey 9-20
Milwaukee 7-22

As you can see, the Western Conference is clearly the stronger one. Philadelphia finished second in the East with a 17-12 record, which is the same as Portland's, who were eigth in the West. Boston and Orlando made the playoffs in the East with a losing record, while Minnesota and Houston were knocked out despite their winning records.
----------------------------------

PLAYOFFS ROUND ONE

WEST

1 Sacramento vs
8 Portland

2 Denver vs
7 Memphis

3 San Antonio vs
6 LA Lakers

4 Phoenix vs
5 Golden State

EAST

1 Detroit vs
8 Orlando

2 Philadelphia vs
7 Boston

3 Washington vs
6 New York

4 Indiana vs
5 Miami

COMING UP SOON

Mike Nugget of the Denver Post takes a look at the Nuggets' chances against the Memphis Grizzlies and takes a look at every matchup.

wow sacramento is first....tough loss....good luck in the playoffs

wow...minnesota didn't make it. guess you won't hafta worry about kg

Wow, that last game made all the difference. You've got yourself a much tougher opponent in Memphis than you might have had versus Portland. Good luck in the series. I will be back to check up on it.

What? The season's finished already? Man, that sure went by quickly.