Denver Nuggets - The Next Level [Game 3 + 4]

February 2018 Review

The month of February proved to be another dominant one by the Nuggets, as they only lost 1 game to be 49-7 at the end of the month. Chauncey Billups ended on a tear, but it would be Kevin Durant's huge performances that would see him pick up the Player of the Month for the Western Conference. George Power also proved to be impossible to overlook as he picked up his second consecutive West Rookie of the Month.

While it was a big end to the month for Chauncey Billups, it was a quiet month all round for his backup Jennings. He was having troubles with his jumpshot and his playing time declined as Mr Big Shot's increased. Hopefully March will be a clean slate for Brandon as the Nuggets look to move forward.

Monthly Awards

EAST Player: [MIA] Nach Carlos (23ppg 6.9apg 1.4spg)
WEST Player: [DEN] Kevin Durant (26.8ppg 3.9rpg 2.5spg)
EAST Rookie: [ORL] Quint Meyers (7.8ppg 3.4apg 1.4spg)
WEST Rookie: [DEN] George Power (11ppg 6.9rpg 2.7apg)

MVP Race

[PHX] Stephen Curry (21.9ppg 6.9apg 1.4spg)
[PHX] LeBron James (21.6ppg 4.2rpg 4.2apg)
[DEN] Kevin Durant (22.9ppg 4.5rpg 1.7spg)
[LAL] Stanley Alston (26ppg 4.3apg 1.8spg)
[SAN] Rudy Gay (22.6ppg 7.3rpg 1.1bpg)

Standings

EAST

Milwaukee 34-20
Miami 32-20
Charlotte 29-25
Washington 29-25
Chicago 29-26
Cleveland 28-27
Toronto 28-27
Detroit 26-28
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New York 25-28
Philadelphia 23-32
New Jersey 21-33
Orlando 21-33
Atlanta 20-35
Boston 20-36
Indiana 20-37


WEST

Denver 49-7
Phoenix 41-15
Oklahoma City 34-22
San Antonio 34-23
New Orleans 33-24
Memphis 33-25
LA Clippers 30-26
Minnesota 29-26
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Dallas 25-28
Portland 24-29
Houston 23-30
LA Lakers 24-32
Utah 22-32
Sacramento 21-35
Golden State 17-38


Note: If the table for the West stays the same come playoff time, Denver will face Carmelo Anthony in the first round.

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2 months out from the playoffs and just a little over two weeks out from the release of NBA Elite 11. Whether I make it there before it comes out doesn't really matter since I probably won't buy it straight away (that and I'll be getting Fallout New Vegas first) but it does give me a nice target to achieve. Next up will be a 5 game summary. That should come along pretty soon.

Glad to see this still going strong. Try to go 24-2 the rest of the way!

Lakers 24-32 is Kobe Bryant retired?

King Dee, yes, Kobe is retired.

Nice job getting Durant and Power the montly awards. It'd be interesting to see what happens if you face Melo in the first round of the playoffs.

I love this team... You have a great team with the addition of Durant. Power + Perko = Denver's future is from P.

Glad to see this still going strong. Try to go 24-2 the rest of the way!

That'll be the goal... if I can get the season win record, I'd be content with playing the next one part time.

Lakers 24-32 is Kobe Bryant retired?

As Axel said, he is indeed retired. In fact, the only Laker from the original NBA Live 10 lineup still there is Andrew Bynum. Shannon Brown plays for OKC, the Machine plays for Dallas and Farmar plays for the Warriors.

King Dee, yes, Kobe is retired.

Nice job getting Durant and Power the montly awards. It'd be interesting to see what happens if you face Melo in the first round of the playoffs.

It'd definitely make for a great story and a tough series. I know what Melo plays like when I control him, but how he is when the CPU does will be a whole different story.

I love this team... You have a great team with the addition of Durant. Power + Perko = Denver's future is from P.

I'm even thinking about testing Power at Centre in the future to try and play him and Perko at the same time. He's got the size and plays great with his back to the basket, so I don't see why not.

Wow it would be a hell of a game if Melo-Melo would be facing Your Nuggets in the First Round Of The Playoffs!

5 Game Summary

Denver have gone one better than the previous summary and went 5-0 in this summary, extending the winning streak to 9. They comprehensively beat Indiana and the LA Clippers, but they only just managed to get away from Orlando in the fourth and had 2 tough games against Nellie's Warriors. The first one is the feature game:

Different game, same ending



Denver have snuck away with a 77-74 win in a thriller against the Warriors. They were leading 74-71 when Kevin Durant fouled Rudolph Gibson on a jumpshot that went in. Gibson would hit the free throw to make it 74-74 on the final play. With a chance to win the game, Denver could only go to one man and here's how it unfolded:

phpBB [video]

Billups ended up with 12 on the night. Kevin Durant led the way for Denver with 22, while George Power enjoyed another double-double with 16 points and 13 rebounds.

For the Warriors, leading bench player Jordan Farmar was the high point man with 21. Rudolph Gibson wasn't far behind with 20, including the game tying and 1. Andris Biedrins was the Performer of the Game though with 16 points, 15 rebounds and 3 blocks in a dominant display in the paint. Beetlejuice has gone from strength-to-strength after surprisingly being named the All-Star MVP.

Golden State showed a lot of heart, but in the end there was no denying the sheer clutch ability of Chauncey Billups.

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GSW@DEN

DEN: 77 (Durant 22, Power 16, Billups 12)
GSW: 74 (Farmar 21, Gibson 20, Biedrins 16)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Andris Biedrins 16 points 15 rebounds 3 assists 3 blocks 1 steal

Rebounds

DEN: Power 13
GSW: Biedrins 15

Assists

DEN: Billups 6
GSW: Farmar 8

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Last 5 Games

IND: 93-74 W
ORL: 89-81 W
GSW: 77-74 W
GSW: 85-81 W
LAC: 102-89 W

Denver are now 53-7

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Continuing Hot Streak

Chauncey Billups has remained in excellent form, once again registering double figures in all 5 games. Against Indiana he had 36 points and 10 assists. In fact, the only time he has gone under 15 in the last 10 games was the feature against the Warriors... but even then he was influential to Denver's final result.

The Wright Way, The Wrong Way and the George Power Way

George Power added another triple-double to his name in the second game against the Warriors. He had a stat line of 28 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. Add 6 blocks to that, including this one against Brandan Wright and you have a game even the greatest big men would be proud of.

Return to Form

There hasn't been a lot said about Jennings the last few summaries because he was in a bit of a funk. However against the Clippers, he led all Denver scorers with 26.

Adjusting to a Supporting Role

J.R. Smith has seen a dip in his production since the addition of Kevin Durant. Against the Magic, he managed to score 21; he was one of three to go 20+ for Denver.

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Next 5 Games

SAC
BOS
CHI
MIL
NJN

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60 down, 22 to go. In order to beat the Bulls record of 72-10, I need to go 20-2 in the last 22 games. It's going to require one big winning streak whichever way you look at it. Next will be another 5 game summary. With the rate I've been putting these up lately, it'll probably be within the next few days... maybe even tomorrow if I get on a tear. We'll see what happens.

Power Triple Double?
Wow He's Good! And Mr. Big Shot still has that consistency in him huh?
And Jennings 26?

Good Luck in making/Beating that 72-10 Chicago Bulls Record

Number 1 from GSW looks like a rapper

It'd definitely make for a great story and a tough series. I know what Melo plays like when I control him, but how he is when the CPU does will be a whole different story.

To be honest, unless Minnesota has a great PG, Melo probably won't be getting the ball often. Speaking from experience, he does seem to hit every shot.

Still on a tear. Loved that Chauncey Billups game-winner, his clutch rating must still be in the 90's! He's definitely one of my favorite Point Guards of all time.

Another triple-double from Power, he is proving to be another Ty Maximillian, except without the triple-doubles!

Power triple-double Jennings doesn't quite look like him...

Billups kicks ass. Retire his number

You will probably go 21-1 in the next 22 games, but don't lose

Billups does it again. Nice to see Durant get Player of the Month and some of your other guys take turns having big games.

Wow it would be a hell of a game if Melo-Melo would be facing Your Nuggets in the First Round Of The Playoffs!

Absolutely; I can just imagine him hitting every shot he took now he's not playing for me

It'd be a fun challenge though... and interesting to see him outside of a Nuggets jersey

Power Triple Double?
Wow He's Good! And Mr. Big Shot still has that consistency in him huh?
And Jennings 26?

Good Luck in making/Beating that 72-10 Chicago Bulls Record

What can I say? I have a good mix of players at the moment. I really like the way Power and Billups are playing... I'm still hoping Mr Big Shot has another year left in him. Plus it was nice to get a good score with Jennings again.

It's a record definitely in my reach, I just need to make sure I'm always playing in the right mindset.

Number 1 from GSW looks like a rapper

Old mate J-Farmz?

It'd definitely make for a great story and a tough series. I know what Melo plays like when I control him, but how he is when the CPU does will be a whole different story.

To be honest, unless Minnesota has a great PG, Melo probably won't be getting the ball often. Speaking from experience, he does seem to hit every shot.

Still on a tear. Loved that Chauncey Billups game-winner, his clutch rating must still be in the 90's! He's definitely one of my favorite Point Guards of all time.

Another triple-double from Power, he is proving to be another Ty Maximillian, except without the triple-doubles!

I can't think of who the starting Minnesota PG is, but I'm hoping Melo's shooting skills have declined enough in my game

I'd have to agree with you on Billups; him and Andre Miller are my two favourite point guards in the game at the moment.

George Power is probably the better all-round player, but Ty had stupid athleticism. One thing I miss about him is his ridiculous dunks. Every one was a windmill or a 360. Might have to make a highlight package of the ones I have.

Power triple-double Jennings doesn't quite look like him...

If you think Jennings doesn't look like himself, you should see Patty Mills

Billups kicks ass. Retire his number

You will probably go 21-1 in the next 22 games, but don't lose

It's definitely an option I'd be willing to consider. It'd be somewhat blasphemous to me if another player in my dynasty wore #1. I try to stay true to the other retired numbers in Denver. Hopefully I don't have an "Igor Martin" situation going on. I definitely know number 2 isn't taken (Alex English)

I'll do my best not to lose.

Billups does it again. Nice to see Durant get Player of the Month and some of your other guys take turns having big games.

I'm growing quite attached to Mr Big Shot, it'll be sad for me when he finally does retire... but in saying that, having Durant and Jennings in my side makes me think I've got a solid foundation for the future years. It's always nice to mix up the players stories a bit. It'd get a bit boring if it was the same 4 guys every time.

5 Game Summary

Denver have gone another round of 5-0, extending their winning streak to 13. They absolutely crushed Chicago and Milwaukee, while also winning comfortably against Sacramento. Boston provided the most resistance, but the feature game this round is against the Nets:

Nuggets extend streak to 13



The Denver Nuggets have won off another MVP performance by Chauncey Billups, defeating the Nets 78-70. Billups was named the Sprite Performer of the Game, with a game high of 27 points. Kevin Durant played second fiddle nicely with 16, while exciting rookie prospect George Power scored 10 in a more subdued effort.

For New Jersey, Colton Fitzgerald led the way with 21. Rodney Stuckey managed to score 18 and Bertrand Hofmann netted 12.

The Nets weren't a complete pushover in this game. After Denver led by as many as 21, New Jersey got the game back within 2 midway through the 3rd quarter. However, it was the 4th quarter efforts of Billups and Power that allowed the Nuggets to pull away and extend their winning streak to 13.

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NJN@DEN

DEN: 78 (Billups 27, Durant 16, Power 10)
NJN: 70 (Fitzgerald 21, Stuckey 18, Hofmann 12)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Chauncey Billups 27 points 3 rebounds 5 assists 2 steals

Rebounds

DEN: Yao 10
NJN: Garcia 12

Assists

DEN: Billups 5
NJN: Stuckey 4

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Last 5 Games

SAC: 89-79 W
BOS: 81-76 W
CHI: 99-66 W
MIL: 88-67 W
NJN: 78-70 W

Denver are now 58-7

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Rookie Revenge

Igor Martin was the prime reason why George Power fouled out of the Rookie Challenge, and "Max" didn't forget that. Power exploded for a career high 53 points as well as 17 rebounds. When you spell Igor Martin, there's no D, and that's what he lacked in the game.

1 More Year!

Chauncey Billups has been playing out of his mind lately and he was absolutely unstoppable against the Kings. He scored 44 points and dished off 6 assists. He's certainly good to go for another year, so how about it Mr Big Shot?

Vintage Earl

J.R. Smith showed some form against the Celtics that reminded everyone that he is the reigning MVP. He scored 36 points.

This Bird Can Still Fly

Look out below! Birdman can still dunk with the best of them. He had a great game in Denver's blowout of the Bucks, scoring 16 points and grabbing 8 rebounds... and blocking 1 shot for good measure.

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Next 5 Games

HOU
MEM
NOH
@POR
@PHX

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The end of the month falls before the end of the next 5 game summary, so that will be up next. And yes, for those with a slightly dirty mind, the month will fall after game 69.

17 games to go in the regular season, how far can I extend this streak to?

What a game by Power! He certainly got his revenge in that one and then some. Good to see Billups hasn't cooled off either.

badreligionau, What!
Billups 44 Points And 6 Assists? Wow Keep That Up!

Ooh Yeah ! I Really Like On How Your Old Vets Goes Back In Their Young 30's Like Birdman And Billups.
And It Seems I Dont See Durant On The Spot Light?

Almost There In The Playoffs.
And Just a request can you add video highlights during the Playoffs if you can?

70 is still within reach. Can't believe how Mr Big Shot is still playing..

The end of the month falls before the end of the next 5 game summary, so that will be up next. And yes, for those with a slightly dirty mind, the month will fall after game 69.

Why do I get the feeling that's directed towards me?

Good to see the old guys (Birdman and Billups) are still playing well. Power put Igor in his place for wearing MJ's number. Hoping you can go 75-7.

Billups is ageless. And Power, he really is powerful. 53-17, damn!

Power is awesome.... What college did he go to?

Hopefully I don't have an "Igor Martin" situation going on. I definitely know number 2 isn't taken (Alex English)

Let's just say Jordan agreed to unretire his number for a close friend's son. (that is, Igor)

What a game by Power! He certainly got his revenge in that one and then some. Good to see Billups hasn't cooled off either.

I thought it'd be a nice little rivalry to develop early. Being both in their first two years, there's a lot of matchups ahead of them. Billups has just been the man... with his scoring it's getting even harder to lose at the moment (knock on wood)

badreligionau, What!
Billups 44 Points And 6 Assists? Wow Keep That Up!

Ooh Yeah ! I Really Like On How Your Old Vets Goes Back In Their Young 30's Like Birdman And Billups.
And It Seems I Dont See Durant On The Spot Light?

Almost There In The Playoffs.
And Just a request can you add video highlights during the Playoffs if you can?

The vets are always my favourites, which is why I always get atleast one ring chaser during the off-season.

And it's not that Durant hasn't been great, because he has, it's just there are other people coming up with bigger performances on my team; Durantula just tends to do it more consistently I guess.

I'll see what I can do about the highlights during the playoffs

70 is still within reach. Can't believe how Mr Big Shot is still playing..

After several seasons of controlling Billups, I've finally managed to figure out how to maximise his potential... too bad he's probably on the way out.

The end of the month falls before the end of the next 5 game summary, so that will be up next. And yes, for those with a slightly dirty mind, the month will fall after game 69.

Why do I get the feeling that's directed towards me?

Good to see the old guys (Birdman and Billups) are still playing well. Power put Igor in his place for wearing MJ's number. Hoping you can go 75-7.

Geez, I wonder why Mr "Don't get 69 wins, that's a dirty number"

Definitely going for as many wins as I can get. 75-7 would be amazing.

Billups is ageless. And Power, he really is powerful. 53-17, damn!

Agreed; ability knows no age. From the oldest guy to one of the youngest, anyone can be a standout on this team.

Power is awesome.... What college did he go to?

He's a Spartan (Michigan State)... same school as Magic Johnson, Steve Smith and... Mateen Cleaves

Hopefully I don't have an "Igor Martin" situation going on. I definitely know number 2 isn't taken (Alex English)

Let's just say Jordan agreed to unretire his number for a close friend's son. (that is, Igor)

Yeah, I don't think I'll be running with that story. MJ was a ruthless competitor and I don't think he would give his number to anyone because he earnt the right to have it. Just what I think anyway.

March 2018 Review

Denver did it again, going another month undefeated. This brings their current winning streak to 18. Either the rest of the competition is falling away or the Nuggets are just getting stronger. They were led by inspired performances from stalwart Chauncey Billups and consistent outings from MVP candidate Kevin Durant. When you add J.R. Smith and West Rookie of the Month winner George Power to the mix, Denver's offensive arsenal is arguably the greatest the league has seen in this decade. They seem poised to defend their title, but nothing is set in stone yet.

Monthly Awards

East Player: [MIA] Nach Carlos (21.6ppg 4.8apg 1.4spg)
West Player: [LAL] Stanley Alston (26.7ppg 3.1rpg 4.1apg)
East Rookie: [ORL] Quint Meyers (5.7ppg 1.6rpg 2.2apg)
West Rookie: [DEN] George Power (13.2ppg 8.4rpg 3.1apg)

MVP Candidates

[LAL] Stanley Alston (26.1ppg 4.3apg 1.7spg)
[PHX] Stephen Curry (21.9ppg 6.8apg 1.4spg)
[LAC] Ollie Rose (24.4ppg 3.6apg 1.7spg)
[DEN] Kevin Durant (21.9ppg 4.3rpg 1.9spg)
[PHX] LeBron James (20.8ppg 4.2rpg 4apg)

Still no one from the Eastern Conference in serious MVP talks, despite Nach Carlos dominating the Monthly Award for the conference.

Standings

EAST

Miami 41-27
Milwaukee 41-28
Charlotte 37-31
Chicago 36-34
Toronto 35-34
Washington 35-33
Cleveland 34-34
New York 32-35
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Detroit 30-38
Philadelphia 29-40
Boston 29-41
Indiana 27-41
Atlanta 27-42
Orlando 24-43
New Jersey 24-44


WEST

Denver 62-7
Phoenix 49-19
San Antonio 45-25
Oklahoma City 45-26
LA Clippers 40-30
New Orleans 37-34
Memphis 36-35
Minnesota 35-35
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Houston 32-36
Dallas 31-37
Portland 32-38
Utah 30-38
LA Lakers 31-40
Sacramento 27-43
Golden State 22-47


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Last month of the regular season is here. Denver need 10 wins from 13 games to reach the Bulls record of 72-10. Can they reach and possibly break this long-standing record?

The next 5 game summary should be up shortly