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

[megarover]

Wow that team is...really no good. Sweep em

[Alpha_]

It's been a while since I last visited ur dynasty story.. good luck in the playoffs..

[Kenny]

Great grabbing the awards and good luck on the Playoffs. Just wonderin' what is the rating of David Lee?

Don't know if a sweep with Al Jeff and Durant. A 4-1, I would say.

What's Ajinca's rating, starting over Diaw? (I know Diaw is kinda old here)

who cares about Diaw, what about Lee?

who cares about Diaw, what about Lee?

Oh, didn't see him. What about Lee, then?

Here are the ratings of the players in question:

Ajinca 69
Lee 66
Diaw 62

I think the live engine has been rather harsh on David Lee, but accurate with Diaw.

Sweep

Don't get the broom out, get a mop out . This T-Wolves team is built around 2 great players, well I guess 3 with David Lee, but why put him on the bench?
Apart from your series with the T-Wolves, I'm also interested in the Rockets-Blazers series.

I'd be disappointed if I didn't sweep this team, but in saying that, I've let some ordinary teams take me to 7 games

And Lee is on the bench because apparently his game has deteriorated A LOT.

Great recap, congrats on all the awards. It's definitely been a successful season for you so far, here's hoping you can continue that form all the way to another championship.

Thanks Andrew; that Most Improved trophy proves to be the illusive one now. I hope I can get another ring to possibly send off Birdman and Mr Big Shot

Absolutely loving this, good luck in the playoffs

Thanks Wyze, I'm glad you're enjoying it

Wow that team is...really no good. Sweep em

They're not great on paper, but any team with Durant is a threat in my book.

It's been a while since I last visited ur dynasty story.. good luck in the playoffs..

Thans King Dee, and welcome back

[Kenny]

Denver Vs Minnesota

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Game 1: Denver claim first game at home



Denver have overcome a slow start to beat Minnesota in game 1 by 97-89. Denver were down by 10 at the end of the first, but in the middle two quarters they found inspiration from a less than likely source. Shannon Brown would prove to be the hero as he top scored for Denver with 31 points, going 8-11 from the field. In the fourth quarter, Carmelo Anthony came to the party to finish off the Timberwolves. He ended up with 19 for the game. The other two notable scorers for Denver were Chauncey Billups (17) and Jordan Hill (10). MVP J.R. Smith only had 6.

For Minnesota, Durant was the top scorer with 28. Alexis Ajinca registered a double-double (16 points, 10 rebounds) along with Al Jefferson (13 points, 10 rebounds). Roy Kohler (15) and Cameron Robin (10) were the other two major scorers.

Denver managed to escape this game, but they will require a better performance from their regular season MVP.

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MIN@DEN

DEN: 97 (Brown 31, Anthony 19, Billups 17)
MIN: 89 (Durant 28, Ajinca 16, Kohler 15)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Al Jefferson 13 points 10 rebounds 4 assists 4 blocks

Rebounds

DEN: Andersen 13
MIN: Ajinca, Jefferson 10

Assists

DEN: Andersen 5
MIN: Robin 9

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Game 2: Nuggets win classic in double overtime



It took two extra periods of play, but the Denver Nuggets have managed to take game two of the series with a 130-121 win against the Minnesota Timberwolves... however if it weren't for Chauncey Billups, the series could well be leveled. In the first extra period, he landed a clutch 3 to even the scores and send it into the second overtime period. He had 21 points on the night. J.R. Smith had a much better game this time around with 27, but this game well and truly belonged to Melo. A man known for bringing his game in the playoffs, he scored 49 points in the victory. Shannon Brown also continued his good form with another double figure score (13).

For Minnesota, Durant was inspiration with 36, while Cameron Robin and Roy Kohler both scored 20 a piece. Al Jefferson (18 points, 18 rebounds) and Alexis Ajinca (15 points, 16 rebounds) both had outstanding games once again, but the three time finals MVP proved to be the difference once again.

This was truly one of the greatest games in recent memory... if not the greatest game.

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MIN@DEN

(2OT)
DEN: 130 (Anthony 49, Smith 27, Billups 21)
MIN: 121 (Durant 36, Robin 20, Kohler 20)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Carmelo Anthony 49 points 4 rebounds 3 assists 1 block 1 steal

Rebounds

DEN: Andersen, Hill, Lopez 8
MIN: Jefferson 18

Assists

DEN: Billups 8
MIN: Kohler 9

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Game 3: Nuggets stomp Wolves in Prince town



Denver are just one win away after recording a 93-76 victory over Minnesota. Anthony once again was the player of the game with 31 points. J.R. Smith is starting to regain some of his scoring form with 24, while Shannon Brown scored 10 to once again prove his value off the bench.

For the Timberwolves, Kevin Durant was once again the high-point man with 24, while narrowly missing a double-double with 9 assists. He received good support from Roy Kohler who scored 19, while Al Jefferson achieved his third straight double-double (14 points, 11 rebounds). Cameron Robin rounded out the scorers with 11.

With Denver on the verge of advancing, Minnesota's defense is going to have to step up in the next game.

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DEN@MIN

DEN: 93 (Anthony 31, Smith 24, Brown 10)
MIN: 76 (Durant 24, Kohler 19, Jefferson 14)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Carmelo Anthony 31 points 2 rebounds 2 assists 3 steals

Rebounds

DEN: Andersen 17
MIN: Jefferson 11

Assists

DEN: Perko 6
MIN: Durant 9

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Game 4: Mr Big Shot sends a message as Denver completes the sweep



Chauncey Billups has put up another trademark big time performance as the Nuggets complete the sweep against the T-Wolves. The 40 year old Billups scored 41 points in their 103-94 win. He was helped out by current 6th man of the year Jordan Hill, who registered a double-double with 16 points. Smith had his second indifferent night of the series with 15 points, while Nicolas Batum added some unexpected scoring off the bench with 13. Anthony rounded out the scorers with 11.

A big part of Denver's win was keeping Jefferson off the boards. Although he got 8 rebounds, he was nowhere near as threatening. Kevin Durant was the top scorer again with 24 points. Cameron Robin had 20 while Roy Kohler scored 19. Al Jefferson as mentioned wasn't as effective this game, but he did score 14 points. Alexis Ajinca was only just shy of a double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Denver will go on to face the winner of the Houston and Portland series.

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DEN@MIN

DEN: 103 (Billups 41, Hill 16, Smith 15)
MIN: 94 (Durant 24, Robin 20, Kohler 19)

Sprite Performer of the Game: Chauncey Billups 41 points 2 rebounds 6 assists 1 block 2 steals

Rebounds

DEN: Hill 14
MIN: Ajinca 9

Assists

DEN: Billups 6
MIN: Gibson 7

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Click the picture to see a slideshow of the first round:



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Denver managed to get out of that series rather quickly, but they'll face a much tougher opponent no matter who they face. Next up will be the Conference Semi Finals preview.

[Bucket]

What I said ? Good job men.

[Andrew]

Not quite MVP form for JR Smith, but it didn't really matter. Nice job getting the sweep, Game 2 sounds like it was a nail-biter.

[Axel The Great]

J.R. better not choke in the playoffs. Anyways, nice 4-game stretch, Game 2 sounded like a real epic game.

[Martti.]

Nice sweep! JR's number's were down, but it didn't matter. Show's you have depth.

[Murat]

Hehe... Good sweep. Nuggets know something. Experienced Billups + Melo in his prime + Young Guns = Powerful Nuggets!
EDIT: Not good, perfect

[kibaxx7]

Wow man, Chauncey is already 40 years old... hopefully he can say goodbye to his NBA career with a last ring. I don't see him playing another season!

[megarover]

Billups is playing like he is 30 years old and his 41 might even be a playoff high. .

[Clutch]

terrific series

Mr. BigShot was huge both in game 2 and the clincher... 'Melo will be 'Melo of course ie., HUGE... also, nice work by Jordan Hill; he seems to really be a factor for you

[Kenny]

What I said ? Good job men.

Thanks Durantula; the first two games were tough but after I got a gameplan sorted out, it wasn't too bad. Couldn't contain your namesake though (but can anybody?).

Not quite MVP form for JR Smith, but it didn't really matter. Nice job getting the sweep, Game 2 sounds like it was a nail-biter.

Number two was possibly the most exciting game I ever played. A double overtime in the playoffs... it doesn't get a whole lot better than that

J.R. better not choke in the playoffs. Anyways, nice 4-game stretch, Game 2 sounded like a real epic game.

The thing with J.R. is that while he had an excellent season, he never proved that he was particularly clutch. He had some massive games, but when the game was on the line, the ball was more likely to go to Melo. Melo is one dude who has proven to be clutch for me over the seasons... not to mention that Billups is one of the biggest clutch shooters of all time.

Nice sweep! JR's number's were down, but it didn't matter. Show's you have depth.

I always thought in the playoffs that I would have to rely on my depth more than Earl. I prefer the team efforts anyway

Hehe... Good sweep. Nuggets know something. Experienced Billups + Melo in his prime + Young Guns = Powerful Nuggets!
EDIT: Not good, perfect

All those in combination are a good mix I'll have to admit

Wow man, Chauncey is already 40 years old... hopefully he can say goodbye to his NBA career with a last ring. I don't see him playing another season!

You're probably right, but I still wouldn't bank on the fact that he'll retire at the start of next season. In fact, I had Grant Hill play til his was 41 and he had a much lesser role in my team than Mr Big Shot has at the moment... we'll see though; it'll make for an interesting season no matter what happens.

Billups is playing like he is 30 years old and his 41 might even be a playoff high. .

I actually think Billups' game won't deteriate as much when he gets older in real life as well. I just think he's one of those guys who has the fundamentals to make up for his body getting slower.

terrific series

Mr. BigShot was huge both in game 2 and the clincher... 'Melo will be 'Melo of course ie., HUGE... also, nice work by Jordan Hill; he seems to really be a factor for you

As he's gotten older, I've found ways to utilise Billups better; which kind of sucks really since it would have been great to know from the start. As you more or less said, Melo is a superstar and Jordan Hill has been a really surprising pick up. I think I could almost put him down as an "NBA Live favourite" at this point.

[Kenny]

NBA Playoffs
Conference Semi Finals Preview



Results

WEST

(1) Denver 4 - 0 Minnesota (8)
(5) Portland 4 - 3 Houston (4)
(3) Phoenix 4 - 0 Oklahoma City (6)
(2) LA Clippers 4 - 3 San Antonio (7)

EAST

(8) New York 4 - 1 Cleveland (1) [flashback anyone?]
(4) Miami 4 - 2 New Jersey (5)
(3) Charlotte 4 - 2 Washington (6)
(2) Toronto 4 - 3 Milwaukee (7)


Denver Vs Portland

The Lineups



The Starters

| Chris Andersen | Borislav Perko | Carmelo Anthony | J.R. Smith | Chauncey Billups |

The Bench

| Jordan Hill | Patrick Mills | Robin Lopez | Taylor MacKenzie | Nicolas Batum | Shannon Brown | Basil Richter |

IR

| Taj Gibson | Oleksiy Pecherov | Sam Conners |



The Starters

| Josh Boone | Darrell Sullivan | Jeff Green | Brandon Roy | Dakota Barry |

The Bench

| Jon Fitzgerald | Edmund Robin | Stephen David | Garth Kearley | Alvin McDonnell | Jerry Tuttle | Gabriel Harris |

IR

| Jeffrey Axel | Kris Humphries |

Keys

Wingmen: I haven't specified whose wingmen, because both sides have high quality players at the two and three. For Denver you have 4 MVP trophies between J.R. Smith and Carmelo Anthony (whether they're regular season or finals), and for Portland you have a former Finals MVP in Brandon Roy and the very versatile Jeff Green.

It'll prove to be a great matchup. Both of these teams have been proven in the playoffs and both have their fair share of rings. The wing battle could be the place where the two are set apart.

Denver's savvy old men: Chauncey Billups is 40; Chris Andersen is 38... but does this deter them? Both of these players could prove to be a strength for Denver, but if Portland play their cards right, they might find a way for them to be a weakness. Will they once again disregard the age barrier and come up triumphant?

Josh Boone: It might seem unfair to keep picking him out as a liability; he does after all have a championship ring. When you think about it though, he could very well be a target for "Hack-a-shaq" tactics if Denver get desperate. Also, his offensive game won't be a huge factor in the series. I feel as if Denver should single out Josh Boone if they are to dominate this series, because he still seems like the weakest link in an otherwise solid Portland lineup.

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Answer: Denver's four 6th man award recipients of this dynasty are:

Malik Allen (year 1)
Matt Bonner (year 2)
Taylor MacKenzie (year 4)
Jordan Hill (year 8)

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The first four games of this series are up next... with any luck, they'll be the only four games (hope I didn't just jinx myself)

[Murat]

Blazers are really young...

[dare]

What is the rating of Dakota Barry, he might run rings around Billups.

[Andrew]

Not many real players on the Blazers. Hope you can take care of business in four or five.

[Bucket]

Blazers with only Roy and Green ? Really young team. What is the Blazers overall?
Nuggets in 6

[Axel The Great]

What??? Blazers beat the Rockets? Sweep them!

There's a mistake I'd like to point out: you forgot to add names to the IR's of Portland. Not a big deal, but I'm just pointing it out. So, um, yeah sweep the JailBla... I mean TrailBlazers.

[Clutch]

just noticed Billups totally looks like he gave the Wolves crowd the finger in the game 4 pic nice

where's LBJ? must be in NY now, with those results

defnitely go at Boone the whole series and don't let up; he's soft as a newborn pinky mouse compared to your bigs - GL

[Martti.]

Sweep!

[megarover]

The Blazers oldest player in Roy which is saying something.

[Wyze]

What??? Blazers beat the Rockets? Sweep them!

There's a mistake I'd like to point out: you forgot to add names to the IR's of Portland. Not a big deal, but I'm just pointing it out. So, um, yeah sweep the JailBla... I mean TrailBlazers.

I'm pretty sure one of them is Kris Humphries?

But good luck against this team, I want to see you meet the Raps in the finals, ...and if you do, lose

[Justine.]

Ready the brooms again Sweep it.

[kibaxx7]

Lol @ Portland's bench, all generated rooks. 4-1 for you!

By the way, congrats on the 1000 replies