Preview Details: Who: <font color="SeaGreen">Seattle Sonics</font> (11-11) vs <font color="Blue">Denver Nuggets</font>(15-9) Where: Key Arena When: Wed, Dec 17th, 7pm TV: None Projected Lineups: <font color="SeaGreen">Seattle</font> PG: Antonio Daniels/Brent Barry/Luke Ridnour SG: Brent Barry/Ronald Murray/Richie Frahm SF: Rashard Lewis/Ansu Sesay/Vladimir Radmanovic PF: Vladimir Radmanovic/Reggie Evans/Vitaly Potapenko C: Jerome James/Calvin Booth/Vitaly Potapenko Coached by Nate McMillan <font color="Blue">Denver</font> PG: Andre Miller/Earl Boykins SG: Voshon Lenard/Rodney White/John Barry SF: Carmelo Anthony/Ryan Bowen/Nikoloz Tskitishvili PF: Nene/Chris Anderson C: Marcus Camby/Francisco Elson Coached by Jeff Bzdelik <font color="SeaGreen">Sonic Injury List:</font> Ray Allen: ankle, expected to miss 1 more week. Nick Collison: shoulder, season. <font color="Blue">Nugget Injury List</font> Mark Pope: left knee, on IL. Jeff Trepagnier: left ankle, on IL. Analysis: So close, yet so far is the message for Seattle fans after last night's game in Phoenix. Rashard Lewis missed freethrows to close it out, and they conceeded a soft basket to Shawn Marion to clinch victory. Pretty much the story of Seattle's season, able to play good ball at times but not yet good enough to close out a ballgame, or keep momentum for long periods of time. Denver on the other hand are the most improved team in the NBA, bar none. Carmelo Anthony is a frontrunner for Rookie of the Year, and Denver boast a fantastic mix of veterans and young players, and one of the best young coaches going around in Jeff Bzdelik. Denver preach steady teamwork and hard working defense, two aspects which aren't prominent on the Sonics roster. Seattle will need to get off to a fast start and shoot very well if they want to take this one. <font size="4">"Watch out for the backdoor!" </font> - Seattle assistant Dwayne Casey from the sidelines momentarily before Shawn Marion hit the winning bucket. The way the points were given up is typical of Seattle's inexcusable defensive play at times this season. Key Factor: Whether or not the Sonics can break their trend and play scrappy basketball. Denver have been so successful because they possess a squad with a lot of toughness and heart. Last season they only won 17 games, but they weren't easy to beat because of the intensity and spirit Bzdelik instilled in his players. This season, Denver have the players to match their hustle, and it is paying dividends. Seattle need to use their hustle players like Antonio Daniels and Reggie Evans as much as possible, because if they try and play their usual style of trying to outscore the opposition without worrying about defense, they could unravel. Key Matchup: Rashard Lewis vs Carmelo Anthony This should be a mouthwatering affair. Lewis is coming off a 27/13 game against the Suns, but will be eager to atone for his missed freethrows and some crucial turnovers in the clutch against Phoenix. Anthony on the other hand has been struggling with his shot all season, but is showing why he is rated so highly nonetheless. Both of these guys are superb pure scorers, and can do almost anything offensively. Seattle will, as per usual, feed Lewis the ball early on to get his confidence up, and he usually capitalizes on a hot start. Anthony will want to make his first few shots, as if he starts out cold then he often tries to force it a bit, which comes with inexperience. Lewis isn't a great defender either, so look for Anthony to try and go one and one, both on the perimeter and in the post. X-Factors: <font color="SeaGreen">Seattle</font> Calvin Booth - probably the best of Seattle's centre rotation this season. While that doesn't say much, the Sonic will need his shotblocking off the bench to counter Marcus Camby, who is of a similar build. Especially important given Jerome James' tendancy to pick up cheap fouls. <font color="Blue">Denver</font> Chris Andersen - Denver's answer to Jim McIlvaine? Arguably the best shotblocker in the league, along with Ryan Bowen he brings the sort of scrappiness and hustle off the bench that wins ball games.
What's your prediction Dez? I have to give this one to the nuggets. They have been played GREAT basketball.
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting NugzFan:</div><div class="quote_post">the game is at seattle and why does it say phoenix above andersens picture?</div> It says the game is in Key Arena, which is Seattle's home court. As for the Phoenix bit, that's because I used the same template I used for my Phoenix preview and just forgot to change that bit. But thanks for pointing it out. Rudeezy, I never usually give a prediction because I like to see what other's think first, but I couldn't really go against Denver. Playing too good basketball right now.
Great match-up with Shard vs. Melo. I want to see how Shard responds after missing those crucial free throws the other night. He's had an up and down season, and finally busted out last night. I'm counting on him to have another monster game against Melo. Both teams like to run the court and launch, should be a high scoring contest and a lot of great finishes. Denver is playing great ball, but I have a feeling Seattle edges this one out.
what an ending!!! shapecity was right - shard vs melo. nugs up 2, shard hits AND ONE...makes the fts this time (unlike last night)...seattle up 1...next possession melo hits the game winner!
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting Sir Desmond:</div><div class="quote_post">It says the game is in Key Arena, which is Seattle's home court. As for the Phoenix bit, that's because I used the same template I used for my Phoenix preview and just forgot to change that bit. But thanks for pointing it out. </div> the at seattle thing wasnt directed to you. sorry bout that.
Great finish, two clutch plays from Shard and then Anthony, absolutely heartbreaking for Seattle. Pity the game wasn't on TV, but what I picked up from listening to the commentary over the net: - Antonio daniels is really looking comfortable as a starter, and his teammates look comfortable with him too. Had another 18 and 5 dimes tonight. - Lewis is really starting to be aggressive and selfish offensively (good selfish, that is). Has taken around 25 shots 2 of the last 3 before that (the other game he hurt his shoulder), and took another 18 tonight. Too often he doesn't get involved enough, and he should be the main option even when Ray is back. - Murray could now be a chance at 6th man, as well as most improved. Now he's settled into coming off the bench he's putting up some nice numbers. Responded from going scoreless against Phoenix by putting up 19 tonight. Spurs on saturday, who just won their 8th straight today. I guess someone has to beat 'em though...
<div class="quote_poster">Quoting anadagirlballer4strt:</div><div class="quote_post">yea...if only Lewis knew how to be the main option.</div> Yup Then again the kid's only 24, he's had Payton or Allen around him hiw whole career, so he's only just learning how to be the main guy on a ball club. I can't wait to see him when he's 26-27 and coming into his prime, IMo could be a 25ppg guy.
