Jonah Ballow
Wolves Editor/Writer
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Wolves vs. Nuggets 7 PM - Target Center
WHERE TO WATCH: FS NORTH
WHERE TO LISTEN: KFAN 1130

Scouting Report:
Big Picture:

Kurt Rambis DOWNLOAD MP3 Voice of the Opposition DOWNLOAD MP3 Ryan Gomes DOWNLOAD MP3 George Karl DOWNLOAD MP3

Last season, the Mile High City was treated to a thrilling ride to the NBA Finals. The Denver Nuggets return as one of the top contenders in the Western Conference with the core group of players that challenged the Lakers for supremacy. While the team did not chase a free agent like Los Angeles, San Antonio, or Houston, the Nuggets added an impact point guard in the June Draft. Denver selected North Carolina speedster Ty Lawson and the results are astounding through 14 games of the new season. With a 10-4 record, the Nuggets are fresh off a victory over the winless Nets last night.

Backcourt:
The backcourt conversation must begin with the leadership skills from Chauncey Billups at the point guard position. Billups boosted the professional level of this ball club both inside and outside the locker room. After capturing an NBA championship with the Pistons and experiencing several Eastern Conference playoff battles, Billups is the x-factor for Denver. This year, Billups averages 16.3 points a game, and has recorded six 20-plus games. The Colorado native is the ultimate package for a point guard with off-the-dribble skills, post-up abilities, deep range on his jumper, and not to mention clutch shooting down the stretch. Rookie Jonny Flynn will face a tremendous challenge tonight in defending Billups but the most exciting matchup may occur when Lawson enters the game. Aside from both players suiting up at primetime colleges last year, Flynn and Lawson share similar attributes on the floor. These extremely quick point guards use their low center of gravity to navigate to the paint. Lawson shocked Denver fans with a highlight reel dunk over 7-foot Lakers center D.J. Mbenga while Flynn posted a one-handed windmill jam during Summer League action. For most of this season, Lawson has provided the Nuggets second unit with a burst of speed and he helps keep Billups fresh for the postseason. On the opposite side, Flynn scored a team-high 17 points in the loss to the Clippers on Monday night. Expect fireworks when Lawson and Flynn slip on the track shoes tonight.

Frontcourt:
It’s clearly evident that Carmelo Anthony is on mission to restore his image this year. The cornrows are gone and so are the questions surrounding Anthony’s work ethic despite his amazing skill set. Anthony has joined the MVP conversation as one of the most unstoppable offensive players in the league. If the opposition gives Anthony room on the perimeter, he will drain jumpers. If the Wolves defend the outside shot, Anthony is quick enough to create off the dribble with a devastating jab-step. Anthony is even proficient as a post presence for the Nuggets frontcourt. His offensive numbers are staggering; Anthony is averaging a league-best 30.5 points per game in 36 minutes of court time. Nene and Kenyon Martin finalize an athletic frontline for Denver. Head coach George Karl would like to see better results in the rebounding department, board work is one of their deficiencies this season.

What To Look For:
Denver is flat out scary with a bevy of offensive weapons. This report has yet to mention J.R. Smith, the streaky veteran shooting guard who can light up box scores on any given night. Defensively, the Nuggets will allow teams to score because of their up-tempo pace. Minnesota needs to increase defensive intensity but not allow Denver to rack up points at the charity stripe. The Nuggets are the No. 1 team in the league at reaching the free throw line and they average 80 percent as a team.

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