Sorry Nuggs fans, the torment continues.
It's a revenge game for the Nuggets, but unfortunately, the Spurs Grinch is here to stay to spoil the party and presents. Also, we currently sit at nine straight wins and I'd like for that number to hit double-digits again. Not that I'd want the Spurs to prove anything to the rest of the league (they really don't have to), but because you know, winning is fun.
Hackishness, after the jump.
Here is a 90s classic for your every-preview musical dose.
Also, since the Spurs won't be part of the Christmas mega lineup of games, here's an awesome Ramones Christmas track.
And now for some blatant lifting of the last Nuggets preview:
![]() Denver Nuggets @ San Antonio Spurs Watch: FSSW, NBA LP By the Numbers
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Lineups
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Lineups
Starters
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Matchup Analysis
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Center | |
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Bench | |
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Intangibles | ![]() |
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Mojo | |
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Winner |
Starters
PG: Lawson did a good job the last time out, not scoring a bunch of points but just orchestrating the Nuggets offense. Even though Lawson might be able to match Parker's quickness, Tony still has to put the pressure on this guy, and take advantage of at least the height advantage.
SG: Afflalo absolutely killed us in that tight game in Denver, so I hope the coaching staff can check him better for this one. He's a good shooter from deep and can play some defense. He made life a little more difficult for Manu, but I'm betting Ginobili will want to put the score further out of reach to remove doubts about the legitimacy of the Spurs' previous win.
SF: [Update Carmelo Anthony won't play tonight due to death in the family] : Let's admit it -- Melo just tore up RJ for 31 points in the last meeting, and easily blew by 2.0 in that last play if not for Manu stepping in to draw the charge. No one can really stop Anthony, but hopefully RJ can force him to take tougher shots than last time (10-20 FG for 50%), as Carmelo will also be looking to redeem his team from that narrow loss at home.
PF: Blair was largely ineffective in his first encounter with "The Landlord", but his play against the Suns bigs last game should give him some confidence. I have complete confidence that DeBeast can do a better job this time.
C: Nene is finally living up to his potential on offense, but his rebounding is still lacking and he gambles way too much on defense. Timmeh absolutely abused him in their first match up this season, and I expect the same to happen now that GOATPUFF is at home.
Bench
JR Smith probably made one of the sickest dunks of the year over Gary Neal, and I hope Neal responds to the challenge (he played superbly against the Suns). Dr. Quinn, Medicine Man, has also proved to be quite the steady shooter, and has been another pleasant surprise in a season already full of surprises. Additionally, Tiago was injured in the first meeting, so hopefully he can see the light of day against a rather shorthanded Denver frontline.
Coaching
Pop is Pop. Karl has become a much better coach during his tenure in Denver, but he still has to deal with too many headcases.
Intangibles
Denver is out to avenge its close loss, but the Spurs are at home and looking to start aggressively in preparation for the impending Orlando SEGABABA.
Mojo
We're 24-3 and seem to be cruising along. Confidence is also very high. Meanwhile, the trade winds in Denver are blowing stronger and stronger coming from New Jersey. Change is a' comin'.
Prediction
Spurs win by double digits over a distracted Nuggets team.
Key(s) to the Game
Key 1 - The 3-Ball. Both teams like to shoot the 3 - in fact, the Nuggets have shot more than the Spurs this year. We need to chase them off the line and limit them to long jumpers, while also passing the ball to find the open shots against Denver's shaky defense. Hopefully our shooters are on point so we can put away the game early.
Key 2 - Interior Defense/Rebounding. Denver is 2nd in the league in FT/FGA and they shoot the freebies fairly well. The Spurs need to close down the lane and rebound the ball, limiting the And 1s.
Other Reading
Spurs
Nuggets
Denver Stiffs (SB Nation)
Following Along
TV
FSN Southwest; NBA League Pass for the haves. For the have nots, read on.
Radio
WOAI 1200AM; Audio League Pass [streaming]
Online
As always, NBA league pass is recommended for those who are willing to pony up the cash. Almost every Spurs game will be broadcast there, which is especially helpful for those of us who aren't in the San Antonio area.
Please don't post links to illegal game feeds in the game thread. Links to illegal feeds are not permitted on SBNation, but you can probably find them out there on the internets if you're resourceful and desperate. You can also shoot an email to poundingtherockmail@yahoo.com (IMPORTANT: Please include your PtR username in the email for reference) for further assistance.