ducks
04-11-2005, 05:39 PM
Golden State (31-46) at Denver (45-31)
Preview - Box Score - Recap
Game Info: 9:00 pm EDT Mon Apr 11, 2005
TV: FxBy, ALT Add to Calendar
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Despite being on the verge of wrapping up a postseason berth, Denver coach George Karl is still looking to push the surging Nuggets a little further.
``I think we should re-establish the goal of trying to reach 50 wins,'' Karl said. ``I think a 50-win season would be an incredible season, and it's feasible.''
The Nuggets look to clinch a playoff spot and inch closer to that mark by posting a season high-tying eighth straight win when they host the Golden State Warriors.
Karl took over on Jan. 28 for the Nuggets, who were eight games below .500 (17-25). During the All-Star break, he set a goal of 20 victories to close out the season, but Denver has flourished under his leadership, going 28-6 in that span and 15-1 at home.
Denver has moved from 11th in the Western Conference to seventh and trail sixth-place Houston by a half game. The Nuggets need one more victory or a Timberwolves' loss to clinch consecutive postseason berths for the first time since 1994-95.
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The Nuggets, coming off a 121-105 win over the SuperSonics on Saturday, have their most victories (45) since winning 54 games in 1987-88. Denver, which has won 21 of its last 23 games, would need five wins in their remaining six, with four at home, to reach Karl's new goal.
Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points Saturday, Earl Boykins 23 off the bench, and Andre Miller had 14 points and a season-high 17 assists for the Nuggets, who are enjoying the franchise's best stretch since going 27-2 in 1974, when they were still in the ABA.
``We have confidence. George has put a lot of confidence in us,'' said Anthony. ``He motivates us and makes us play the game the way it should be played.''
The Warriors are eliminated from the playoffs, but are experiencing their own resurgence in preparation for next season. Sparked by the leadership of Baron Davis, who was acquired at the trade deadline, the Warriors have won 11 of their last 13 games.
Golden State saw its season-high eight-game winning streak end with a 136-134 double overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Davis had 38 points, nine assists and two last-second shots to force both overtimes in the NBA's highest scoring game of the season. The eight-straight victories was the longest winning streak in 10 years for Golden State.
Jason Richardson added 23 points and Adonal Foyle had 15 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out.
With a win Monday, Denver would avoid losing its third season series in four years.
Preview - Box Score - Recap
Game Info: 9:00 pm EDT Mon Apr 11, 2005
TV: FxBy, ALT Add to Calendar
Buy Tickets
Despite being on the verge of wrapping up a postseason berth, Denver coach George Karl is still looking to push the surging Nuggets a little further.
``I think we should re-establish the goal of trying to reach 50 wins,'' Karl said. ``I think a 50-win season would be an incredible season, and it's feasible.''
The Nuggets look to clinch a playoff spot and inch closer to that mark by posting a season high-tying eighth straight win when they host the Golden State Warriors.
Karl took over on Jan. 28 for the Nuggets, who were eight games below .500 (17-25). During the All-Star break, he set a goal of 20 victories to close out the season, but Denver has flourished under his leadership, going 28-6 in that span and 15-1 at home.
Denver has moved from 11th in the Western Conference to seventh and trail sixth-place Houston by a half game. The Nuggets need one more victory or a Timberwolves' loss to clinch consecutive postseason berths for the first time since 1994-95.
ADVERTISEMENT
The Nuggets, coming off a 121-105 win over the SuperSonics on Saturday, have their most victories (45) since winning 54 games in 1987-88. Denver, which has won 21 of its last 23 games, would need five wins in their remaining six, with four at home, to reach Karl's new goal.
Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points Saturday, Earl Boykins 23 off the bench, and Andre Miller had 14 points and a season-high 17 assists for the Nuggets, who are enjoying the franchise's best stretch since going 27-2 in 1974, when they were still in the ABA.
``We have confidence. George has put a lot of confidence in us,'' said Anthony. ``He motivates us and makes us play the game the way it should be played.''
The Warriors are eliminated from the playoffs, but are experiencing their own resurgence in preparation for next season. Sparked by the leadership of Baron Davis, who was acquired at the trade deadline, the Warriors have won 11 of their last 13 games.
Golden State saw its season-high eight-game winning streak end with a 136-134 double overtime loss to the San Antonio Spurs on Sunday. Davis had 38 points, nine assists and two last-second shots to force both overtimes in the NBA's highest scoring game of the season. The eight-straight victories was the longest winning streak in 10 years for Golden State.
Jason Richardson added 23 points and Adonal Foyle had 15 points and 16 rebounds before fouling out.
With a win Monday, Denver would avoid losing its third season series in four years.