who is the nuggets x factor against the spurs

[Man of Steel]

Melo.

If Melo tanks--it will be a short 4 game series.

If he gives Bowen a tough time--watch out--series stretches to 5.

[NuGGeTs-FaN]

Dermarr Johnson.

If he can get the bench warmed to about 75-85 degrees then the Nuggets have a chance

[ShoogarBear]

I'm waiting.......

Um, I could care less about rodeo or square dancing.

And most other minor sports.

But nobody's claiming they're part of the "Big 4".

[Cry Havoc]

Nenê... And it's not even debatable.

If the refs don't go overboard with Timmay's star treatment he will really affect this series...

People who only follow scoreboards and stats think Camby is our defensive ace... If you think so, you haven't been looking... While Camby gets the stats... Nenê does the dirty work...

He boxes out great... Whenever you see Camby having one of those 15-20 rebounds a night... Be sure that Nenê was there protecting the rim for him... I've seen him box out three guys in a game against the Bucks... It's amazing...

He's the one playing physical the other team's top offensive big man... He fights off P&R very well, he stays in front of his man, and when posted up, he seldomly loses ground, and most times forces the other guy to shoot a crappy shot... According to 82games.com, his opposition (positioning wise) shoots 38% on iFG% (those are inside shots)... And that's when Camby thrives on his blocks... Coming from the weakside when Nenê traps the attacker...

I'm not naive... Star big men will have their points on Denver... But, whenever he got a fair shake by the refs (allowing him to play, saving him from touch-bs-fouls) he really slows down his man... I've seen, time and over again, KG, Dirk and even Timmay have to WORK against him... In the final boxscore they eventually get their close to 20 pts average... But with fg% on the lower 40s... Most those points 20 pts come when Nenê's on the bench...

On offense, he's been a beast lately... He has no resemblance of a reliable 15ft jumper... But since he slimmed down, he's dunking on people left or right, finishing with a soft touch when needed, and he can finish (even on short hooks) with BOTH HANDS... Seriously... He's low post game is GREAT... He's been shooting over 70% on the last month (against top notch compe ion), and he's been more than reliable on his FT, shooting close to 78%... Most of all, hitting crunch time ones... He's been averaging 15 pts for the 2nd half of the season (on 7-8 shots a game) and he has a knack for drawing fouls... If he and Melo get it going on the P&R you guys are in trouble (seriously)...

I think I made my case...

Good post. There is only one problem with it though.

In 2005, Duncan played against the Detroit Pistons, who had Sheed and Ben Wallace. Two of the better post-defenders in the game that season. And Duncan destroyed them.

In game 7, he mauled them. Made them look 2 steps slow. They could double team him and it didn't matter. He took over.

Now, Nene MIGHT be a great defender (emphasis on might), but is he in the league of the Sheeds combined? I'm not sure.

One other thing: Duncan rampage against the Pistons came on only one good leg. There is simply no other post-presence more unstoppable in the league right now. He won't drop 50 a night, but only because he knows he doesn't have to.

[Fernando TD21]

Good post. There is only one problem with it though.

In 2005, Duncan played against the Detroit Pistons, who had Sheed and Ben Wallace. Two of the better post-defenders in the game that season. And Duncan destroyed them.

In game 7, he mauled them. Made them look 2 steps slow. They could double team him and it didn't matter. He took over.

Now, Nene MIGHT be a great defender (emphasis on might), but is he in the league of the Sheeds combined? I'm not sure.

One other thing: Duncan rampage against the Pistons came on only one good leg. There is simply no other post-presence more unstoppable in the league right now. He won't drop 50 a night, but only because he knows he doesn't have to.

You mean the Wallaces combined? Please don't tell me that there is another Rasheed.
I don't think that the Nenê and Camby can stop Duncan, but if they give their best effort, they might be able to slow him down a little bit. I believe Spurs will win in 5 or 6.

[Cara De Dedão]

Ok... This is not gloating... And Timmay has the abillity to come back after last night's performance...

But Nenê played the exact role I expected him to do on both sides of the court... Here's hoping for him to pull the same kind of performance the whole series...

[SkunkinDuncan]

Um, I could care less about rodeo or square dancing.

And most other minor sports.

But nobody's claiming they're part of the "Big 4".

You offered to find out the rodeo and square dancing champs. Don't get mad when I take you up on it. Geesh.

[NugzFan]

I can't wait for you guys to fall flat on your faces when Duncan retires and you don't land the first pick in the draft. No sports team deserves to be this arrogant.

agreed.