After a dismal performance in Game Three, it was interesting to see how the Denver Nuggets would approach Game Four in order to steal a road win and recapture control of their first round series with the Utah Jazz.
However, aside from a too-little, too-late rally when Utah let its guard down—a near disaster given Denver’s ability to score in a broken field—the Nuggets were once again throttled in a gutless performance, 117-106.
Denver actually started off the game with several offensive tweaks designed to create more room for Carmelo Anthony to operate. Middle screen rolls put pressure on Kyrylo Fesenko to make aggressive shows, or stay in front of Melo’s drives, something the youngster had nary a prayer of doing.
Denver also used a weak-side split cut that freed up Melo for an open layup.
Aside from these tweaks designed to get Melo away from situations where Utah’s defenders could anticipate his drives and coax offensive fouls, the Nuggets let Aaron Afflalo attack off the dribble and draw a foul to start the game.
These were signs that the Nuggets weren’t going to play as passively as they did in Gam ...
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Article written by Erick Blasco
2010 NBA Playoffs: Denver Nuggets Turn in a Gutless Game 4 and Lose to Utah Jazz
April 26th, 2010 by Erick Blasco Leave a reply »
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