While the new Knicks’ rotation struggles to jell in the weeks leading up to the playoffs — Carmelo Anthony’s current suggestion: simplifying Mike D’Antoni’s “confusing” defensive scheme — the Nuggets’ new lineup appears to be adjusting just fine. Denver beat Atlanta 102–87 last night to improve their record to 9–2 since dealing Anthony to the Knicks, and Denver now sits fifth in the Western Conference standings. (Danilo Gallinari is currently out with a toe injury, but Wilson Chandler put up a double-double in last night’s win, while Raymond Felton added eight points and six assists off the bench.)
And as if to taunt Knicks fans waiting for everything to click into place in New York, the AP explains that “Denver is clearly having more fun since dealing Anthony, spreading the ball around and playing fierce defense.” Kenyon Martin, meanwhile, is talking about how “it’s fun to play basketball the right way,” while Al Harrington is excited about how deep the Nuggets’ bench is. The Knicks, by the way, get their next chance to have some fun of their own tonight, against Memphis.
Carmelo Who? Nuggets Run Record to 9-2 Since Trading Anthony [AP via NYT]
Nuggets keep on rolling, win 102-87 at Atlanta [Denver Post]