Nuggets at Hornets
THE STORY: Since trading Carmelo Anthony last season, the Denver
Nuggets have not found one single player to replace the perennial
All-Star. But what they have discovered is an abundance of depth. And
they appear to be better because of it. The Nuggets are off to one of
the NBA’s best and, perhaps, most surprising starts. They aim for a
fourth consecutive win against the visiting New Orleans Hornets on
Friday night. The new-look Hornets have had a trying time adjusting to
life without an All-Star of their own - point guard Chris Paul, who was
dealt to the Los Angeles Clippers. New Orleans is averaging a Western
Conference-worst 87.2 points per game and 37.9 percent shooting.
TV: 8 p.m. ET, Altitude2 (Colorado), Cox Sports (New Orleans)
ABOUT THE NUGGETS (5-2):
A balanced scoring attack is serving the Nuggets well with six players
averaging in double-figures, led by point guard Ty Lawson’s 16.7 points.
The reserves are among the best in the league, averaging 45.1 points,
20.0 rebounds and 11.9 assists. The Nuggets are fresh off a 110-83
shellacking of Sacramento on Wednesday. Kosta Koufos drew the start in
place of an injured Nene and posted 10 points and 11 rebounds for his
first career double-double.
ABOUT THE HORNETS (2-4):
Getting Eric Gordon healthy and back in the lineup will make a world of
difference. The 23-year-old shooting guard, and centerpiece of the Paul
trade for New Orleans' perspective, returned Wednesday after sitting out
four games with a knee injury to score 22 points in a loss to
Philadelphia. It was the Hornets’ fourth consecutive defeat. Former No. 1
overall pick Emeka Okafor has only 12 points on 5 of 12 shooting his
past two games.
BUZZER BEATERS:
1. Nene has missed
two straight games with a bruised heel. He is expected to return for
this game or the ensuing one against San Antonio.
2. Hornets forward Trevor Ariza didn’t play Wednesday because of a groin injury. He is listed as day-to-day.
3. Denver is holding teams to 86.3 points and 37.9 percent shooting during its win streak.