Nuggets vs. Spurs - First Round Matchup 2005

So here we are. This series starts the upcoming weekend (not sure when haven't heard but either Saturday or Sunday). I think this series is winable for us. We won 2 of 4 during the season, but I don't remeber Duncan playing in either one of those games. He is probably going to be the difference in the series for SA. If he plays well they should be able to win. We also need Camby to play well for us or we are going to likely get beat. Now for the analysis.

Denver-PG Andre Miller-Andre is playing GREAT as of late. If he can keep that up that will help a ton. If he can gaurd Tony Parker well that will help us because Parker torched us by getting to the lane and dishing over and over during one of the games earlier in the year. I think we need to cut Parker off before getting in the lane or we are in major trouble. Andre also needs to help push on offense. I think if we can get some nice alley oops to Martin and Melo we should be able to wear down San Antonio as they are not a running team.

Earl Boykins-Boykins has to improve from the Pheonix game. Not sure how he has been other then that lately but we need him to come off the bench, light the fire of this team and get them RUNNING. When he is playing well he is almost unstoppable because of his quickness and ability to hit shots. Could be a huge factor as he can definetly top the #2 PG of San Antonio.

SG- This will also be a vital postition for Denver. Several guys will probaby get time (Voshon Leonard, if he makes the team, Wesley Person, Couple others I am forgetting now.) These guys need to provide some offense and some solid defense on Manu Ginobli. Person and Leonard can definetly hit some threes and will be called on to do that.

SF- Carmello will be solid IMO. San Antonio will gaurd him tough but I think that he is really hot right now and get his points. He will be able to gaurd whoever he is playing because that is more of a defensive guy for San Antonio. Will need to get his points though because he is the point scoring leader on the team.

Najera needs to be energetic off the bench. I don't see why he won't because he has been his entire time in Denver. If he can make just a few hustle rebounds, steals, and plays he could win us a game or two.

PF- Martin will be really key. I think he might get called on to gaurd Duncan. That will be a really interesting matchup. On offense he has to hit shots and get to the rim. He can score nicely, but he has struggled at times.

Nene needs to be solid off the bench and not get into foul trouble.

C- Camby HAS to play and HAS to play well. He should be healthy after resting, but how good he will be is still uncertain. I think if he can play some nice defense he might be the diference in the series. Without him the last 3 games we absolutely blew on deffense. I can see him getting some HUGE blocks in the series.

Elson needs to play well when he is in there. He also needs to watch his agression as he got into some scuffles with KG last year. That is NOT something we need to get into with the Spurs.

All-in-All we need a good effort from everyone. The starters can not win this by themselves and need the bench to help them, but they must still show up. I will pick San Antonio to win this, in 6 games.