Forces of Nature Collide.

As I suspected, there is no score lopsided enough to make watching the Nuggets and Hornets dull. Despite the 29 point margin of victory, I feel downright giddy after watching that game last night. Perhaps it's because I don't get that many chances to watch good Western Conference matchups during the regular season, but it was like (as they say in Superbad) hearing the Beatles for the first time.

There are perhaps no two guys who appear as in control of the entire dynamic of the game as Chris Paul and Chauncey Billups when they are on offense. Paul a force of nature. The movement never stops, and the paint seems to expand when he enters it. He moves in and out of defensive traps and collapses as if there is a force field around him. There was one time in the second quarter when he drove through the lane, all five Nuggets collapsed in on him, and he was able to fine Rasual Butler for a wide open three. It was incredible. There was no daylight for him to see Butler, and certainly no room for him to make the pass. But, he wasn't even labored. This a routine phenomenon. There is something special about every possession.

While Paul's control was incredible to watch, Billups was master of his domain at the other end. His team began the game cold (Carmelo missed his first 5 shots and didn't hit a field goal until there was 3:40 remaining in the second quarter), but picked up the slack until everyone else fell in line. 5-6 shooting in the first quarter for Billups, 4-4 from beyond the arc and 16 points. It was clear that this would be his night.

I've only seen Denver a few times since the big trade earlier in the season, but it is amazing how much better and more efficient they are with Billups at the helm. And, it's surprising how much more I enjoy watching them. The only guy whose style still reminds me of last year's team is JR Smith, who provides offense off the bench. I think he always has the green light when he is in there, and I think his ability to get up ahead of the defense is valuable. However, his style appears more reckless and cavalier, reminiscent of AI's Nuggets. The new Nuggets are controlled, calculated, and the pieces move as Billups dictates.

But, they still run, and New Orleans needs to do a better job getting back. They didn't struggle with it all game long, but there were lapses that really cost them. There were several times when Denver was able to collect missed Hornets' three point shots and still beat New Orleans down the court. The Hornets did play impressive half-court defense, particularly in the first half. However, when Chauncey can't miss from downtown, it doesn't really matter what you do. 52% on three pointers for the Nuggets, 2 percentage points higher than their field goal percentage (which was also impressive). Just ridiculous. New Orleans shouldn't be discouraged. You don't lose when you shoot 52% from beyond the arc.

Finally, I need to discuss the Birdman. I have heard that he has had a good season, but I didn't actually see it until last night. I've always thought of him more as a leaper with a cult following and less as a legitimate contributor. But, he made a huge impact on the game last night. He ignites the crowd, he brings energy to the floor, and he contests everything that comes to the middle. 4 blocks for the Birdman in 23 minutes. Also, I didn't know until last night that he was the first ever D-League call up in history. Thanks Marv Albert.


Anyways, watch this series. The game beforehand (Atlanta/Miami) only had a margin of victory that was 5 points wider, and somehow that was like watching paint dry and this was like sipping a fine beer. I guess it's more about the talent and less about the outcome.

Now, I must go and watch the Cs hang a 20 point victory on Chicago.