2010 is Winding Down

So, there is this dirty rumor that there might be some actual snowfall today around the Denver area.  I’ll believe it when I see it......Lots to get to!

UP HIGH!

5. To say that the Denver Nuggets entered last night’s game in Minnesota a bit short-handed would be an understatement.  Out still was Carmelo Anthony and Al Harrington, who were joined by Kenyon Martin (2^nd  half of a back-to-back) and Nene (a few nagging issues).  Eight uniformed players, however, were enough to take down the Timberwolves, 119-113.  Continuing his hot scoring streak, Chauncey Billups poured in 36, which included some big threes late in the 4^th quarter.  Things were so dire for Coach George Karl, that even Renaldo Balkman played a huge role getting some easy transition baskets during a key 3^rd quarter run.  Oddly enough, the Nuggets trailed at every key juncture of this game, but used a 12-0 run in the 4^th (!) to take control on the scoreboard.  The TWolves were again, limited to just the stellar play of Michael Beasley (33 points) and Kevin Love (26/14), but got little help elsewhere.  At least defensively, as this game was not one to be used as a case-study on playing defense in the game of basketball.

4. 30 points and 12 rebounds by Blake Griffin was enough for his 20^th straight double-double, but not enough for his LA Clippers to overcome the Northwest Division-leading Utah Jazz.  Blake’s averages continue to trend upwards and now after 30 professional games (30 starts) he sits at 21.5 points, 12.5 rebounds and an impressive 3-plus assists a game.  It would be wrong of me to not include some of his exploits from last night.

3. After a couple weeks of dormancy, NCAA basketball is really gearing up.  Notre Dame was the big winner last night with their impressive win over a very strong team from Georgetown.  A close game was blown open in the second half with a strong mix of balance and inside-outside ball movement.  As the ever astute Fran Frischilla noted during the telecast, this team might move the ball even better now with all-everything forward, Luke Harangody in the NBA.

The Fighting Illini of Illinois shook off the stench of their Missouri loss to dispatch their neighbors from across the Mississippi River, in the Iowa Hawkeyes.  Big nights from their usual suspects as some hot perimeter shooting early allowed them to cruise to an 87-77 win.

I’m warning you all now, Arachnophobia is a healthy fear.  At least the kind of spiders that play basketball in central Virginia.  The Richmond Spiders have officially become the mid-major team that “no one wants to face in March.” With wins already over Wake Forest, Virginia Commonwealth, Purdue, Arizona State and Seton Hall, they’ve served plenty of notice around the power conferences.

Locally, the Colorado Buffaloes got their 9^th win of the year and have two more cupcakes left before opening Big 12 play next week when they host the mighty Missouri Tigers.  Speaking of which, Mizzou (which somehow dropped in the rankings after their Illinois win) have a tough one tonight when they face the Monarchs of Old Dominion (another “tough out” come tourney time).

2. Yes, half of the six NHL games last night had at least 8 goals scored, but one game featured no points from a certain mustached superstar.  Sorry, Sid.  Go start another streak.

1. The Daily Broncos’ Looksie is starting to give some focus to the future of things down at Dove Valley.  While the possible coaching candidates still varies from day-to-day and has included the likes of Jim Harbaugh, Gary Kubiak (who seems he might be staying in Houston?) and even someone like Jim Fassel, the front office seems to be taking shape.  Current executive Brian Xander will continue his duties of working the salary cap, but as general manager, he will also work hand-in-hand on personnel with #7.   

PS-Personally, I am cool with Brandon Lloyd’s now semi-controversial F-bomb that he let loose during his Pro Bowl conference call.  I think it might have been a bit overblown as his follow-up, “and I mean that in the most professional way possible…” was indicative of the wit that this man possesses.  BLloyd has not only a bright future on the gridiron, but he appears to be a natural “on air,” as his skills were on display during the weekly radio/television spots he did all season.  I’m a big fan.  Which has me thinking……

PSS-Jay Cutler, Brandon Marshall, Peyton Hillis. Anyone named to the Pro Bowl?  I’m just saying…..

ONE LOVE