Denver Nuggets out of playoffs but still positive about the future – NBA Update
The Denver Nuggets were ousted in Game 7 of the first round playoffs yet again, this time by the Los Angeles Lakers, but are quite happy with what they have accomplished this season.
And rightly so, as the Nuggets closed the season on a high and finished 6th in the Western Conference after being out of playoff contention at one point. They continued that form in the series against the Lakers, taking
them to the limit after losing the first two games.
This season has been a great one for many Nuggets players, who have introduced themselves to the basketball world. Ty Lawson has established himself as a potent point guard, while Aaron Afflalo and Al Harrington have also impressed.
Rookie Kenneth Faried was in consideration for Rookie of the Year laurels, and has had a fantastic 1st year in the NBA. Andre Miller was also consistent in his role as a backup point guard.
"I'm proud of the team. I've never been in a locker room after the season where every guy in front of me I'm happy with and I'm content with. We're staying with the same crew and going to work next year" said Nuggets coach George
Karl after the game.
The Nuggets are looking at this season as one of learning, and hope to build onto the success they have achieved this season. Playing in a 7 game series against one of the best teams in the league has exposed them to the pressures
of playoff basketball, another plus they can take away from this season.
"It's tough, we played together and played as a team. Just the way it went down is kind of tough for us. We fought hard and we showed a lot of energy. Next year we're going to be even better” said Ty Lawson, the star point guard
of the Nuggets team.
Talking about the game 7 loss to the Lakers, coach Karl admitted that his team was slow on rebounds and that’s what made the difference. In his words, size won over speed. He also admitted that his team needed to get stronger so
they could beat teams like the Lakers in the future.
The whole club is looking towards next season after having a successful run this season. They have the right attitude, aiming to build on their success and take the positives and negatives into off season training so that they
can come back even better and make a deeper push.
Players like Faried and Ty Lawson will be getting a great deal of attention in the post season, as the Nuggets try to build their team around them. In George Karl, the Nuggets have a decorated coach who knows what he is doing.
If all goes according to plan, we will see an even stronger Nuggets team come next season.
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