Results tagged ‘ Denver Nuggets ’
Robert Van Winkle almost made me tinkle
1/4/09 Nuggets vs Hornets
The whole theme for the basketball game tonight was “The 80′s”. So the first 5000 fans received what they call “80′s sunglasses”. You know, the ones you used to wear with your OP Shorts (Ocean Pacific) back in the day. If your too young google it.
Above is a shot of Hunter and I modeling them for you. Hunter is holding the T-Shirt I caught as they were tossing them out.
It’s a T-Shirt to plug Chauncey Billups for the All-Star Team.
See, I have finally found another use for my baseball snagging skills. I can adapt them for use in other sports. I love getting free crap at a game. I religiously save everything that I get from any sporting event.
There was a pretty good size line to get inside, I’m not sure if it was the 80′s sunglasses or Vanilla Ice that was bringing in lines of this size in the snow…Probably the cheap sunglasses.
Ok, to give you some reference/history.
Below is Robbie Van Winkle’s original video of “Ice, Ice, Baby”.
Don’t cheat now, you have to watch this one first. Come on,…just play along.
It’s a blast from the past 
Now that you’ve seen the real one, you’ve got to see Jim Carey’s rendition of Vanilla Ice’s “Ice Ice Baby”. Be careful you might need a diaper for this one.
Finally, here’s a much older and mature Vanilla Ice rockin the halftime show at the Nuggets/Hornets game last night.
He started out with his version of “Play that funky music white boy” which was a flop for him back in the day, then he somewhat smoothly transitioned into his claim to fame “Ice, Ice, Baby.
I could tear this guy apart. So many things about him are just wrong. But, it’s a new year and I going to look at it like the dude is just trying to support his wife and two kids.
I’m sure to hear him tell it he’s just touring now as some sort of “healing process” that wanna be famous rappers go through,..whatever. I understand, everybody gotta make a living.
Here’s some video I shot of the Nuggets practicing before the game.
This game had a few ups and downs. The Nuggets led by as much as 26 points but they got lazy and let the Hornets make up all of that distance by the 4th period.
At one point in the 4th, the Hornets surpassed the Nuggets and were ahead by 3 points.
Had the Nuggets lost this game, they would have set a record for being the most points up on a team and then losing the game. Not a record I wanted to witness.
The previous record was 23 points. Thankfully that didnt happen.
Below is my picture show from the basketball game,…Enjoy
First is Hunter’s autographed picture of the Denver Nuggets Cheerleaders. I do believe he enjoyed meeting all of them.
A shot of FSN Analyst and play-by-play guy Scott Hastings (aka Sup), and Chris Marlowe.
Hastings is an 11 year NBA veteran and was a member of the 1989 League Champion Detroit Pistons. Hastings finished his career as a Denver Nugget (1991-93). This guy is great, he signed an old skool picture that I found of him for me backstage last season after a game.
I printed two of the pictures just in case he wanted one. When I offered, he said ”sure, thanks”. Here’s the picture he autographed for me last year.
Here’s a shot of Sup nailing a three-pointer. The dude still got some game.
I’m going to email him this picture and see if he remembers me from last season. I’ll enclose a link to this entry and maybe he and Big Alfred Williams (former Denver Bronco, Superbowl years and his co-host on their talk radio program “Scott and Al, its off the hook”) would be willing to check out the Rockpile Rant.
Even better, it would be cool if they could possibly give us some radio love as we head out in the Mobile Blogging Unit for Rockies spring training?
I’ll let you know if they respond back to me.
Cool Note: Scott Hastings is believed to be the only person in existance to possess two Super Bowl rings and an NBA Championship ring.
Thanks Mr. Hastings..Hope you liked the picture. Tell Al I said hey.
Here is Chauncey Billups. He has my vote for the All-Star team.
Renaldo Balkman
K-Mart, Melo and Chucky Atkins
Nene and Melo
Kleiza holding his balls
Some dunking skills
more
and more
Kleiza and Chauncey with Miss America in the Background..No really it is.
She sang our National Anthem. She did pretty good, she only F’ed up in one spot.
Here she is with her own Police Officer and George Karl
A shot of coach Karl as she’s walking away.
The game was about to start so we headed back to our “real seats” and this was our view.
The score at the beginning of the 4th.
As I mentioned earlier the Nuggets had a huge lead for most of the night, but Hornet’s Chris Paul scored 30 points and had 11 assist. David West also helped out with his 21 points. Both these dudes came up huge for the Hornets and by the last few minutes of the 4th things were getting way too interesting for a game we had in the bag.
In the end Carmello Anthony nailed the deciding shot. He did the same thing on Friday night with a three-pointer against Oklahoma City. The Nuggets zap the Hornets and win this one 105-100 bringing an end to the Hornets four-game winning streak.
Thanks for all of your input in the comments section of this blog.
I’m glad that you guys/gals feel comfortable enough with me to share your thoughts and feelings here at the Rant. I reall dig being able to discuss with people what I’ve written.
To quote the late great Mitch Hedberg,
“Alcoholism is a disease but it’s the only the disease you can get yelled at for having. Damnit Otto you’re an alcoholic. Damnit Otto you have lupus. One of these doesn’t sound right”.
Here’s a video clip of the late Mitch Hedberg’s stand up Comedy. He reminds me of my late High School friend Brian (RIP buddy) ….D
Nothing great about Golden State
Nuggets Vs Warriors
I have to apologize for the lack of Nuggets backstage pictures. In order to get backstage pictures, you have to get backstage.
Getting back there isn’t an exact science for me yet, and tonight’s experiment was a flop.
Oh well look at this picture. Not bad from the third level. Here’s your starting lineup.
Here’s your starting Cheerleaders….Click to expand, I won’t tell
It was painful to watch the Nuggets defense (or lack of it) last season, that’s how it felt this evening watching the Golden State Warriors.
I figured the Nuggets had this game going into it, especially at home.
I just expected a little more from a team with “Warriors” in it’s name.
Ever see one of the time/shot clocks malfunction during a game?
It was my first time.
They bust out a ladder and some poor b’sturd has to climb up and try to fix it while the whole arena is watching, and waiting.
Did I mention the that everyone is watching?
All those eyes.
People like to stare in these situations. It’s like a car accident.
Do you think this dude has special non-slip shoes on for just such an occasion?
In times like this, cut the guy a break and bring out the cheerleaders.
Only they could take the crowd’s focus off of this dude.
With the game paused, the players and crowd start to get restless.
For a moment, the entire world is on hold.
Talk about pressure.
The suicide rate for these guys is scary, the NBA really should do something to help these people.
At least he can’t see the stares. He can only feel them.
This man is one of the NBA’s unsung heros.
Carmello Anthony played just shy of 30 minutes and scored 27 points. He went 3 of 4 from the three-point range and had 9 rebounds, nice job Melo.
JR Smith played for 24 minutes and scored 15 points.
It was nice to see Balkman developing a groove with this team. He played just shy of 17 minutes and had 12 points, going 6 of 8 from field-goal range.
Linas Kleiza was played just over 27 minutes and scored 6 points. He went 0-4 from the three-point range. However, he did make this shot.
Did I mention that the Denver Nugget Cheerleaders are insane? Just check out this picture of bodies flying everywhere . Again, you can click to expand.
Just before the half, K-Mart took an ugly spill as he was going in for a layup. C.J Watson bumped him and he fell to the floor hard, landing on his right side, I cringed.
Kenyon looked like he was done for, and I was thinking ”Oh man, not again”.
Then all of a sudden he jumped up like nothing happened, and was back in the game. Let me tell you, the dude hit the floor hard. Props to you K-Mart, better ice that thing.
Chauncey Billups scored 16 points and added 11 assists to the mix, as the Nuggets dominate and beat the Golden State Warriors 123-105.
Nene had 11 points and was 5-6 from field-goal range.
A shot from my seat.
Interesting fact: The Nuggets are 16-7 for the first time since 1976-77, which was their first year in the NBA. Go Nuggets!!
A bad picture of Invesco Field at Mile High
I’m Don the Rockpile Ranter, and I’m just happy you stopped by…The Blogtalkradio is something I’m experimenting with for possible use at Spring Training…D
Willy set free, and dinner with the “P”
12/13/08
Free Willy??
The Rockies had to non-tender CF Willy Taveras, after figuring out they wouldn’t be able to trade “Speedy” before Fridays deadline for offering contracts to arbitration eligible players.
The Rockies were trying to swing a deal with Taveras and Juan Morillio going to the Nationals for pitcher Tim Redding, but the deal fell flat.
So Willy T is Free. Actually Redding is too for that matter. I tell you what, if “Speedy” could up his OBP just a wee bit, you might really have something there. You need to be on base to ”steal ‘em”.
Remember Brian “Tito” Fuentes is still free out there. Maybe he and Willy can go for a swim?
Starting pitcher Jorge De La Rosa, and relievers Huston Street, Taylor Buchholz and Jason Grilli were tendered offers, along with Clint Barmes and Garrett Atkins.
Me, my head still hurts, but I’m on the upswing. Hunter and I are heading to the Nuggets game tonight.
I could possibly have a pair of backstage passes for us.
Third level seats tonight, but the backstage pictures should be cool.
I’m hoping to get Chauncey Billups, Balkman, and Birdman’s autograph tonight…D
I’ll be attending a special Dinner with the family on next Thursday.
It’s a dinner/get together, for the season ticket holders in the Pavilion at Coors Field.
<–(These are not Rockies season ticket holders, and will not be attending the dinner party).
This dinner/party doesn’t officially have a name yet, so I’ve been challenged to come up with one (Not much rhymes with pavilion).
It’s going to be a great time. Such a fun group of people.
Ranter’s Bad Joke of the Day
A Mets fan, a Braves fan, a Yankees fan, and a Rockies fan are climbing up a mountian. On the way to the top, each is arguing about how loyal they are to their team and what they would do for that team.
Upon reaching the top, the Mets fan shouts, “This is for the Mets!!!” and throw’s himself off the top of the mountian. Next the Braves fan yells, “I love Atlanta”..This is for you Braves!!” and he too, jumps off. Finally when then the Rockies fan reaches the top he screams, “This is for EVERYONE!!” and pushes the Yankee fan off the mountian.
More when I get it…D
Time flies, when you don’t want to fly
11/30/08
It’s crazy how fast this week went by. Now were on the countdown to the X-mas holidays. The positive side of being really busy is it’s kept mind off of my plane flight.
I know I making more of this than I should, but believe me, to me it’s no joke:
DO YOU EVER FEEL AFRAID TO FLY ? – YOUR NOT ALONE
- Do you or someone you know cringe or suffer anxiety panic at the expectation of FLYING?
- Did you notice the serious decline in air travel after the events of 9/11?
- Fear of Flying is listed on the Phobia List of Top 10 most popular phobia’s.
- Many famous people share that fear of flying, such as Jennifer Aniston, Woody Allen, John Madden and the Rockpile Ranter to name a few.
This very real fear can be disastrous for the person suffering. It can prevent them from going on vacations or visiting family and friends, and it can cripple the career of a businessperson by preventing him or her from traveling on work-related business.
A fear of flying is a level of anxiety so great that it prevents a person from travelling by air, or causes great distress to a person when he or she is compelled to travel by air. The most extreme manifestations can include panic attacks or vomiting at the mere sight or mention of an aircraft or air travel.
See, this crap ain’t no joke people. I know it’s all in my mind, but it’s my mind, and it’s not like I control that either.
It’s that little guy inside, and he has his own agenda. To be honest, I’m not afraid of flying, I’m afraid of crashing. There is a difference.
I’ll be at the Nuggets game tonight against the Rockets. I’ll try to get that entry posted by Monday evening.
I fly out to Chicago on Tuesday, and I’ll be returning on Friday evening.
I’ll have a computer with me, but I’m not sure If my hotel will have free internet access.
If I can blog, I will.
I’ve never been to Chicago. When I get back home (knock on wood), I’ll give you a tour of the City through my eyes.
Be ready!
Let me throw this out there.
If you feel the need to vent or have your own personal rant you would love to get off of your chest….
Let my comment section be your playground.
Sometimes we all need to get something off of our chest.
Better to do it early than let it escalate.
Maybe I can help or offer some advice…D
If I can’t dazzle you with my brilliance, I might be able to baffle you with my bullsheet.
I appreciate you…D
Melo, not such a nice fellow
11/28/08
Hope you all had a great T-Day. Mine was superb.
Thank you all for the kind comments. The bloggers who habitate this sphere really are the salt of the earth. I’m sorry I wasn’t able to shoot a comment back to everyone, I did try.
Hornets vs Nuggets
15,563 people decided to be:
“L-TryptoFans” and showed up to “The Can”, despite the urge to take a nice long nap on the couch.
You know it’s a good day when you walk into the Pepsi Center, and this is how you’re greeted.
The ladies were nice enough to personally autograph a photo for me.
Chucky Atkins about to get hit in the head with a basketball during practice.
If you look hard you might see Nene in the background.
Below you see the official game of “Here we go round the Mulberry bush” played before the start of every Nuggets game. You can’t argue tradition.
JR Smith was a freggin madman last night. I had the feeling he was out there trying to prove something to George Karl.
Coach Karl had benched him the previous night for showing up late for practice.
Remember, according to Allen Iverson,
“It’s just practice”
But George Karl don’t play that way.
Especially when it comes to JR Smith, they have some history.
JR proved he was “The Man”, scoring a season-high 32 points.
Nice job JR, this dude can ball.
Do us a favor though, set your alarm clock 30 minutes earlier, and that should take care of it.
I want that clock, It’s cool.
Want to know why they call Chris Andersen ”The Birdman”? Picture the basketball net as his nest.
He flew for 9 points. This was his first game back after missing 9 games due to fractured ribs suffered while falling out of his tree.
K-Mart came out before the game started and wished everyone a Happy Thanksgiving.
K-Mart only scored 6 points with 6 rebounds.
I think he is the new leader of the Nuggets.
Much more so than Carmello the “face of the team”.
Look at the vertical lift K-Mart gets on this block.
Former Denver Mayor, Wellington Webb showed up to give the Nuggets some love.
First time I’ve ever seen this guy in person, he’s a big dude.
Chauncey Billups seemed a tad off this game (Too much turkey)?
He missed a crucial 3 pointer in the last quarter. He finished the game with 12 points, 5 assists and was 4 of 4 from the free-throw line. Just a little under his average.
The Nuggets are 9-3 since his arrival in Denver. It’s working, give it a little more time.
Chauncey, I bet it was nice to be back home in Colorado for Thanksgiving for a change, huh?
Carmello Anthony finished with 24 points, best game this dude has had in a while.
I used to be a huge Melo fan, but now,…not so much. I have my reasons.
I respect the man’s skills, but I do believe he has lost touch with his base.
Let me just say that when I am trying to get an autograph, I am extremely respectful. I really appreciate when a player takes the time out of his day to do that for me.
I had several (11), opportunities to go backstage after the Nuggets games last season.
Not once in those eleven games did I see Melo walk backstage after a home game to sign autographs and embrace the fans who so patiently wait for him after each game.
As I was leaving the Pepsi Center heading to my car, I saw a father with his two daughters standing on the corner where the players exit with their cars.
It was freggin cold outside last night, those are some hardcore fans.
While I was walking past them, I saw the small family starting to get excited. They started shouting “Melo, Melo”, so I looked back and saw Melo’s car (by the way, sweet ride Melo).
He stopped at the stop sign, then peeled out. Leaving the three of them standing there sad, cold, and autograph-less. Other than me and the family, there was not another person in sight.
There was no danger. He could have taken the 30 seconds and made a families Thanksgiving day extremely memorable. Instead, he ignored them and sped away. I no longer want his autograph.
Melo, here’s how it is, Ten minutes dude.
That’s all it takes, ten minutes after the game, before you split.
Stop by, make an appearance, then jet out the back door.
Everybody’s happy, and you did the right thing.
How hard is that?
How could you drive by that family and ignore them like that?
Have you no heart or feelings? Who inspired you as a kid?
Did your childhood idols ingore you, or sneak out the back to avoid you? How did that make you feel?
You need to take a step back and regroup. Realize exactly where you are, and HOW YOU GOT HERE.
Never forget how lucky you are, and come to realize exactly what the catalyst is that enables you to do what you do here (Denver fans)
.
Besides, you owe us for that dumbazz DUI thing you got yourself into the end of last season, remember?
I’ll give you one more chance man (because I’m cool like that), you need to show some DENVER FAN LOVE.
Give a little something besides money. You can’t deny what I said Melo, because I witnessed it first hand.
Melo, you’ve been Ranted. Learn from it dude, sign a few autographs and I’ll shut the hell up.
The Hornets really made this an exciting game. It seemed the Nuggets would rally and tie things up, then the Hornets would take it back.
Chris Paul got his groove late in the game and led the Hornets scoring 22 points, 10 assists and 4 rebounds.
James Posey sealed the Nuggets fate hitting the go-ahead 3-point-shot with only 19.1 seconds left to clinch the win over the Nuggets 105-101.
Here’s a quote from Posey “I have confidence in making shots,” Posey said I’ve been in those situations before.”
Yea Posey, your my freggin hero, your plane’s ready, you ain’t gone yet?
Next game for me?
Sunday vs the Rockets.
Thanks for wasting some time with me. Did you like my pictures? I’m getting better, wish my camera was…D
Mystery Player Trivia # 3, who could it be?
11/23/08
I had great success with the recent Baseball Trivia test. Alex was the first one with the correct answers and won the Spilborghs autographed ball (send me your address dude).
I’m going to work on a harder one over the next few days. I just found out that I won’t be attending the Nuggets game tonight. Damn, I love being there taking pictures.
Don’t hate me for blogging a little basketball on a baseball blog.
Respect the fact that I’m keeping myself pro-active during the “off-season”.
No prizes for this round, I’ll think of something cool for the “tougher challenge” coming up soon.
If you win this one, send me a picture, I’ll brag you up and make you famous.
Post your answer/guess in the comments section of this entry, so the world can see you did it first.
MYSTERY PLAYER TRIVIA #3
Ok here is my little teaser, see if you can tell me who the player below is. Also, tell me his “claim to fame involving a statistical tie with another player”.
The only clue I’ll give you is one of the letters in one of his names is “k” and maybe the picture to the left.
Good Luck !
Attention: I have a winner.
Jere Smith
Here is a link to his blog:
He posted his answer in comment section.
This is Jere as a kid??
Leon Kessling “Red” Ames.
1911 T205 card.
Played for the Reds, same as his nickname.
He also was nicknamed “Wild thing”.
This dude knows his stuff (or he’s a master googler).
Either way, nice job man.
A bunch of readers were working on this one.
Do you want more? Harder, easier?…I’m game…D
Nuggets are winning, is this the beginning?
11/17/08
I made an appearance at ”The Can” last night to watch the Nuggets/Timberwolves game, along with 16721 other Macnuggets.
FACT: There are actually no Timberwolves fans in Colorado.
It’s much too warm here. 
As always, the obligatory cheerleader shot. It’s cool, they look like they are floating.
Do you think the guys who catch these ladies show up to work early?
I’m sure 7-11 pays better, but a good job is all about the fringe benefits.
I ran into my buddy Jack and his friend from Summit County at the game. Jack is planning to head down to Tucson with me for Rockies Spring Training in February.
Chauncey Billups aka “Mr. Big Shot” scored 26 points. Those are the kind of numbers Allen Iverson and Melo used to put up.
Chauncey has been looking good lately. Keep it up ! Watch it Melo.
Nailed it.
K-Mart was 3 of 8 at from field-goal range and had a total of 10 points.
Kenyon was also 4 of 4 from the free-throw line.
Melo was 4 of 17 for 14 points. Seems like Melo’s been slacking lately. His numbers are significantly lower than last season.
Maybe now that Billups is in this lineup the points are getting spread around a little more?? It’s too early in the season to hit a slump Melo. You are the face of this team, unless you want Chauncey to be.
Nene driving..
Big man Nene played 33 minutes and produced 12 points. JR Smith scored 14 points in 24 minutes. It was cool to see JR stepping-up a liittle, he’s been looking for his groove in all the wrong places so far this season.
I didn’t run into Jazz the Clown this game.
I’m not sure if he’s a season ticket holder or what.
Jazz, if you read this, send me an email.
This dude has got to have a story.
Here is a shot of the Elvis Cop in his usual stance. Rocky likes to torment this guy.
George Karl telling it like it is.
A shot of the fellas hard at work.
Clint Hurdle’s face on the big screen last night.
His mug popped up in the forth quarter to get the fans pumped up.
It worked.
Damn Clint, not so close.
The Timberwolves were up by as much as nine points.
JR Smith didn’t care, in the forth quarter he turned up the juice and scored 8 of his 14 points to edge the Nuggets past the Timberwolves 90-84.
That’s how you end a game. Props to you JR !
I think the JR stands for “Just Right”…D
Rockies can’t pay so Holliday’s an A
11/10/08
I just heard that the Rockies have traded Matt Holliday to the Oakland A’s.
Nobody is saying for sure who the Rockies might get in exchange for Holliday as the Rockies have only reached a tentative agreement with the A’s.
Some of the names mentioned are reliever Huston Street, lefty Greg Smith and outfielder Carlos Gonzalez.
That is all I’ve heard right now..I don’t think this trade was as much for getting someone, as it was to avoid paying Holliday his 13.5 million due on his contract for the upcoming season.
Nuggets vs Grizzlies
I went to the Denver Nuggets game last night with Krista and Hunter. I’m not going to do a huge game recap because it just wasn’t all that exciting.
At least the game part.
The Nuggets get the win over the Grizzlies 100-90.
Here’s the deal, the game up until the end was way closer than it should have been. Chauncey Billups put up 16 points which is great, but he was 2 of 13 from field goal range and 2 of 6 from three-point range.
At least he was nailing his foul shots.
Props again to Nene who shot 8 of 10 from field goal range for 18 points. Mello was Mello. We didn’t get backstage this game.
14,359 people attended this snoozer.
I will tell you I was lucky enough to snag something.
One of the promotions during the commercial breaks is the Parachute drop.
It’s just a T-Shirt rolled up into a tube.
I finally freggin caught one.
I’ve been trying for years.
It’s not that I suck that bad, I just don’t usually sit on the first level. That’s my story.
.
Catching that shirt was at least the equivalent of snagging a live foul ball don’t you think?
I didn’t say home run ball, I just said foul ball.
Here’s what the T-Shirt looks like unrolled.
I’m not sure what I got all excited about. It’s never going to fit.
Now that I think about it, they should just toss an un-wrinkled T-Shirt down from the rafters with out a parachute.
It’s not like it would hurt anyone.
I mean, would you just look at the wrinkles in this shirt.
I finally saw Referee Violet Palmer. the first ever female NBA Referee.
#12 Violet Palmer.
On April 26, 2006 she was the first woman to officiate a major men’s sport at the top professional level. It was a Pacer vs Nets game.
I can’t give her all the credit, but if you watched this game you had to notice the officiating was horrible.
Violet was one of the referees working on December 19,2006. There was a brawl that evening between the Nuggets and the Knicks.
All ten players that were on the floor were ejected.
Some call her inconsistent, she does have her critics, but who doesn’t.
While I was sitting in my seat, my wife pointed out an odd fella wearing a Nuggets Jersey.
Can you spot him?
Meet Jazz the Clown.
Say what you want, but I like this guy.
First off, anyone with balls enough to wear that outfit in public is ok with me.
But to top it off, he’s sporting a JR Smith jersey and he’s at the game with his son. That’s cool.
It’s like the Nuggets version of Homie the Clown and I love it.
Can I just say…
Jazz you Rock Man !
I’d like to hear more on details on Matt Holliday’s departure.
It’s kind of sad, but we all knew it was coming.
Do you think they’ll spend his money on another big hitter?…I don’t.
What do you think is on Matt’s mind right now?
The same thing that has always been on his mind.
You betcha..Get every penny you can Matt…D
It’s not that hard with a real point guard
11/8/08 This Blog entry can also be viewed at: RPR Bleacher Report , check it out.
![Michael Jordan_Baseball[1].JPG](http://mlblogsbaseballsnatcher.files.wordpress.com/2008/11/michael20jordan_baseball5b15d.jpg)
Except for Michael Jordan, Allen Iverson is my favorite NBA player. I’ve followed him since he was a 76er, and I was elated when he became a Denver Nugget.
He single-handedly renewed my interest in Nuggets basketball. I respect Allen Iverson for a lot of reasons, the main two being his heart and his height.
Iverson is the same size as me. There have been a lot of great players under six foot tall, but every time I see Iverson on the court I’m reminded that anyone can get off to a bad start in their life
and turn it around. I’m also reminded that a players height is not near as much a factor as heart is.
At the time Iverson arrived in Denver he was “The Answer” to Denvers questions.
The Nuggets needed him, Denver needed him and believe it or not, Mello needed him.
Now he’s gone, off to Detroit. I was able to see his last game as a
Denver Nugget live. I snagged a picture of AI’s last foul shot as a Denver Nugget right as the ball entered the basket.
At the time, I didn’t know it would be his last foul shot. I guess I just got lucky.
I love this picture below. Good Luck Allen Iverson. Thanks for the solid play…D
Welcome back to Denver Chauncey Billups. Finally, a real point guard.
Chauncey is a Colorado native. He attended George Washington High School in Denver Colorado, and played College ball at the University of Colorado.
His number 4 was retired in a Ceremony at the U of C in 2004.
That same year Billups won the 2004 NBA Finals MVP award averaging 21 points and 5.2 assists per game.
He was a Nugget from 1999-2000 averaging 13.9 PPG in 98-99 with 45 games played and 8.6 PPG
in 99-00 with only 13 games played due to an injury.
Ok the history lesson is done. Originally I was a little unsettled with this trade. But, the more I think about it, the more I like the change up. My main complaint after watching the first game live was that nothing seemed different.
That’s not the case anymore. I kept thinking to myself, if Chauncey can pull his 12 points a game (or more), and JR Smith, Nene, Anthony Carter can step it up a few notches . This really could work.
Friday night was the test.
Dallas Mavericks vs the Denver Nuggets Pepsi Arena, Denver
Aluminum cans don’t really burn, and that’s a good thing because the crowd inside “The Can” last night were lit up. They were excited about seeing former Nugget,Chauncey Billups return to Denver and showed it by giving him a rousing ovation.
The game ball was hand delivered by Champ Baily wearing
Chauncey’s #7 Jersey. The number Billups chose in honor of John Elway.
Good move Chauncey. Can’t go wrong with Elway in Denver.
There was also a video tribute to him with fans and Alumni welcoming him back at the end of the first quarter. That was a nice touch.
The Nuggets got off to a slow start, Billups missed his first three-point attempt, but made his first two pointer. Carmello Anthony seemed frazzled missing one jump shot after another.
(I’ve been there, I’ve got the T-Shirt. I didn’t do the minnow shot, that’s nasty)—–>
By halftime, the the Nuggets were down by one with a score of 49-48.
Chauncey was 1 of 7 with five points. The Nuggets had given up 14 offensive rebounds.
Nene provided 13 points and I can’t tell you how cool it was to see this big guy finally penetrating, doing his thing, and putting up some numbers.
Linus Kleiza “”the L train” (that’s a dumb nickname, he could do a lot better), was impressive with his 10 points off the bench. I sure wish the “train” was a little more predictable. Too bad nothing rhymes with Kleiza.
Carmello Anthony had 8 points, JR Smith with 6 and Anthony Carter had 2.
It seemed the Nuggets had no focus, there were a LOT of missed opportunities.
I was thinking to myself, it’s ok, the Nuggets are just learning how to adjust to their new teammate, and he to them. I was anxious and needed to see that pure point guard magic from Billlups that the Nuggets so desperately need.
Nuggets started to groove in the second half, Anthony came alive scoring 20 points, and hitting four free throws in the final seconds.
Here’s a Comment from Chauncey Billups after the game about Carmello, “Mello, of course, is pretty much unstoppable, We’ve got a lot of weapons. I think if we can lock in and get everyone on the same page we can be dangerous.’
I call it gelling. But he’s right.
Billups finished the game with 15 points, 3 rebounds and 3 steals. Carmello scores 28, Nene finishes with an impressive 19 points and JR Smith hits 15. Impressive numbers for all of them.
Final Score Nuggets 108, Mavericks 105.
Props to Jason Kidd (seen here chillin in the bath).
You got to love this dude’s play. He finished the game with 22 points, 10 rebounds and 9 assists. He even made it interesting near the end.
Had he made his last free throw it would have tied the game and possibly went into overtime.
Sorry, better luck next time Kidd. Make sure you wash behind your ears !
Nuggets don’t want the world, they just want to be happy,(legalizing pot in Denver wasn’t enough).
The Pepsi Arena was sold out last night and I know what I saw. I was witnessing the beginnings of a new Denver Nuggets.
A team very much in its infancy, yet so packed full of talent, the big bang inevitable.
George Karl, you’ve got the pieces, now lets get this weapon assembled and aimed in the right direction as quickly as possible. You could use the career boost (it’s not like your second in command is a slouch) and Carmello could use the job security. Nobody remembers a loser.
Thank you Chauncey, all it took was some grits and determination from a good old fashioned point guard. Something Denver’s needed for a while now.
The Nuggets new season has now officially begun….D
Enjoy the ride as the Rant goes World Wide
11/7/08
Rockpile Rant made the top 50 Fan blog list twice.
How about that, two rankings !
How did that happen you ask?
A little while back I changed my blog title and removed the postseason from it.
Now it’s just called the Rockpile Rant, simple, but in your face.
Well Rockpile Rant…Postseason came in at number 20, and the plain old Rockpile Rant (which has only been getting hits for a week), came in at number 34.
Check out the screenshot below. The red markers are all places that have checked out the Rant. A marker may represent a city or an individual, and all of the hits from that city or individual are symbolized by the one red marker.
That’s freggin cool. Are you one of those red markers?
Wow…The Rant has gone global.
Whodathunkit?
I’m still working on posting my 2008 season baseball collection. I’ll have it up on Saturday…D
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