The reality is — only the Spurs and Bulls had better home records than the Nuggets, who host the next two first-round games — and will finally have every player available.
But the reality is — after losing the first two games at Oklahoma City, the Nuggets “didn't have a pulse” in Thursday's team meeting, according to J.R. Smith, the mercurial guard who admitted there is “a strong possibility” he will sign with a new team this summer.
The talented reserve guard, who coach George Karl routinely calls a “good-bad player,” was pretty much just bad in Game 2, shooting 1-for-6 in about seven minutes, while logging a minus-17 in plus-minus rating.
This after nine points and a minus-11 in Game 1.
Karl was told Thursday that Smith felt if he isn't clicking on the court right away, he feels the coach won't give him a second chance.
“He gives us minus-17 in six minutes. Those guys shouldn't get second chances,” Karl said in response. “I'm not saying it was all his fault, I'm just saying — when that happens, I got to make a change. ...
“I hope he's ready to play on Saturday (in Game 3) and will be in a situation to bounce back.”
For more, go to DenverPost.com
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