Darnell Mayberry: Thunder's Kendrick Perkins must be more physical with Denver's Nene

The Oklahoman's Oklahoma City Thunder beat writer Darnell Mayberry answered questions from readers in today's Power Lunch chat. Read the entire chat recap here. Participate in our Power Lunch chats Monday-Friday at 11 a.m. at NewsOK.com/sports

On what Kendrick Perkins must do to be more effective on Nene:

Be more physical. I still don't think Nene is tough enough to take Perkins' physicality. But Nene is skilled. I said a few weeks back that his footwork in the post could give Perk problems. And if Perk is too physical, Nene can hit him with some spin-offs and up-and-unders, not to mention he can take him outside. It's not the best matchup for Perk. But he's got to do better, and I'm sure he will. Nene isn't known as the most consistent post player ever, either.

On the controversial missed offensive goaltending call in the fourth quarter of Game 1:

There are two schools of thought. On one hand, the Nuggets had plenty of chances to string together some stops and some buckets. On the other, something like that, a call that changes the face of the game and turns it from a one point advantage to a one-point deficit with one minute left has an impact on how you scheme from that point on. It was a significant play either way.

On Denver's poor free-throw shooting affecting the game more than the missed offensive goaltending call: No doubt about it. I made that point in my post-game blog notes. The Nuggets were 21 of 33 from the stripe. Midway through the third, they were shooting better from the field than from the foul line. Make your freebies and this is a different ballgame.

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