In Denver's inexcusable double-overtime loss Sunday night at Seattle, the Nuggets were out-rebounded 52-44. The Sonics also got 12 offensive rebounds leading to several easy putbacks by Nick Collison and Jeff Green, who had the best game of his young career.
In Friday night's loss at home to Sacramento (the fourth worst rebounding team in the NBA), both teams grabbed 45 rebounds, but 16 of the Kings' boards were of the offensive variety.
If the Nuggets want to have a chance of making it to the postseason in the crowded West, they'll have to do a better job protecting the basket. Camby, who is second in the league in rebounding and first in blocked shots has to step his game up on the defensive side.
George Karl has given up on his team, and it's easy to see from the sidelines as he always bears a look of general disinterest.
When his team gives up its 30th lay-up of the game, he just throws his hands in the air with an expression that says, "obviously."
Karl will be fired at the end of this season barring a run to the West finals. Clearly, the team is not getting the message anymore. For four straight years, Denver has lost in the first round of the playoffs in five games.
This season could be the same, or even worse, if the Nuggets miss out on the postseason.
It is obvious that Denver needs someone new at the helm. But for now, instilling tighter man-to-man defense that does a better job of limiting opponents' offensive rebounds has to be the priority.
Camby should spend all day watching footage of guys like Tim Duncan and Kevin Garnett to really learn how a big man should defend, because his method is not getting it done. Giving him Defensive POY again this season would be robbing a truly great defender of the award.
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