Nuggets Cast a Spell On Wizards: Denver Takes Command Early, Controls Throughout

Friday night's game was a little something out of the ordinary. Things were different from the beginning as J.R. Smith got the opportunity to start for the Denver Nuggets, in place of Dahntay Jones.

J.R. " Instant Offense" Smith made coach George Karl look like a genius as he led the game in scoring with 40 points, three shy of a career best. The Nuggets took care of a destitute Wizards lineup, winning 116-105.

The game continued, in it's peculiar nature, as Denver stars had mediocre performances. Carmelo Anthony scored a quiet 20 points, and Chauncey Billups had five points and six assists.

They both sat with 10:20 left in the fourth quarter.

All was good for the Nuggets as Chris "Birdman" Andersen stepped up to have a career performance. Birdman, along with many Pepsi Center attendees, was flapping his wings after recording a double-double.

He scored a career-high 18 points, and grabbed 11 rebounds. On top of that, Bird soared through the thin Mile-High air too, blocking six shots. Andersen is second in the NBA in blocks per game.

Birdman and J.R. bring the intensity and hustle up for the whole Nuggets team. Their hard play is infectious, it makes other players try harder too.

A passion on the defensive end was apparent for much of the game, even though the Nuggets gave up 105 points to a Washington team that averages slightly over 95 per game.

This victory pushed Denver's win streak to five games. The Nuggets continue to be perfect at home against sub-.500 opponents. The win came at a crucial time, as Houston and Utah won tonight.

Currently the Nuggets remain a half game behind the Rockets. Denver is one game ahead of the Hornets, who they play Wednesday in New Orleans. Also, the Nuggets remain a game and a half ahead of the Blazers and Jazz in the Northwest division.

Denver has come into the stretch run with a March Mad-like craze in their eyes. Whatever George Karl has told them recently has definitely fired the Nuggets players up. They have a sense of urgency about them.

'Melo, Billups, K-Mart and even J.R. are playing as if they want to stay home, in a good way. Home court will be an advantage for the young Nuggets as they attempt to finally advance in the playoffs during the 'Melo era.

The Weave - Denver is now 45-25 overall, and 27-8 at home. The game was sloppy for the most part as the Nuggets turned the ball over 19 times, but still managed to score a whopping 72 points in the paint. Denver only won by 11, but their biggest lead of the game was 17.

The Nuggets next game is in Phoenix, on Monday, against a Suns team that is fighting for a playoff spot. At 37-31, the Suns are four games out of eighth in the West.