http://www.denverpost.com/nuggets/ci_5351556 Quirky March to postseason on agenda With 15 games this month, Nuggets' season teeters on edge By Chris Dempsey, Denver Post Staff Writer Article Last Updated: 03/03/2007 11:54:30 PM MST March is the month playoff teams are made, and Nuggets coach George Karl knows it. "It's been pivotal both years I've been here," Karl said. "We came back from the all-star break in my first year, had an incredible run, and March was the beginning of it. "The next year everybody thought we were going to fall flat on our face, we had all types of change and injuries, then we go on a road trip and won five out of seven games and I think could have won all seven of them." Karl's first two seasons as Nuggets coach netted a combined record of 23-7 in March. The 15 games this March, which started with a loss to Houston on Friday, are just as important. The Nuggets' current wishy- washiness must subside this month or a playoff spot could be in jeopardy. Going into Saturday's games, they were in the seventh position in the Western Conference, but just 4 1/2 games separated the Nuggets and the next six teams behind them in the conference standings. It means every game takes on a heightened importance, which in turn means the Nuggets must quickly shore up their weaknesses to keep themselves on the playoff track. "We're up-and-down too much," forward Linas Kleiza said. "One game we're great and another we're not. We're getting ready for the playoffs, but first of all we have to make the playoffs." Karl has a checklist of what needs to happen for the Nuggets not to sink this month. "I think recently the turnovers are important," he said. "I think continuing to tinker and develop and improve our offense, preferably with passing the ball more and moving the ball more. I still think we get too muddy with the ball. "And the third thing would probably be a defensive mentality every night. Consistency. Like I've said, at times we've been pretty good defensively. Every film I've watched you could put together a highlight film of good stuff. But then we can also put a nightmare film together of the same stuff." How is Denver doing in those areas? A breakdown of Karl's checklist: Issue: Turnovers What the Nuggets plan to do: Improve focus Turnovers were a big problem until the last three games, and it appears the Nuggets have gotten better control. After averaging 21.7 turnovers after the all-star break, the Nuggets have averaged just 14.7 turnovers in their past three games, including a low of 12 in a win against Orlando. "You have to be a little more focused," guard Steve Blake said. "When you're being aggressive, just take care of the ball a little bit more. We have some very aggressive players, so sometimes turnovers are gonna happen." Denver is third-worst in the NBA in turnovers, averaging nearly 17 per game. Issue: Stagnant offense What the Nuggets plan to do: Improve on-court chemistry and passing Conventional wisdom says as the Nuggets continue to get practice sessions and games as a healthier team, offensive efficiency will improve and players will be more comfortable in roles around stars Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson. "It's not easy at first - you've got to get used to picking your spots," Kleiza said. "But those two are the leading scorers in the NBA, so for the other guys, you've got to get used to them." In the Nuggets' wins over Memphis and Orlando, that started to happen. Nene found a groove against the Grizzlies, picking his spots and dominating the paint on his way to 27 points and nine rebounds. Against Orlando, Kleiza and forward Eduardo Najera found openings and running lanes and finished with 15 and 17 points, respectively. But in Friday's loss to Houston, Karl lashed out at his team for not moving and passing as they've been taught. "It's a work in progress," Blake said. "It feels like a training camp process right now. Sometimes it takes a little while. Hopefully, it will be sooner than later." The Nuggets remain the NBA's second highest-scoring team at 104.9 points per game. "I don't think offense is going to ever be our problem," Iverson said. Issue: Defense What the Nuggets plan to do: Further dedicate themselves Almost since the first day he arrived, Iverson has pleaded with the Nuggets to play better defense. That has started to rub off on Anthony. "We know we can score 100 points on any given night," Anthony said. "But if we don't stop anybody, then they are going to get 110, 115 points and we don't want to do that. We want to start stopping teams." Suddenly transforming into a defensive stalwart is out of the question for these Nuggets, who allow more than 104 points per game. But fundamentals are a must and that's where Anthony says the team is starting to see improvement. "We're starting to read each other a little bit better than we have in the past," Anthony said. "(Against Orlando) I feel we were on a string a little bit - one teammate goes to the left and we all go to the left. I think we did a great job of that. So as long as we keep getting better with the little things in defense it'll make us better." March breaks down to seven games at home and eight on the road, including five road games in seven days. A good month means navigating some rough waters. "I think this team has always shown a strong perseverance," Karl said. "And we'll be challenged again." Chris Dempsey can be reached at 303-954-1279 or [email protected]. --

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