Carmelo Anthony is looking unstoppable again, Chauncey Billups has barely put a foot wrong and Nene is asserting himself down low. So far, the Denver Nuggets have to be pleased with their form in March.
Since a disappointing loss in Phoenix on March 1, the Nuggets have won five straight, beating playoff teams Portland and Oklahoma City along the way. Coach George Karl is not with the team due to his cancer treatment but his players are doing him proud.
After cranking up their performance in the second half to beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, the Nuggets outlasted New Orleans 102-95 on Friday and arrive in Memphis hot on the heels of second seed Dallas.
The Grizzlies still have playoff aspirations. Regardless of what happens over the next month, they have undoubtedly exceeded expectations for this season and talents like Rudy Gay and OJ Mayo have big futures.
But it is the frontcourt that will test Denver the most on Saturday night. Marc Gasol and Zach Randolph are a potent double act on the boards and the Nuggets must do without the services of Kenyon Martin, who is still nursing a knee injury.
And that could be the decisive element. Nene, Johan Petro and Chris Andersen must challenge the Grizzlies' big men on the glass if Denver is to stay perfect on this four-game road trip. If they stay competitive in the rebounding battle, you can be sure that Anthony and Billups will do the rest.
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