FOULEDOUT!

The Golden State Warriors won’t be going to the playoffs after all. The roller coaster ride of the Warriors in the jam packed Western Conference officially ended after the Phoenix Suns defeated them 122-116. The Denver Nuggets clinched the final spot in the West as a result of Warriors‘ loss.

The Warriors needed to win their last two games and hope for the Nuggets to lose in their season finale in Seattle if they are to qualify for playoffs.

Is this the end of small ball?

-fouledout

The Denver Nuggets are back in the top 8 of the Western Conference after they defeated the fiery Phoenix Suns 126-120. The Nuggets are now ahead of the Golden State Warriors after the latter lost to the San Antonio Spurs 116-92.

Leandro Barbosa made five 3-pointers and finished with team high 27 points. Amare Stoudemire scored 25 points and grabbed 10 rebounds while Steve Nash added 17 points and 18 assists. Shaquille O’Neal had another great game and posted a double-double with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Grant Hill missed his third straight game due to a groin injury and Raja Bell was ejected after getting two quick technicals in the third period.

Allen Iverson led the game and finished with 31 points. Carmelo Anthony finished with 25 points and 8 rebounds including two crucial rebounds and two free throws in the final 27 seconds of the game. Kenyon Martin had 18 points and 8 rebounds and J.R. Smith added 17 points for the Nuggets.

Returning from a 2 and ½ month absence, Nene saw 10 minutes of action and finished with 4 point and 5 rebounds

This is a crucial win for the Nuggets as they are trying to tighten their hold in the wild Western Conference playoffs race. The Nuggets‘ schedule are in their favor as they are set to face three lottery bound teams in the following days.

-fouledout

Denver Nuggets forward Nene Hilario had a surgery on January 14 to remove a testicular tumor and tests results now reveal that the tumor was in fact malignant.  It was a good thing that the tumor was discovered early because the cancer was isolated.  Further medical exams including blood work showed that the disease did not spread to any other parts of his body.  Since the tumor was discovered and treated early, the recovery rate is very high and there are very little chances of recurrence. 

There is no timetable for the return of the Brazilian forward but doctors indicate that he may be out at least until March. 

Nene is averaging 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds in 12 games this season.

-fouledout