Nuggets’ streak hits nine; Karl looking for respect
CLEVELAND — Denver coach George Karl thinks it’s about time people started taking notice of his team.
Given the fact the Nuggets own the NBA’s longest active winning streak, Karl has good reason to feel that way.
Danilo Gallinari scored 19 points, Kenneth Faried added 17 and Denver won its ninth straight game, 111-103 over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Saturday night.
Although the Nuggets have the fourth-best record in the Western Conference, no Denver player was selected for the Feb. 17 All-Star Game, a fact Karl is quick to point out.
“We’re going to try and shock the world and become the first team to win a championship without an All-Star,” he said.
The Nuggets, who have won 15 of 17, are on their longest winning streak since posting 10 straight victories from March 30 to April 15, 2005. San Antonio had an 11-game streak snapped Friday.
Kyrie Irving led Cleveland with 26 points, but was plagued by foul trouble. The All-Star guard picked up his fourth foul with 5:20 remaining in the third quarter and went to the bench with the Nuggets leading 72-61. Irving returned to start the fourth quarter with Denver ahead 84-73. He scored 12 points in the period, but Cleveland’s rally fell short.
Irving was down on the court briefly after taking a knee to the thigh in the fourth quarter, but said after the game he was OK.
The loss ended Cleveland’s three-game winning streak that matched a season high. The Cavaliers haven’t won four games in a row since March 17 to 24, 2010, during LeBron James’ final season with the franchise.
“We ran into a team playing very good basketball,” Cleveland coach Byron Scott said. “I’m not disappointed in our effort. Tonight, they were a better team.”
Denver showed its depth by placing eight players in double figures.
“There are only about 10 true superstars in the NBA, I think, but I believe Andre Iguodala, Ty Lawson, Andre Miller and Kenneth Faried are in the next 40 players,” Karl said.
Alonzo Gee scored 20 points for Cleveland, with 16 coming in the first quarter.
The Nuggets built a 14-point lead in the fourth quarter. The Cavaliers cut the gap to 105-99 with 1:40 remaining, but Gallinari’s two free throws and Faried’s dunk put the game away.
The Nuggets outscored Cleveland 19-5 in fast-break points. The Nuggets also had 62 points in the paint compared with 32 for the Cavaliers.
AROUND THE LEAGUE
• SIXERS KEEP ’CATS REELING — At Philadelphia, Lavoy Allen had 14 points and a career-high 22 rebounds, and Jrue Holiday scored 20 points as Philadelphia handed Charlotte its seventh straight loss, 87-76. Evan Turner had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the 76ers, who moved to 5-2 on their eight-game home stand that ends Monday against the Los Angeles Clippers.
• PISTONS FIRE PAST BUCKS — At Milwaukee, Charlie Villanueva hit a 3-pointer with 9.7 seconds left, and Rodney Stuckey sealed the win with two free throws as Detroit beat Milwaukee, 105-100.
Brandon Jennings, who scored 26 points, made a tough fadeaway shot with 47.8 seconds left.
Jose Calderon, who tied his season high with 23 points, came back with a running layup for Detroit that tied the score at 100. After a timeout, the Pistons worked the ball to Villanueva, who got it at the top of the key and swished a 3.
• MAVS KEEP WARRIORS TUMBLING — At Dallas, Shawn Marion scored a season-high 26 points, O.J. Mayo added 19 and Dallas handed Golden State its fourth straight loss, 116-91. Dirk Nowitzki scored 15 points, and the Mavericks built a 27-point lead in the second quarter.
