April 11, 2008 - The Denver Nuggets have relied on their offense firepower all season to get them in the hunt for a playoff spot in the competitive West. On Thursday, they changed tactics and used their defense to get a leg up on Golden State for the eighth and final playoff spot.

The Nuggets defeated the Warriors 114-105 in a matchup of the two highest scoring, worst defensive teams in the NBA. After giving up 37 points and being down by 15 in the first quarter, Denver coach George Karl made an adjustment and put his team in a zone defense. It worked. The move frustrated Golden State’s high-powered offense and the Nuggets regained the lead by halftime.

Denver has won eight of its last 11, and has used timely contributions from Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, Marcus Camby and Kenyon Martin to fuel the run. Golden State, on the other hand, is 4-6 in its last 10 games.

Denver plays Utah on the road, and then Houston and Memphis at home to close out the year. Golden State has two remaining home games against the Los Angeles Clippers and Seattle, and an away contest at Phoenix.

Lakers Awaiting Return of Two Players
Los Angeles may finally be getting back to full strength. Center Andrew Bynum, who has been out since Jan. 13, and was averaging 13.2 points and 10.1 rebounds in 35 games as a starter, is expected to come back for the first round of the playoffs. Small forward Trevor Ariza, who has missed 41 games with a fractured foot, and was averaging 5.5 points and 3.1 rebounds in 15.6 minutes per game, is also likely to be back for the playoffs. The Lakers are currently the No. 2 seed in the West.

Brad Miller to Undergo Elbow Surgery
The season is over for Kings center Brad Miller. According to the Sacramento Bee, he is scheduled to have surgery on Friday to remove bone chips in his right elbow. The two-time All Star started all 72 games this year, and was averaging 13.5 points, 9.5 rebounds and 3.7 assists. Miller’s numbers were up this season since he battled injuries last year. Miller was also bothered by a stress fracture in his left leg.

KSU’s Beasley to Hold Press Conference on Monday
Potential No. 1 pick Michael Beasley has scheduled a press conference on Monday to announce whether or not he intends to enter the NBA draft. He is officially undecided although it is expected that he will go pro. Beasley was named Big 12 Player of the Year, and averaged 26.2 points and 12.4 rebounds in his freshman season with the Wildcats. Kansas State was eliminated in the second round of the NCAA tournament.