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COPYRIGHT 2001 Sporting News Publishing Co.
Dallas
ON AGAIN, OFF AGAIN: The team started February without PG Steve Nash, who has a sore left hamstring. Nash sat out six straight games because of the nagging problem in January, came back and played in three games, then missed four more in a row before the All-Star break. Nash said he wants his leg to be totally healed in time for the. stretch run, even if it means missing extra games. Nash represented the team in the 3-point contest during the All-Star festivities, but the injury is keeping him out of games because it limits his ability to run and cut.
SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: Coach Don Nelson's return probably will require some adjusting. Acting coach Donn Nelson has gone with more big lineups than his father. If the elder Nelson brings back the guard-dominated lineups that fueled the team's early success, forwards Gary Trent and Loy Vaught would lose minutes. The younger Nelson did an excellent job, going 11-7. He's ready to run his own show. --Ken Sins
Denver
FORGOT TO PACK PASSION: The team failed miserably on a road trip again. This six-game swing to the East was going to "define" the season, according to coach Dan Issel. If that's true, the Nuggets can wait another year to make postseason reservations.... PG Nick Van Exel's maturation has been remarkable. He is probably the best clutch shooter in the NBA. But he isn't enough for this team. Neither is PF Antonio McDyess, who has a league-best 38 double-doubles. Both perform consistently. The problem is no one else steps up on the road.
SEE A DIFFERENT GAME: In the loss to the Raptors, Toronto got 15 points and 5 blocks from former Nuggets F/C Keon Clark, who thanked Issel for trading him. F/C Kevin Willis, whom the Nuggets received in exchange, has not made much difference. The club will need his grit and leadership if it makes the playoffs. But without road wins, Willis won't have a chance to contribute in the postseason. --Michael BeDan
Golden State
NOT GETTING IT DONE: Vonteego Cummings has done little to show he could be the starting point guard of the future. He is more of a shooting guard in a point guard's body, and his instincts tell him to look for his offense--or pound the dribble on the perimeter--first and distribute second. Coach Dave Cowens has given Cummings a chance to close tight games and earn consistent minutes behind starter Mookie Blaylock, but Cummings...
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