re:subplots

[opi@unesco.org]

There are so many exciting subplots leading into tonight's Denver game,
much like the off-week leading into the Miami game last Friday. I don't
know how much more of this excitement I can take.:-)

Here's some cut & paste from Frank Del'Apa's column:

Boston's Eric Williams, a former Nugget, said, ''I have no grudges about
being traded. I still have friends in the organization. I understand the
situation. I was younger when I got traded the first time and my idea
then was different. I thought it was guys who weren't producing or
playing up to their ability who were the ones who were traded. Now, I
know that is not always what happens. I am just going to go out and try
to win the game.''

Before Dan Issel returned to coach the Nuggets this season, he spent
time as a sports-talk radio personality. One of the most memorable lines
from his media career came when he referred to Tony Battie as ''El
Busto,'' meaning that the Nuggets' No. 5 overall pick in the 1997 draft
couldn't play. ''I was given the credit - or blame - for saying that,''
Issel said, ''but it's not really my line. I was quoting one of our
[media] guys, who called him that. Unfortunately, the way it goes now is
that I said it.'' Issel paused and said with a laugh, ''But, hey. I was
on talk radio.You know those guys don't have any credibility.'' Battie
averaged 8.4 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 1 blocked shot his first season.

Paul Pierce is anticipating a matchup against former teammate Ron
Mercer. ''He's having a good year and I wish him the best of luck,''
Pierce said. ''It is going to be a lot of fun playing against him. But
we are not taking each other lightly. It is going to be a tough
assignment and I'm up for the challenge. His strength is coming off
screens, and if I can keep him from doing that, I'll have a good night.
If I can talk to him during the game and distract him, good. But he
never talked much in practice.''

Celtics coach Rick Pitino is expecting a difficult test against Denver
tonight.

 ''They are extremely athletic, the most athletic team we will have
faced all season,'' Pitino said yesterday. ''They are unique because
they have so many 3-point shooters. They shoot it at the [center
position] and we are not used to that.''

The Nuggets took a 94-77 win at Philadelphia Monday as Nick Van Exel
scored 34 points, including 19 in the fourth quarter.

''Obviously, they are playing good basketball,'' Pitino said. ''Van Exel
is so good he can take over a game, much as he did against Philly in the
fourth quarter. Defensively, they are like us - young, aggressive. They
are the No. 1 shot-blocking team in the league [8.29 per game] and
you've got to play smart offensively to exploit their weaknesses. If
not, they will block your shot.

''They have great talent and they are tough-minded. Plus, they make
their free throws. It sounds simplistic, but a lot of the time it comes
down to foul shooting, and if it does, they are going to make them.''