Smith, Felton help Nuggets past Hawks
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Denver Nuggets coach George Karl trotted out different lineups until something finally clicked.
That will be his plan from here on.
With a new cast of characters and the postseason drawing near, Karl doesn't have time to do anything but adjust on the fly.
The reserve tandem of J.R. Smith and Raymond Felton worked on Monday night, helping Denver rally for a 100-90 victory over the Atlanta Hawks and the Nuggets' third win in four games since the deal that sent Carmelo Anthony to New York.
Smith had 19 points and Felton added 15 as the Nuggets used a 8-0 surge early in the fourth quarter to pull away from the road-weary Hawks.
The new identity of the Nuggets has become their ability to interchange parts at any time.
Danilo Gallinari missed the game with a broken left big toe - which could sideline him up to 10 days - and Smith stepped up. Ty Lawson was fatigued by the flu midway through the game and Felton filled in.
"When I feel I have a team that can win the game, they're probably going to stay on the court," Karl said. "As the game goes down to the end, there's a lot of guys I can finish with. They're going to have to live with my decision. Hopefully, be enthusiastic about it."
Smith put the finishing touches on the win as he tipped in an alley-oop pass from Felton with 1:34 remaining to give the Nuggets a 10-point lead.
But that play may have come at a cost - Smith was hobbling around after the game, his left knee aching.
"Not used to jumping off my left leg as much. Really strained it a little," he said.
Smith also took a hard fall in the second quarter after being knocked off balance by Damien Wilkins on a drive to the hoop. Smith limped around for a few minutes, favoring his left hip, yet didn't leave the floor.
Especially not now, with Karl trusting him more.
"Feels great to be out there," Smith said. "I can't complain. We're winning so that's all that matters."
Smith wasn't the only one banged up on the second-quarter play as Josh Smith hurt his right knee in the aftermath of the collision. He did not return for the second half and will be re-evaluated when the Hawks return to Atlanta.
