Smooth Operators

Blue and yellow,

The type of shit that make 'em call you Carmelo...

Random thoughts from the Nugs' Game One crushing of the Hornets:

-As predicted, both teams were full of energy after the opening tip. The ball was bouncing around like a damn volleyball, shots were long, and the Nugs' in particular had some ugly turnovers. Ease off the Red Bull and double lattes in the hours prior to tip; enjoy some relaxing Yoga and camomile tea instead.

-Rasual. Rah-zool. Everybody say it, it's fun!

-If you go back to Chauncey's college days, you may remember CU's first round tourney game versus Indiana (CU and tourney? Surely you joke!). Chauncey took over that game from the get, hitting long threes, calming his spirited teammates, and commanding the attention of the opponent. Fast forward 12 years later, and "Smooth" did the same thing. With Melo playing like an over zealous high schooler at Prom, Chauncey hit ridiculous threes and maintained a presence to keep the Nugs even early on.

-The Hornets' Sean Marks looks like he should be on some BBC sitcom. A chain smoking deli worker? Perhaps a smack addicted relative? Some drunk bloke in a bar?

-Chris Anderson is channelling the 1994 Brian Williams. The shot blocking, the presence in the paint, ability to draw the opponents ire, and perhaps most importantly, emotion. The game slowly tilted the Nugs' way when Birdman checked in and blocked three shots quickly.

-Chris Paul is deceptive with his play. Being hailed the Golden Boy who does everything "the right way" allows him employ some physical play and flop with the best of them. He can also get dirty, as it didn't take a lip reader to see what was coming from his mouth, and it wasn't "vaccum." Dahntay Jones and him had some ACC throwback battles going and Paul is going to get those calls versus Jones. Kudos to the Nugs' for keeping their heads during his tantrums, something that has been hard in years past (see: Ginobli, Manu.)

-Lil Wayne was there looking like the Hip Hop Elvis Costello. No word if he asked to be on a remix of the National Anthem or get Scott Hastings on there with him.