April 2, 2009

However He Can

Over the past two weeks, whenever Johan has found his way into the Denver Nuggets' lineup, he's managed to find ways to make his presence known -- even in the shortest of stints.

During that same stretch, Denver has won nine of 10 games.

With Nene suspended for a pair of contests, Johan stepped into a starter's role, playing limited time but managed to average a block roughly every 10 minutes he was in the game.

Johan battling Chris Paul on March 25, 2009 (Getty Images).

His most signfiicant night came on March 25th against the New Orleans Hornets, where No. 27 collected five points and six rebounds in under 15 minutes of play.

DEFENSIVE INTANGIBLES
Much of what Johan brings to Denver, particularly on defense, doesn't show up on the stat sheet.

After the game against New Orleans, Nuggets coach George Karl was quick to point out No. 27's play under his own basket. As the Denver Post reported:

"He was very important in the 15 minutes he played," Karl said of Petro. "I said after the game that I thought he played well, and then I looked at the film and thought he played even better. Defensively, he did a great job."

RELATED STORIES
Nene to appeal suspension (Denver Post, Mar. 25, 2009)
http://www.denverpost.com/sports/ci_12006264