February 25, 2009

Taking Notice of No. 27

While Denver starter Nene has been sidelined with an injury, Johan has played some of his best basketball of the year, and people are starting to take notice.

Wednesday, JP racked up eight points of 4-of-6 shots in only 17 minutes of play. As it turned out, the Nuggets needed every one of them, pulling out a 110-109 win over the visiting Atlanta Hawks.

FILLING IT UP
In a blog post Wednesday, Denver Post reporter Benjamin Hochman wrote that Denver was "filling up with Petro," describing Johan's noteworthy contributions in recent games.

Petro proceeded to score eight points in just 17 minutes, while filling it at center for the injured Nene. He even hit a nifty pull-up jumper from the right elbow over Al Horford in third.

It was a helpful helping from the big man, who is finally getting some playing time.

Denver coach George Karl went on to speak about Johan's potential:

“I’ve said all along – I think he can play NBA basketball,” coach George Karl said. “How much improvement and confidence he can get from the short minutes is difficult.”

No. 27 was eager to continue his contributions however he could, scoring or otherwise.

“I don’t really see my role as an offensive guy right now. I’m just trying to rebound, block some shots, run the floor and set some screens.”

RELATED STORIES
Nuggets end skid, beat Hawks (AP, Feb. 25, 2009)
http://www.nba.com/games/20090225/ATLDEN/recap.html
Nuggets filling up with Petro (Denver Post, Feb. 25, 2009)
http://blogs.denverpost.com/nuggets/2009/02/25/nuggets-filling-up-with-p...