Nuggets’ Kleiza makes most of his chance
Web Posted: 04/21/2007 09:56 PM CDT
Mike Monroe
Express-News
Linas Kleiza is proof that one man’s misfortune can be another man’s opportunity.
Kleiza became a key performer out of necessity for the Denver Nuggets when All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony (15 games) guard J.R. Smith (10 games) were suspended for their roles in an ugly brawl with New York Knicks players on Dec. 16.
Kleiza comes into today’s Game 1 of the Spurs-Nuggets first-round playoff series as Denver’s prime candidate to be the series’ X-factor — a role player capable of making a difference, like Spurs veteran Robert Horry.
“Even though I haven’t seen him that much, I’ve been watching a little tape on him,” said Horry, known as “Big Shot Rob” for his exploits in clutch playoff situations. “He’s one of those guys we’ve got to be conscious of, stay in front of, and not give him anything easy.”
A 6-foot-8 forward from Lithuania who played two seasons at Missouri, Kleiza became a clutch 3-point shooter for the Nuggets during their 10-1 April surge into the No. 6 playoff slot. He made all three of his long-range shots in a crucial road victory over the Lakers on April3. He shot 37.6 percent from long range for the season.
Nuggets coach George Karl nearly gave up on Kleiza early in the season. When the suspensions were issued, he had little choice but to use him.
“The first 15 games of the season, we thought he might be a flop,” Karl said, "But he’s just stayed in it and worked hard and his confidence has just come along. He’s one of the best young professionals I’ve ever coached.
“He reminds me of Detlef Schrempf (whom Karl coached during his time with Seattle). He comes to the gym with a very serious attitude, a very professional attitude. I don’t feel uncomfortable playing him at different positions.”
The scouting report on Kleiza early this season included advice to take advantage of his questionable defense. Now, Karl won’t hesitate to have him guard the league’s best scorer.
“I remember at the beginning of the season how teams were always isolating him and just going at his defense,” Karl said. "And now he’s guarding (Lakers star) Kobe Bryant in the fourth quarter of a big game.
“Obviously, he’s worked on his game at a very high level. I think the team has a lot of confidence in giving him the ball. He and J.R. are very important to opening up the middle and keeping a threat at the 3-point line. The more we play over there, the better we usually play.”
Kleiza understood he had to make the most of his opportunity while Anthony and Smith sat.
“When all the suspensions came down, I had a chance to play,” Kleiza said. “And after everybody came back, my time was consistent and I just kind of played fluid and got better playing. There were a lot of circumstances, but mostly it was just a lot of hard work I put in — just keep getting better every day.”
Spurs forward Michael Finley said Kleiza has earned the Spurs’ respect.
“He’s been playing well of late off Allen’s penetration and teams double-teaming Carmelo, so he’s a very interesting player,” Finley said. "I think he’s underrated as an athlete. He’s a big-time athlete, and he’s put up big numbers.