THE EXCUSES

• "There are so many new pieces to integrate."
• "They don't know how to work together yet."
• "We have so many injuries."

THE RESULTS

George Karl and DENVER -

• Four new players
• 18-6 record since trade

Analysts say:

• "They have 10 players that have a legitimate chance of scoring 20 plus points on any given night."
• "Credit goes to head coach George Karl for giving the four new players a seamless transition to his team. It's a new brand of basketball that emphasizes sharing the ball."

Other teams say:

• "They are well-balanced and one of the most talented teams in the league from top to bottom on the roster. It is tough to prepare for them because anyone can go off on any night."

Not-so-Doc Rivers and BOSTON -

• Four new players
• From the No.1 overall seed with a record of 40-14, Boston has fallen to third place in the Eastern Conference, behind Miami and Chicago since trade

On Monday night the Nuggets had nine different players score in double figures.  When's the last time Boston had that?  Before Christmas?