thedenverpost--2020-08-17--Should my kid go to school today? Colorado releases new tools to help keep COVID-19 out of schools

Should my kid go to school today ?
That ’ s the question state officials want parents to ask themselves every morning during the pandemic , especially if their student is exhibiting any new or worsening symptoms of a possible illness .
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has released a series of flowcharts intended to help parents and school staff determine the best course of action when a student or teacher isn ’ t feeling well , or when there is a COVID-19 case in a school .
Guidance differs depending on the level of community spread @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ low ” level of transmission is defined by the standards of the Protect Your Neighbors phase under Gov .
Jared Polis ’ reopening plan , while “ sustained ” is defined under the Stay at Home or Safer at Home phases .
Right now , the state remains in the Safer at Home phase .
According to Chalkbeat Colorado , updates to the guidelines may allow schools to send fewer children home and let them return more quickly depending on if they exhibit or come in contact with someone exhibiting “ minor @ @ @ @ @ @ @ or body aches , or “ major ” symptoms , such as fever and loss of taste or smell .
It ’ s worth noting that experts estimate up to 40 % of adolescents who contract COVID-19 may never get a fever .
Many Colorado school districts are beginning the year remotely , though some are preparing to return in-person , even as one had a teacher test positive for the virus as recently as last week .
Keep these tools handy if you or your family falls into the latter category .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ or student in your household have any of these symptoms ?
CDPHE recommends staying home , informing your school and contacting a health provider to get a COVID-19 test .
At-school symptom evaluation : When a teacher or child arrives at school and then begins feeling unwell , nurses or administrators should use this chart to determine dismissal protocol .
When to return to school : If a teacher or student exhibits symptoms similar to COVID-19 , this chart will help them determine when they should go back into a building .
This @ @ @ @ @ @ @ positive case of the virus , rather a procedure for monitoring symptoms that may or may not be related to a COVID-19 infection .
Class quarantine protocol : When a student or school staff member is out for exhibiting symptoms , being at risk of exposure to COVID-19 or getting a virus test , leaders should use this evaluation to determine who , if anyone , should be quarantined .

Should my kid go to school today?
That’s the question state officials want parents to ask themselves every morning during the pandemic, especially if their student is exhibiting any new or worsening symptoms of a possible illness.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment has released a series of flowcharts intended to help parents and school staff determine the best course of action when a student or teacher isn’t feeling well, or when there is a COVID-19 case in a school.
Guidance differs depending on the level of community spread where a school is located. A “low” level of transmission is defined by the standards of the Protect Your Neighbors phase under Gov. Jared Polis’ reopening plan, while “sustained” is defined under the Stay at Home or Safer at Home phases. Right now, the state remains in the Safer at Home phase.
According to Chalkbeat Colorado, updates to the guidelines may allow schools to send fewer children home and let them return more quickly depending on if they exhibit or come in contact with someone exhibiting “minor” symptoms, such as sore throat or body aches, or “major” symptoms, such as fever and loss of taste or smell. It’s worth noting that experts estimate up to 40% of adolescents who contract COVID-19 may never get a fever.
Many Colorado school districts are beginning the year remotely, though some are preparing to return in-person, even as one had a teacher test positive for the virus as recently as last week.
Keep these tools handy if you or your family falls into the latter category.
At-home symptom checklist: Does the teacher or student in your household have any of these symptoms? CDPHE recommends staying home, informing your school and contacting a health provider to get a COVID-19 test.
At-school symptom evaluation: When a teacher or child arrives at school and then begins feeling unwell, nurses or administrators should use this chart to determine dismissal protocol.
When to return to school: If a teacher or student exhibits symptoms similar to COVID-19, this chart will help them determine when they should go back into a building. This is not the quarantine protocol for a positive case of the virus, rather a procedure for monitoring symptoms that may or may not be related to a COVID-19 infection.
Class quarantine protocol: When a student or school staff member is out for exhibiting symptoms, being at risk of exposure to COVID-19 or getting a virus test, leaders should use this evaluation to determine who, if anyone, should be quarantined.


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--“Hidden” Trump voters exist. But how much impact will they have?

By Jeremy W. Peters , The New York Times MOORESVILLE , N.C. — It wasn ’ t the most obvious spot for a flag that people usually buy to make a big statement .
But there it was , peeking out from the inside wall of a garage , the white “ Trump 2020 ” lettering just visible from the street in this suburban Charlotte neighborhood .
From the front porch , Tiffany Blythe , a stay-at-home mom , said that she and many of the people she knows would be voting for President Donald Trump in November — but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about it .
And that hesitation is why Blythe doesn ’ t trust the polls that are now forecasting losses this fall for Trump and other Republicans in North Carolina and beyond .
“ I ’ m not buying it , ” Blythe said .
“ There are a lot of silent voters , and more will come out before the election .
I think a lot of states are turning red from blue , but you don ’ t hear about that in the media.
” The belief that Americans aren ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s chances for reelection has taken hold among many of his supporters .
For Trump loyalists , it is an appealing story and one with some validity : The news media , which largely failed to anticipate Trump ’ s victory in 2016 , are undercounting his voters , many of whom are even more reluctant today than they were four years ago to declare themselves in his camp .
Trump makes this argument often ; on Saturday evening , he told reporters that “ we have a silent majority the likes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of his pollsters , John McLaughlin , has even put a name to this supposed flaw in the data , predicting that the “ hidden Trump voter ” will prove the news media wrong .
But the idea that there are substantial numbers of Trump voters who will emerge from hiding on Election Day , large enough to sway the outcome , is not supported by the latest public opinion research — or by a proper understanding of what happened in past elections where the voter surveys were off , said pollsters who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ This does not mean that Joe Biden ’ s lead , with the most recent national polls putting him ahead by as much as 10 points , won ’ t tighten .
And public opinion experts said there is growing evidence that Americans across the spectrum have become more skittish about sharing their political preferences outside a trusted group of like-minded people .
But it would be a huge leap to conclude that the country ’ s tense political dynamics are causing people to lie to pollsters in large enough numbers to explain @ @ @ @ @ @ @ There are many people who are voting for Trump who are in environments where it ’ s politically untenable to admit it because he ’ s become so toxic , ” said Whit Ayres , a Republican pollster .
“ But I ’ m still not convinced that not telling your business associate or the people in your Rotary Club or the people in your country club is the same thing as not telling a pollster.
” The possibility that Americans are hiding their true intentions from pollsters has provided an irresistible sense @ @ @ @ @ @ @ even though there are few confirmed examples where it made a difference .
Political experts compare such speculation to the quadrennial predictions of a brokered convention , which has not occurred since 1952 .
In 2008 , there were questions about whether support for Barack Obama was being inflated in the polls by people who didn ’ t want to say they weren ’ t supporting him .
That did not happen .
Four years ago , some suggested there might be a similar phenomenon at work with Trump supporters who were too @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Trump won by squeaking out victories in a few battleground states , his backers argued that shy voters were a reason the polls missed his strength in those places .
“ The idea that people lie , it ’ s an interesting theory , and it ’ s not like it ’ s completely off-the-wall , ” said David Winston , a pollster who works with congressional Republicans .
“ But it ’ s obviously a very complicated thing to try to prove , because what do you do ?
Ask them , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Winston said that many proponents of the theory about hidden Trump voters rely on what is known as the Bradley effect , named after Tom Bradley , the former mayor of Los Angeles who lost the 1982 California governor ’ s race despite polling consistently ahead of his white opponent .
Among political scientists , the theory that emerged to explain the gap between the polls and the election results was that white voters were worried about appearing racist if they did not say they were supporting Bradley , who was Black .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Bradley effect , including Blair Levin , one of Bradley ’ s former advisers , who has argued that Bradley lost because of a complicated mix of factors , among them a robust Republican absentee voting campaign and an unpopular gun control initiative on the ballot , both of which turned out a surge of Republican voters .
If voters were indeed afraid of voicing their support for the president , Winston said , other numbers in the poll would reflect that , like seeing an uptick in the percentage of undecided @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for Biden .
“ It would not be people saying they are voting for Biden , ” he said , “ but that they ’ re undecided.
” While the effects of a hidden Trump vote are certainly overstated by the president ’ s allies , that does not mean that no evidence exists that polls are missing some of his voters .
A small percentage of his support is probably being undercounted and has been in the past , public opinion experts said .
And in states like North Carolina , where @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , the undercount could make a difference between a poll being right or wrong .
“ We assume the race will tighten , and as that happens , the size of the shy Trump vote could very easily come into play , ” said Neil Newhouse , a Republican who led Mitt Romney ’ s polling in 2012 .
In 2016 , Newhouse said that Trump tended to score 2 or 3 points higher in phone surveys when respondents were asked to press a button to record their preferences rather than talk to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , when he asked people if they had ever been unwilling to talk about their vote , 35 % of Trump voters said yes .
And they tended to be women from Democratic-leaning counties .
Newhouse has picked up further evidence of such reluctance recently .
In polls he conducted late last month in North Carolina and Iowa , he found that one-quarter to one-third of voters answered “ yes ” when asked if they knew someone who is voting for Trump but would not say so to anyone but their closest friends @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of ‘ shy Trump voters , ’ ” Newhouse said .
But , he added , if polls are undercounting some Trump voters — a group that tends to be uniquely expressive and adamant about their support for the president — no one can say by how much .
And in any case , pollsters said they have corrected one of the biggest mistakes they made in 2016 , when they failed to account for the high numbers of voters without college degrees who turned out , many of whom voted for Trump @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pool of possible voters in surveys — not just people who say they are likely to vote , as pollsters often do — because they anticipate historic turnout .
One variable that public opinion experts are still grappling with is how the polarized political climate is affecting the accuracy of their work .
Recent research has shown that conservatives fear they are more likely than moderates and liberals to be targeted for being honest about their political beliefs , although self-censorship appears to be rising among most Americans .
In a survey conducted @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , 77 % of conservatives said they felt unable to share their political opinions because others might find them offensive , an increase from 70 % who said so in 2017 .
Among liberals , 52 % reported those concerns , compared with 45 % three years ago ; among moderates it was 64 % versus 57 % previously .
Interviews with voters like Blythe suggest the unease over political speech has become highly politicized .
“ I see Democrats not protecting our freedoms , and that includes freedom of speech , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , a Democratic pollster , said what really explains Trump ’ s low standing is not flawed methodology but rather the president ’ s inability to expand his coalition .
“ The problem for the Trump campaign is not the silent Trump voter but the disappearing Trump voter , ” Garin said .
“ And there are a lot more disappearing Trump voters than there are silent ones.
” The flip side of that dynamic — people who did not vote for Trump in 2016 and who have now become supporters — is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ voters , it is less than 5 % , ” Garin said .
Henry Olsen , a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center , has noted another warning sign in the data for anyone holding out hope that a hidden pocket of voters will save Trump : There aren ’ t many people backing a third-party candidate right now who could potentially switch to the Republican ticket .
Olsen said in an email that while some conservative voters often park themselves with the Libertarian candidate in the months before an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Republicans .
But the Libertarian Party candidate , Jo Jorgensen , is registering minuscule support in the polls now compared with the high single-digits that Gary Johnson , the party ’ s 2016 nominee , was seeing at this point four years ago .
( STORY CAN END HERE .
OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS . )
Still , among Republicans in North Carolina , none of these facts seem to dent their confidence or convince them that they should worry about polls showing Trump losing to Biden — or others that have the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Tillis , behind his Democratic opponent , Cal Cunningham .
Tim Moore , the Republican speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives , said , “ Here ’ s the thing I wonder : If you think about how divided we are as a country , how polarized the two sides are at the national level when it comes to the presidential race , how many people are truly undecided ?
” Moore believes that voters who say they are undecided today will decisively break for Trump and help him win the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Charlotte neighborhood , many people who answered the door were willing to say they supported Trump for reelection .
But when asked for their names , few of them agreed .
“ I ’ d like to keep my friends , ” one woman said .
At another residence down the street , a man who opened the door barely enough for a reporter to hear him say he was voting Republican joked , “ Don ’ t burn down my house .
”

The New York Times News Service Syndicate

By Jeremy W. Peters, The New York Times
MOORESVILLE, N.C. — It wasn’t the most obvious spot for a flag that people usually buy to make a big statement. But there it was, peeking out from the inside wall of a garage, the white “Trump 2020” lettering just visible from the street in this suburban Charlotte neighborhood.
From the front porch, Tiffany Blythe, a stay-at-home mom, said that she and many of the people she knows would be voting for President Donald Trump in November — but that many of them were nervous talking about it. And that hesitation is why Blythe doesn’t trust the polls that are now forecasting losses this fall for Trump and other Republicans in North Carolina and beyond.
“I’m not buying it,” Blythe said. “There are a lot of silent voters, and more will come out before the election. I think a lot of states are turning red from blue, but you don’t hear about that in the media.”
The belief that Americans aren’t getting the real story about Trump’s chances for reelection has taken hold among many of his supporters. For Trump loyalists, it is an appealing story and one with some validity: The news media, which largely failed to anticipate Trump’s victory in 2016, are undercounting his voters, many of whom are even more reluctant today than they were four years ago to declare themselves in his camp.
Trump makes this argument often; on Saturday evening, he told reporters that “we have a silent majority the likes of which nobody has seen.” One of his pollsters, John McLaughlin, has even put a name to this supposed flaw in the data, predicting that the “hidden Trump voter” will prove the news media wrong.
But the idea that there are substantial numbers of Trump voters who will emerge from hiding on Election Day, large enough to sway the outcome, is not supported by the latest public opinion research — or by a proper understanding of what happened in past elections where the voter surveys were off, said pollsters who work for Republican and Democratic candidates.
This does not mean that Joe Biden’s lead, with the most recent national polls putting him ahead by as much as 10 points, won’t tighten. And public opinion experts said there is growing evidence that Americans across the spectrum have become more skittish about sharing their political preferences outside a trusted group of like-minded people. But it would be a huge leap to conclude that the country’s tense political dynamics are causing people to lie to pollsters in large enough numbers to explain Trump’s poor standing.
“There are many people who are voting for Trump who are in environments where it’s politically untenable to admit it because he’s become so toxic,” said Whit Ayres, a Republican pollster. “But I’m still not convinced that not telling your business associate or the people in your Rotary Club or the people in your country club is the same thing as not telling a pollster.”
The possibility that Americans are hiding their true intentions from pollsters has provided an irresistible sense of intrigue to presidential elections before, even though there are few confirmed examples where it made a difference. Political experts compare such speculation to the quadrennial predictions of a brokered convention, which has not occurred since 1952.
In 2008, there were questions about whether support for Barack Obama was being inflated in the polls by people who didn’t want to say they weren’t supporting him. That did not happen.
Four years ago, some suggested there might be a similar phenomenon at work with Trump supporters who were too embarrassed to reveal themselves. And when Trump won by squeaking out victories in a few battleground states, his backers argued that shy voters were a reason the polls missed his strength in those places.
“The idea that people lie, it’s an interesting theory, and it’s not like it’s completely off-the-wall,” said David Winston, a pollster who works with congressional Republicans. “But it’s obviously a very complicated thing to try to prove, because what do you do? Ask them, ‘Are you lying?’”
Winston said that many proponents of the theory about hidden Trump voters rely on what is known as the Bradley effect, named after Tom Bradley, the former mayor of Los Angeles who lost the 1982 California governor’s race despite polling consistently ahead of his white opponent. Among political scientists, the theory that emerged to explain the gap between the polls and the election results was that white voters were worried about appearing racist if they did not say they were supporting Bradley, who was Black.
But some have questioned the validity of the Bradley effect, including Blair Levin, one of Bradley’s former advisers, who has argued that Bradley lost because of a complicated mix of factors, among them a robust Republican absentee voting campaign and an unpopular gun control initiative on the ballot, both of which turned out a surge of Republican voters.
If voters were indeed afraid of voicing their support for the president, Winston said, other numbers in the poll would reflect that, like seeing an uptick in the percentage of undecided voters rather than a rise in support for Biden.
“It would not be people saying they are voting for Biden,” he said, “but that they’re undecided.”
While the effects of a hidden Trump vote are certainly overstated by the president’s allies, that does not mean that no evidence exists that polls are missing some of his voters. A small percentage of his support is probably being undercounted and has been in the past, public opinion experts said. And in states like North Carolina, where the margin of victory could be narrow, the undercount could make a difference between a poll being right or wrong.
“We assume the race will tighten, and as that happens, the size of the shy Trump vote could very easily come into play,” said Neil Newhouse, a Republican who led Mitt Romney’s polling in 2012.
In 2016, Newhouse said that Trump tended to score 2 or 3 points higher in phone surveys when respondents were asked to press a button to record their preferences rather than talk to a live person. In postelection polling, when he asked people if they had ever been unwilling to talk about their vote, 35% of Trump voters said yes. And they tended to be women from Democratic-leaning counties.
Newhouse has picked up further evidence of such reluctance recently. In polls he conducted late last month in North Carolina and Iowa, he found that one-quarter to one-third of voters answered “yes” when asked if they knew someone who is voting for Trump but would not say so to anyone but their closest friends.
“This totally confirms the notion of ‘shy Trump voters,’” Newhouse said.
But, he added, if polls are undercounting some Trump voters — a group that tends to be uniquely expressive and adamant about their support for the president — no one can say by how much.
And in any case, pollsters said they have corrected one of the biggest mistakes they made in 2016, when they failed to account for the high numbers of voters without college degrees who turned out, many of whom voted for Trump. And they are including a larger pool of possible voters in surveys — not just people who say they are likely to vote, as pollsters often do — because they anticipate historic turnout.
One variable that public opinion experts are still grappling with is how the polarized political climate is affecting the accuracy of their work. Recent research has shown that conservatives fear they are more likely than moderates and liberals to be targeted for being honest about their political beliefs, although self-censorship appears to be rising among most Americans.
In a survey conducted last month by the libertarian-leaning Cato Institute, 77% of conservatives said they felt unable to share their political opinions because others might find them offensive, an increase from 70% who said so in 2017. Among liberals, 52% reported those concerns, compared with 45% three years ago; among moderates it was 64% versus 57% previously.
Interviews with voters like Blythe suggest the unease over political speech has become highly politicized.
“I see Democrats not protecting our freedoms, and that includes freedom of speech,” she said.
Still, Geoff Garin, a Democratic pollster, said what really explains Trump’s low standing is not flawed methodology but rather the president’s inability to expand his coalition.
“The problem for the Trump campaign is not the silent Trump voter but the disappearing Trump voter,” Garin said. “And there are a lot more disappearing Trump voters than there are silent ones.”
The flip side of that dynamic — people who did not vote for Trump in 2016 and who have now become supporters — is barely a factor.
“Among Clinton voters, it is less than 5%,” Garin said.
Henry Olsen, a senior fellow at the Ethics and Public Policy Center, has noted another warning sign in the data for anyone holding out hope that a hidden pocket of voters will save Trump: There aren’t many people backing a third-party candidate right now who could potentially switch to the Republican ticket. Olsen said in an email that while some conservative voters often park themselves with the Libertarian candidate in the months before an election, many eventually come home to the Republicans.
But the Libertarian Party candidate, Jo Jorgensen, is registering minuscule support in the polls now compared with the high single-digits that Gary Johnson, the party’s 2016 nominee, was seeing at this point four years ago.(STORY CAN END HERE. OPTIONAL MATERIAL FOLLOWS.)Still, among Republicans in North Carolina, none of these facts seem to dent their confidence or convince them that they should worry about polls showing Trump losing to Biden — or others that have the state’s Republican senator, Thom Tillis, behind his Democratic opponent, Cal Cunningham.
Tim Moore, the Republican speaker of the North Carolina House of Representatives, said, “Here’s the thing I wonder: If you think about how divided we are as a country, how polarized the two sides are at the national level when it comes to the presidential race, how many people are truly undecided?”
Moore believes that voters who say they are undecided today will decisively break for Trump and help him win the state.
In Blythe’s suburban Charlotte neighborhood, many people who answered the door were willing to say they supported Trump for reelection. But when asked for their names, few of them agreed.
“I’d like to keep my friends,” one woman said.
At another residence down the street, a man who opened the door barely enough for a reporter to hear him say he was voting Republican joked, “Don’t burn down my house.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--Kiszla: Behind breakout success of Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is loving father who saw darke

Kiszla: Behind breakout success of Nuggets forward Michael Porter Jr. is loving father who saw darkest days of amazing comeback story

Shortly before midnight on a humid summer night in the Midwest , a father utters a little confession into the darkness about one of the NBA ’ s brightest rising stars .
“ I ’ m really excited and happy for how Michael is playing now , because he was really down quite a bit .
He was down in that valley a lot , which can make it difficult to have a positive mindset , ” Michael Porter Sr. confides on the telephone from his home in central Missouri .
This proud father ’ s namesake is a 6-foot-10 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ t seen since Carmelo Anthony bolted Denver .
It ’ s a sight for sore eyes , because graying Baby Boomers in town that cheered as kids for Ringsby Rockets still wait and wish for their local pro team to win its first championship .
Might Michael Porter Jr. be the answer to a lifetime of those basketball prayers ?
He has started only eight times for the Nuggets , offering little more than a glimpse .
But this glimmer packs the wattage to let imaginations run wild , as Porter has @ @ @ @ @ @ @ those eight starts .
MPJ makes putting the ball through the hoop look effortless , the way Alex English did back in the day .
But is it easy ?
No .
A father knows the truth .
The Nuggets took a gamble on a big talent with major health risks when using the 14th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft on MPJ .
Much of his past two years in Denver has been spent either in rehab or the doghouse of coach Michael Malone , a nice guy that gets real @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assignments .
That ’ s what makes this coming out party , a happy byproduct of worrisome injuries to veterans Will Barton and Gary Harris , so joyous for MPJ and his family .
“ When you ’ re talking about playing in the NBA , you ’ re talking about playing against the best basketball players in the world .
On top of that , our son was battling back from an injury that sometimes a player does not come back from , or at the least is never the same player @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
“ It ’ s like you ’ re battling two big things at the same time .
And it can be a daunting task.
” His son has been forced to walk through a valley of self-doubt that might ’ ve cracked a lesser athlete .
MPJ ’ s playing time before this season was halted in March by the coronavirus was frustratingly inconsistent .
Then the challenge got worse .
During a four-month break in the NBA schedule forced by the pandemic , while back in Missouri , where his sometimes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family ’ s relentless positivity , Porter Jr. contracted COVID-19 .
“ He was lucky in being asymptomatic the whole time .
He kept testing positive , but still felt well enough to go work out every day , ” Porter Sr. says .
As clinical studies of COVID-19 are now beginning to reveal , even relatively mild cases of the virus can linger for weeks in the body .
Waiting for health clearance forced Porter Jr. to report late to Florida for training with teammates anxious to resume the season .
But @ @ @ @ @ @ @ offensive talent so immense , we dare ask a question that could make the Nuggets ’ long-stifled championship dreams finally come true : What if star center Nikola Jokic is the second-best basketball player on this team ?
The NBA bubble is where this crazy dream was born , when we saw how great MPJ can be .
As the young Nuggets forward catches a pass from Jokic on the wing , all it takes for Porter to break the ankles of San Antoino guard Derek White is the tiniest hint of launching @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
White bites so hard on the faked jumper that he falls down as MPJ takes his first dribble toward an easy lay-up during a 30-point outburst against the Spurs .
“ He plays against LeBron ( James ) , he plays against Kawhi ( Leonard ) , ” says Jokic , impressed MPJ never backs down from a challenge .
“ He ’ s just going to get better and better.
” During the playoffs , elevated intensity is defined by more than perspiration left on the court in the headlong pursuit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ are sharpened like a stiletto and used like a weapon .
So do not be surprised if MPJ finds space hard to find against Utah in this first-round series .
“ For me , it starts now , ” says Porter Jr. , who knows winning reputations can only be built during the playoffs .
More than a year ago , when MPJ ’ s skills were largely hidden behind closed doors of the team ’ s practice gym , there were whispers a tall , angular forward could score like few in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Durant .
At the time , I thought it was crazy talk .
Nobody is K.D .
But after watching MPJ display 55.5 % marksmanship from 3-point range , while averaging 30 points and nearly 13 rebounds during Denver ’ s three victories in the bubble , I ’ m working on a not-as-crazy-as-it-sounds theory .
Although MPJ might not ever match Jokic ’ s many-faceted skill set , my educated guess is if MPJ ’ s back holds up , Joker will gladly assist him in the climb to become one of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
MPJ excitedly notes Joker “ is a superstar who would rather pass .
And I ’ m a young guy who likes to score … Whenever he throws me the ball , I know he wants me to shoot it.
” And there ’ s no faith stronger than a father who dreams all the best for his child .
Late on a summer night , I tell a father his son possesses the talent to elbow into the elite company of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Donic , joining stars who will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
While the father refuses to take the bait , he also does not blink at high praise or lofty goals for MPJ .
“ This is far as I ’ ll go , ” Porter Sr. tells me .
“ What this young man is doing now does not surprise me .
”

Shortly before midnight on a humid summer night in the Midwest, a father utters a little confession into the darkness about one of the NBA’s brightest rising stars.
“I’m really excited and happy for how Michael is playing now, because he was really down quite a bit. He was down in that valley a lot, which can make it difficult to have a positive mindset,” Michael Porter Sr. confides on the telephone from his home in central Missouri.
This proud father’s namesake is a 6-foot-10 forward with scoring ability the Nuggets haven’t seen since Carmelo Anthony bolted Denver. It’s a sight for sore eyes, because graying Baby Boomers in town that cheered as kids for Ringsby Rockets still wait and wish for their local pro team to win its first championship.
Might Michael Porter Jr. be the answer to a lifetime of those basketball prayers?
He has started only eight times for the Nuggets, offering little more than a glimpse. But this glimmer packs the wattage to let imaginations run wild, as Porter has averaged 21.6 points and 8.3 rebounds in those eight starts.
MPJ makes putting the ball through the hoop look effortless, the way Alex English did back in the day. But is it easy? No. A father knows the truth.
The Nuggets took a gamble on a big talent with major health risks when using the 14th overall pick in the 2018 NBA draft on MPJ. Much of his past two years in Denver has been spent either in rehab or the doghouse of coach Michael Malone, a nice guy that gets real crabby when a raw rookie blows defensive assignments.
That’s what makes this coming out party, a happy byproduct of worrisome injuries to veterans Will Barton and Gary Harris, so joyous for MPJ and his family.
“When you’re talking about playing in the NBA, you’re talking about playing against the best basketball players in the world. On top of that, our son was battling back from an injury that sometimes a player does not come back from, or at the least is never the same player again,” Porter Sr. tells me.
“It’s like you’re battling two big things at the same time. And it can be a daunting task.”
His son has been forced to walk through a valley of self-doubt that might’ve cracked a lesser athlete. MPJ’s playing time before this season was halted in March by the coronavirus was frustratingly inconsistent. Then the challenge got worse. During a four-month break in the NBA schedule forced by the pandemic, while back in Missouri, where his sometimes sagging confidence was pumped up with his family’s relentless positivity, Porter Jr. contracted COVID-19.
“He was lucky in being asymptomatic the whole time. He kept testing positive, but still felt well enough to go work out every day,” Porter Sr. says.
As clinical studies of COVID-19 are now beginning to reveal, even relatively mild cases of the virus can linger for weeks in the body. Waiting for health clearance forced Porter Jr. to report late to Florida for training with teammates anxious to resume the season. But once in Orlando, MPJ has re-discovered offensive talent so immense, we dare ask a question that could make the Nuggets’ long-stifled championship dreams finally come true:
What if star center Nikola Jokic is the second-best basketball player on this team?
The NBA bubble is where this crazy dream was born, when we saw how great MPJ can be.
As the young Nuggets forward catches a pass from Jokic on the wing, all it takes for Porter to break the ankles of San Antoino guard Derek White is the tiniest hint of launching a shot from behind the three-point arc. White bites so hard on the faked jumper that he falls down as MPJ takes his first dribble toward an easy lay-up during a 30-point outburst against the Spurs.
“He plays against LeBron (James), he plays against Kawhi (Leonard),” says Jokic, impressed MPJ never backs down from a challenge. “He’s just going to get better and better.”
During the playoffs, elevated intensity is defined by more than perspiration left on the court in the headlong pursuit of a loose ball. Scouting reports are sharpened like a stiletto and used like a weapon. So do not be surprised if MPJ finds space hard to find against Utah in this first-round series.
“For me, it starts now,” says Porter Jr., who knows winning reputations can only be built during the playoffs.
More than a year ago, when MPJ’s skills were largely hidden behind closed doors of the team’s practice gym, there were whispers a tall, angular forward could score like few in the NBA, evoking comparisons to Kevin Durant.
At the time, I thought it was crazy talk. Nobody is K.D. But after watching MPJ display 55.5% marksmanship from 3-point range, while averaging 30 points and nearly 13 rebounds during Denver’s three victories in the bubble, I’m working on a not-as-crazy-as-it-sounds theory.
Although MPJ might not ever match Jokic’s many-faceted skill set, my educated guess is if MPJ’s back holds up, Joker will gladly assist him in the climb to become one of the league’s top three scorers.
MPJ excitedly notes Joker “is a superstar who would rather pass. And I’m a young guy who likes to score … Whenever he throws me the ball, I know he wants me to shoot it.”
Love requires faith, in good times and bad.
And there’s no faith stronger than a father who dreams all the best for his child.
Late on a summer night, I tell a father his son possesses the talent to elbow into the elite company of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Luka Donic, joining stars who will define the next decade of pro basketball.
While the father refuses to take the bait, he also does not blink at high praise or lofty goals for MPJ.
“This is far as I’ll go,” Porter Sr. tells me. “What this young man is doing now does not surprise me.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--Trimmed-down superstar Nikola Jokic ready to lift up Nuggets, “take everybody” with him in NBA playo

Trimmed-down superstar Nikola Jokic ready to lift up Nuggets, “take everybody” with him in NBA playoffs

Legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is more ornery than complimentary and more evasive than honest .
That ’ s why , even after Nikola Jokic ’ s 25-point , 11-assist clinic against the Spurs on Aug. 6 , his postgame testimonial came as such a shock .
“ He ’ s like a reincarnation of Larry Bird , ” said Popovich , who two years ago scoffed at the suggestion Jokic was revolutionary .
“ When I think of revolutions , I think of people like Che Guevara , Vladimir Ilyich Lenin , ” he said in December 2018 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ of Jokic as revolutionary , so I think you ’ re a bit hyperbolic there .
But he is one heck of a player.
” Two years and one global pandemic later , Jokic still is .
The Nuggets ’ franchise cornerstone arrived in Orlando late to the party after myriad travel complications came as a result of his positive COVID test while home in Serbia .
Once he cleared quarantine July 14 , a week after the Nuggets arrived with only nine players , it was same old Jokic .
Even digitally @ @ @ @ @ @ @ When asked about his new , slim physique — after touting the advantages of his heft during last year ’ s stunning playoff debut — the Joker turned into the jester .
“ Yeah , I needed to say that because what you want me to say ?
” he cracked .
“ It ’ s an excuse for the weight , but … I ’ m joking.
” It ’ s also fair to infer he felt guilty for arriving late to the bubble after his trip home .
Without Jokic and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the Nuggets couldn ’ t even conduct 5-on-5 scrimmages during practices .
But more than his wisecracks , it was obvious how badly Jokic missed the daily basketball routine that consumed his life before the break .
With no basketball to play for months , Jokic lived in the weight room and adhered to a strict diet that yielded a leaner , more toned figure .
Now , Jokic more closely resembles the lithe frames of Utah ’ s Rudy Gobert or Los Angeles ’ Anthony Davis , two mobile big men who @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
At least against Utah , Denver ’ s first-round opponent , Jokic has feasted .
There should be nothing intimidating about that forthcoming matchup , especially after Jokic ’ s impressive bubble start .
It was only after Jokic arrived healthy , svelte and conditioned that the Nuggets began their more focused work .
In just his second game since March 11 , Jokic blitzed Oklahoma City for 30 points , 12 rebounds and 10 assists .
His staggering line gave him 13 triple-doubles on the season ( the second most in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to within three of Fat Lever ’ s team record .
A few nights later , he diced Gobert and the Jazz for 30 points , 11 rebounds and seven assists .
What should inspire hope among Nuggets coach Michael Malone and his teammates has been his production in the clutch .
In the combined three overtime sessions against the Thunder and the Jazz , both wins , Jokic had 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field .
The Nuggets ’ next highest scorer was Murray , with seven .
Even in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ doubt who deserved the ball in crunch time .
“ Probably because there is no pressure , ” Jokic said when asked about his late-game brilliance .
“ It ’ s 3,2,1 , and you need to shoot it .
I can not think about it.
” With all due respect to Murray and budding cornerstone Michael Porter Jr. , the Nuggets ’ playoff hopes rest with Jokic and his ability to draw the best out of his teammates .
Through eight games in the bubble ( he only played 10 minutes in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ points on 52 % shooting from the field , along with 8.3 assists and six rebounds .
Those numbers account for fourth-quarter rests , funky lineups and the emergence of Porter , one of the breakout stars of the bubble .
And , as Porter ’ s star his risen , it ’ s become apparent where the future of the Nuggets ’ organization is headed .
What the seeding games revealed – and it ’ s the most significant development of the Nuggets ’ two-part season – is the devastating partnership that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Consider their pairing a newfound discovery , and perhaps a silver lining , after injuries and COVID cases set the Nuggets back .
AMid injuries to Gary Harris ( hip ) , Will Barton ( knee ) and Murray ( hamstring ) , the tandem flourished .
“ Just to know he ’ s gon na make the shot , ” Jokic said .
“ He ’ s going to rebound , he ’ s going to cut , he ’ s a big target for me .
Just to know that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ really talented player .
Like , they can not help off him.
” In his seven games in the bubble , Porter was the team ’ s leading scorer ( 22.0 ) and rebounder ( 8.6 ) .
His 19 3-pointers are almost double the team ’ s next closest sniper .
What ’ s encouraging is that he and Jokic are doing it together .
Of Porter ’ s 38 assisted field goals in Orlando , 19 of them have come via Jokic .
“ I love playing with Jok , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ’ s learning to play with me just because Jokic is a facilitator first.
” Now that Murray ’ s back from his hamstring issue , the chemistry of those three will determine what kind of damage the Nuggets can do in the playoffs .
A glass half-empty perspective would suggest an early exit because the Nuggets have missed starters Harris and Barton for every game in Orlando .
However the emergence of Porter , coupled with the health of Denver ’ s two other stars , has breathed new life into the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to learn to play off Jokic , and between their shared knowledge , the duo could probably execute a high pick-and-roll blindfolded .
Now there ’ s a new , 6-foot-10 wrinkle to incorporate .
It ’ s noteworthy that both players seem amenable to helping the immensely talented rookie through his growing pains .
Malone recently credited Murray for buying in after seeing how much simpler Jokic can make the game for his teammates .
That ’ s Porter ’ s next lesson .
“ That ’ s where guys like LeBron @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , are just incredible players because they take everybody with them , ” Malone said .
“ They take joy in that .
And that ’ s why I love coaching Nikola .
”

Legendary Spurs coach Gregg Popovich is more ornery than complimentary and more evasive than honest.
That’s why, even after Nikola Jokic’s 25-point, 11-assist clinic against the Spurs on Aug. 6, his postgame testimonial came as such a shock.
“He’s like a reincarnation of Larry Bird,” said Popovich, who two years ago scoffed at the suggestion Jokic was revolutionary.
“When I think of revolutions, I think of people like Che Guevara, Vladimir Ilyich Lenin,” he said in December 2018. “I don’t really think of Jokic as revolutionary, so I think you’re a bit hyperbolic there. But he is one heck of a player.”
Two years and one global pandemic later, Jokic still is. The Nuggets’ franchise cornerstone arrived in Orlando late to the party after myriad travel complications came as a result of his positive COVID test while home in Serbia. Once he cleared quarantine July 14, a week after the Nuggets arrived with only nine players, it was same old Jokic. Even digitally, his breezy affect was palpable.
When asked about his new, slim physique — after touting the advantages of his heft during last year’s stunning playoff debut — the Joker turned into the jester.
“Yeah, I needed to say that because what you want me to say?” he cracked. “It’s an excuse for the weight, but … I’m joking.”
It’s also fair to infer he felt guilty for arriving late to the bubble after his trip home. Without Jokic and a handful of other key players, the Nuggets couldn’t even conduct 5-on-5 scrimmages during practices.
But more than his wisecracks, it was obvious how badly Jokic missed the daily basketball routine that consumed his life before the break. With no basketball to play for months, Jokic lived in the weight room and adhered to a strict diet that yielded a leaner, more toned figure.
Now, Jokic more closely resembles the lithe frames of Utah’s Rudy Gobert or Los Angeles’ Anthony Davis, two mobile big men who could impede Denver’s championship march. At least against Utah, Denver’s first-round opponent, Jokic has feasted. There should be nothing intimidating about that forthcoming matchup, especially after Jokic’s impressive bubble start.
It was only after Jokic arrived healthy, svelte and conditioned that the Nuggets began their more focused work. In just his second game since March 11, Jokic blitzed Oklahoma City for 30 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists. His staggering line gave him 13 triple-doubles on the season (the second most in franchise history), and moved him to within three of Fat Lever’s team record.
A few nights later, he diced Gobert and the Jazz for 30 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists.
What should inspire hope among Nuggets coach Michael Malone and his teammates has been his production in the clutch. In the combined three overtime sessions against the Thunder and the Jazz, both wins, Jokic had 22 points on 10-of-16 shooting from the field. The Nuggets’ next highest scorer was Murray, with seven. Even in an unfamiliar environment, Jokic left no doubt who deserved the ball in crunch time.
“Probably because there is no pressure,” Jokic said when asked about his late-game brilliance. “It’s 3,2,1, and you need to shoot it. I cannot think about it.”
With all due respect to Murray and budding cornerstone Michael Porter Jr., the Nuggets’ playoff hopes rest with Jokic and his ability to draw the best out of his teammates.
Through eight games in the bubble (he only played 10 minutes in the finale), Jokic averaged 17.9 points on 52% shooting from the field, along with 8.3 assists and six rebounds. Those numbers account for fourth-quarter rests, funky lineups and the emergence of Porter, one of the breakout stars of the bubble.
And, as Porter’s star his risen, it’s become apparent where the future of the Nuggets’ organization is headed. What the seeding games revealed – and it’s the most significant development of the Nuggets’ two-part season – is the devastating partnership that’s blossoming between Jokic and Porter.
Consider their pairing a newfound discovery, and perhaps a silver lining, after injuries and COVID cases set the Nuggets back. AMid injuries to Gary Harris (hip), Will Barton (knee) and Murray (hamstring), the tandem flourished.
“Just to know he’s gonna make the shot,” Jokic said. “He’s going to rebound, he’s going to cut, he’s a big target for me. Just to know that we have a really good player, really talented player. Like, they cannot help off him.”
In his seven games in the bubble, Porter was the team’s leading scorer (22.0) and rebounder (8.6). His 19 3-pointers are almost double the team’s next closest sniper. What’s encouraging is that he and Jokic are doing it together. Of Porter’s 38 assisted field goals in Orlando, 19 of them have come via Jokic.
“I love playing with Jok,” Porter said. “I think he’s learning to play with me just because Jokic is a facilitator first.”
Now that Murray’s back from his hamstring issue, the chemistry of those three will determine what kind of damage the Nuggets can do in the playoffs. A glass half-empty perspective would suggest an early exit because the Nuggets have missed starters Harris and Barton for every game in Orlando. However the emergence of Porter, coupled with the health of Denver’s two other stars, has breathed new life into the team.
Murray has had four years to learn to play off Jokic, and between their shared knowledge, the duo could probably execute a high pick-and-roll blindfolded. Now there’s a new, 6-foot-10 wrinkle to incorporate. It’s noteworthy that both players seem amenable to helping the immensely talented rookie through his growing pains.
Malone recently credited Murray for buying in after seeing how much simpler Jokic can make the game for his teammates. That’s Porter’s next lesson.
“That’s where guys like LeBron (James), guys like Nikola, are just incredible players because they take everybody with them,” Malone said. “They take joy in that. And that’s why I love coaching Nikola.”


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--Denver weather: Smoke, hot temperatures continue Monday in metro area

Smoke from the state ’ s wildfires and hot temperatures are expected to continue in the Denver metro area on @ @ @ @ @ National Weather Service .
It will be sunny with a high of 94 during the @ @ @ @ @ a haze through the metro area .
Winds could gust up to 15 mph , @ @ @ @ @ In the evening , temperatures will fall to 62 with possible wind gusts reaching 17 @ @ @ @ @ warmer on Tuesday with a high of 96 .
The evening low will be around @ @ @ @ @ still above 90 through the week with highs of 93 expected for Wednesday and Thursday @ @ @ @ @ chance of afternoon thunderstorms for both days .

Smoke from the state’s wildfires and hot temperatures are expected to continue in the Denver metro area on Monday, according to the National Weather Service.
It will be sunny with a high of 94 during the day with the wildfires creating a haze through the metro area. Winds could gust up to 15 mph, according to the NWS.
More Haze and Smoke along the front range and across the higher terrain. #cowx pic.twitter.com/mcCpEYdAHL — NWS Boulder (@NWSBoulder) August 17, 2020
In the evening, temperatures will fall to 62 with possible wind gusts reaching 17 mph.
It will be warmer on Tuesday with a high of 96. The evening low will be around 64.
High temperatures will still above 90 through the week with highs of 93 expected for Wednesday and Thursday. There will be a chance of afternoon thunderstorms for both days.


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--Ask Amy: Essential worker feels forgotten

Dear Amy : I am an essential worker .
I work with the public on a daily basis .
Times have been hard for everyone and my heart goes out to those who are suffering .
I am thankful that for the most part my family is happy and healthy .
At my job , which I LOVE , I have been thanked for my service but also had an equal number of people say , “ Well , at least you ’ re working.
” I have seen society slowly decay .
At night as I drive home , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ into the streets disregarding the cars driving by .
I have seen homeless camps pop up in parking lots of closed stores .
People don ’ t even try to hide their theft — they just take .
With all the closed places out there the ones that have been open are being overrun .
We essential workers are tired and feel that we are also forgotten .
The unemployed have been getting more from the government than I make in a month .
I am struggling to pay my bills and would @ @ @ @ @ @ @ family and friends .
All I want is for someone to acknowledge that we are in need , too .
Thank you for listening .
— One of the Forgotten Dear One : You don ’ t say what work you do , but whether you work in a store , a warehouse , a post office , hospital , precinct , school , coffee shop , cafe , or fast-food restaurant , you are valuable and yes , essential .
You are valuable as a person , as a worker , and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ And yes , you are also lucky to be working .
You say that you love your job , and that ’ s a bonus .
Those on unemployment are facing a financial cliff and a lot of uncertainty , as their government benefits run out .
They don ’ t have what you have : Steady employment doing work you love , and the ability to provide for yourself and your family in the longer term .
Many of the strangers you encounter each day wish they could say they were “ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , and I hope you feel “ seen ” in the way you deserve to be .
Regarding your experience and your perceptions of the current state of the world , I think it ’ s more important than ever for all of us to be gentle toward others , and with ourselves .
Please , don ’ t judge others in a way that you don ’ t want to be judged .
Dear Amy : I have recently had a lot of success selling some items on eBay .
My friend @ @ @ @ @ @ @ for her .
I told her that I would be glad to come to her home , help her set up an account , take photos , help her write the descriptions , etc .
We are both in our 60s , so I thought I could show her what I have learned .
No , she wants me to do it all .
Her excuse is that she doesn ’ t have a computer now , but she has an iPad with Wi-Fi .
She tells me she doesn ’ t trust @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I do ?
Dear Seller : It might be time to start your own business .
You could sell your friend ’ s stuff and receive a percentage of the profit as compensation .
You could also buy her things from her outright and perhaps make a profit reselling them .
Otherwise , you have generously offered to assist her .
If you don ’ t want to do any more , you can just tell her , “ Well , you can do this yourself , and I ’ ve offered to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ don ’ t want to , that ’ s up to you .
You can also donate your things , and that might be the better choice for you.
” Dear Amy : “ Torn and Troubled in L.A. ” spoke to their sadness in losing a relationship with their son ’ s former girlfriend .
I too left a relationship after almost a decade with my ex .
Losing my ex ’ s parents was one of the hardest parts of that breakup and to this day , I miss those wonderful @ @ @ @ @ @ @ them often and still feel an ache from that loss … six years later .
Moving on with your life and properly healing from a breakup unfortunately often means no contact with your second set of parents , but I will be forever thankful for their love and kindness .
Dear Ever-Grateful : I hope that at some point you will take the opportunity to send these people a note , acknowledging their impact on your life and expressing your gratitude .

Dear Amy: I am an essential worker. I work with the public on a daily basis. Times have been hard for everyone and my heart goes out to those who are suffering. I am thankful that for the most part my family is happy and healthy.
At my job, which I LOVE, I have been thanked for my service but also had an equal number of people say, “Well, at least you’re working.” I have seen society slowly decay. At night as I drive home, I have had people just walk out into the streets disregarding the cars driving by. I have seen homeless camps pop up in parking lots of closed stores. People don’t even try to hide their theft — they just take.
With all the closed places out there the ones that have been open are being overrun. We essential workers are tired and feel that we are also forgotten. The unemployed have been getting more from the government than I make in a month. I am struggling to pay my bills and would be losing my house if not for family and friends.
All I want is for someone to acknowledge that we are in need, too. Thank you for listening.
— One of the Forgotten
Dear One: You don’t say what work you do, but whether you work in a store, a warehouse, a post office, hospital, precinct, school, coffee shop, cafe, or fast-food restaurant, you are valuable and yes, essential. You are valuable as a person, as a worker, and as a provider for your family. And yes, you are also lucky to be working. You say that you love your job, and that’s a bonus.
Those on unemployment are facing a financial cliff and a lot of uncertainty, as their government benefits run out. They don’t have what you have: Steady employment doing work you love, and the ability to provide for yourself and your family in the longer term. Many of the strangers you encounter each day wish they could say they were “essential.” You know that you are, and I hope you feel “seen” in the way you deserve to be.
Regarding your experience and your perceptions of the current state of the world, I think it’s more important than ever for all of us to be gentle toward others, and with ourselves. Please, don’t judge others in a way that you don’t want to be judged.
Dear Amy: I have recently had a lot of success selling some items on eBay.
My friend now wants me to sell some things for her.
I told her that I would be glad to come to her home, help her set up an account, take photos, help her write the descriptions, etc.
We are both in our 60s, so I thought I could show her what I have learned. No, she wants me to do it all. Her excuse is that she doesn’t have a computer now, but she has an iPad with Wi-Fi. She tells me she doesn’t trust the internet.
What do you suggest I do?
— eBay Seller
Dear Seller: It might be time to start your own business. You could sell your friend’s stuff and receive a percentage of the profit as compensation. You could also buy her things from her outright and perhaps make a profit reselling them.
Otherwise, you have generously offered to assist her. If you don’t want to do any more, you can just tell her, “Well, you can do this yourself, and I’ve offered to show you how, but if you don’t want to, that’s up to you. You can also donate your things, and that might be the better choice for you.”
Dear Amy: “Torn and Troubled in L.A.” spoke to their sadness in losing a relationship with their son’s former girlfriend.
I too left a relationship after almost a decade with my ex. Losing my ex’s parents was one of the hardest parts of that breakup and to this day, I miss those wonderful people dearly.
I still think of them often and still feel an ache from that loss … six years later. Moving on with your life and properly healing from a breakup unfortunately often means no contact with your second set of parents, but I will be forever thankful for their love and kindness.
— Ever-Grateful
Dear Ever-Grateful: I hope that at some point you will take the opportunity to send these people a note, acknowledging their impact on your life and expressing your gratitude.
(You can email Amy Dickinson at askamy@amydickinson.com or send a letter to Ask Amy, P.O. Box 194, Freeville, NY 13068. You can also follow her on Twitter @askingamy or Facebook.)


thedenverpost--2020-08-17--2 dead, 4 injured after shooting near Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue in Denver

Two men have died and four others injured after a shooting Sunday night near Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue , @ @ @ @ @ The four who were injured were taken to a hospital and are expected to survive @ @ @ @ @ department .
Police believe that “ there was an altercation ” that led to the @ @ @ @ @ information about the shootings can submit tips and information to Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867 .
@ @ @ @ @ woman was shot earlier in the night just south of the area on the 600 @ @ @ @ @ The woman later died .
The two events appear to be unrelated , according to @ @ @

Two men have died and five others injured after a shooting Sunday night near Federal Boulevard and Alameda Avenue, according to Denver police.
Police reported early Monday morning that four were injured and taken to a hospital. They are expected to survive, according to the police department. A fifth person who suffered injuries from the shootings was discovered later in the morning. That person is also expected to survive. Police believe that “there was an altercation” that led to the to shootings.
Anyone with information about the shootings can submit tips and information to Crime Stoppers at 720-913-7867.
The shootings occurred after another woman was shot earlier in the night just south of the area on the 600 block of Federal Boulevard. The woman later died. The two events appear to be unrelated, according to Denver police.
Alert: Officers are on-scene at W. Alameda Ave. / S. Federal Blvd. on a shooting with multiple victims. Updates posted as available. There are extensive road closures in the area. pic.twitter.com/vpFDfmEJAX — Denver Police Dept. (@DenverPolice) August 17, 2020
This is a developing story.


thedenverpost--2020-08-18--Nuggets’ Monte Morris finds slice of playoff redemption in Game 1 vs. Jazz

While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray thrived in their postseason debuts last season , Morris endured a miserable first taste of the playoffs .
In 14 games he averaged just 5.4 points and 2.6 assists .
But more than that , Morris ’ 0-fer from 3-point range stung the worst .
He missed all 13 of his triple tries against the Spurs and Blazers last season .
So , when Morris buried a first-quarter 3-pointer in Monday ’ s gripping Game 1 thriller over Utah , it was more than a nominal basket .
As Morris ’ 3 swished through @ @ @ @ @ @ @ backup guard got a small slice of peace .
“ I had beat myself up and worked hard in the offseason to prepare for these moments like this , ” said Morris , after scoring 14 points and dealing four assists in 29 minutes .
“ I felt like last year I was rushing a little bit in the playoffs and not letting it come to me.
” In recent days , Morris has said how much more comfortable he felt going into the series vs. Utah considering his experience last year .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ taking better care of his body and watching more film as part of his preparation .
“ It felt good for me to see a three go , too , ” Morris said .
“ Just having confidence and going out there and playing .
I just give a shout out to ( Nuggets ) Coach ( Michael ) Malone and the coaching staff for trusting me.
” Malone didn ’ t need the absences of injured wings Gary Harris and Will Barton to grant Morris minutes .
His heady , calming play @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ample trust with the coaching staff .
But because of that , it was hardly a surprise to see Morris as one of the team ’ s few bright spots as the Jazz hung 31 points in the third quarter .
When the damage was done , Utah had turned a seven-point deficit into a five-point lead heading into the fourth .
Were it not for Morris ’ s three baskets in the third quarter — all physical finishes inside the lane — the Nuggets may not have been optimistic about their comeback @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in getting the game to overtime , Morris ’ biggest moment came with 3:40 left in the extra session and the Nuggets clinging to a two-point lead .
Jamal Murray collected the offensive rebound , then calmly found an open and eager shooter in Morris .
His second 3-pointer put the Nuggets up by five , and it never got any closer than that .
The Nuggets already own a significant depth advantage over Utah .
A dangerous Morris offers another problem the Jazz may not be able to counter come Game 2 @

Nuggets backup point guard Monte Morris entered this year’s playoffs seeking one thing: redemption.
While Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray thrived in their postseason debuts last season, Morris endured a miserable first taste of the playoffs. In 14 games he averaged just 5.4 points and 2.6 assists. But more than that, Morris’ 0-fer from 3-point range stung the worst. He missed all 13 of his triple tries against the Spurs and Blazers last season.
So, when Morris buried a first-quarter 3-pointer in Monday’s gripping Game 1 thriller over Utah, it was more than a nominal basket. As Morris’ 3 swished through the hoop, Denver’s steady backup guard got a small slice of peace.
“I had beat myself up and worked hard in the offseason to prepare for these moments like this,” said Morris, after scoring 14 points and dealing four assists in 29 minutes. “I felt like last year I was rushing a little bit in the playoffs and not letting it come to me.”
In recent days, Morris has said how much more comfortable he felt going into the series vs. Utah considering his experience last year. He also said he’s been taking better care of his body and watching more film as part of his preparation.
“It felt good for me to see a three go, too,” Morris said. “Just having confidence and going out there and playing. I just give a shout out to (Nuggets) Coach (Michael) Malone and the coaching staff for trusting me.”
Malone didn’t need the absences of injured wings Gary Harris and Will Barton to grant Morris minutes. His heady, calming play throughout the season had already earned him ample trust with the coaching staff. But because of that, it was hardly a surprise to see Morris as one of the team’s few bright spots as the Jazz hung 31 points in the third quarter. When the damage was done, Utah had turned a seven-point deficit into a five-point lead heading into the fourth.
Were it not for Morris’s three baskets in the third quarter — all physical finishes inside the lane — the Nuggets may not have been optimistic about their comeback chances.
As invaluable as he was in getting the game to overtime, Morris’ biggest moment came with 3:40 left in the extra session and the Nuggets clinging to a two-point lead. Jamal Murray collected the offensive rebound, then calmly found an open and eager shooter in Morris. His second 3-pointer put the Nuggets up by five, and it never got any closer than that.
The Nuggets already own a significant depth advantage over Utah. A dangerous Morris offers another problem the Jazz may not be able to counter come Game 2.


thedenverpost--2020-08-18--Kiszla: Float like butterfly, sting like Ali. How Jamal Murray came to rescue for Nuggets in win ove

Kiszla: Float like butterfly, sting like Ali. How Jamal Murray came to rescue for Nuggets in win over Utah.

ORLANDO — After fighting back , scoring 36 points to lift the dazed Nuggets off the mat to victory in their NBA playoff opener , Jamal Murray peeled off his basketball uniform and pulled on a T-shirt that paid tribute to Muhammad Ali , with a silk-screened photo of the legendary boxer raising his gloves triumphantly toward heaven On a muggy Florida afternoon , Murray rained down shots on Utah like haymakers and talked trash like a champ at Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell , as Denver won 135-125 in overtime in a rugged Game 1 that was not for the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ under each other ’ s skin .
It brings you out more … and some people fold , ” said Murray , proudly tugging at the Ali T-shirt with his thumbs and index fingers , in praise of The Greatest .
“ We were able to fight back and hold them off .
It was : ‘ Lights , camera , action .
Come on !
We are trying to get this win ! '
” Mitchell scored a very Jordanesque 57 points , daring Denver to fold .
Murray took it as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was the stuff of legend both players ’ grandkids will talk about decades from now .
Know the sweetest part ?
Murray waited 463 long days to deliver this big , knockout blow in a big fight that really mattered .
After getting bounced from the playoffs on their home floor in 2019 , the Nuggets were forced to wait more than a year to win back a measure of respect .
Although Mitchell tried to beat the Nuggets single-handedly , do you think Denver was going down in the Disney bubble without @ @ @ @ @ @ @ freakin ’ Goofy ?
Think he kept count ?
Or maybe mentioned it to his team ?
Malone spoke about this basketball penance with the passion of a man that has put a big , black cross on the calendar every single day since the Nuggets ended their last playoff appearance with a gnawing sense of lost opportunity , not to mention unfinished business .
“ We ’ re here for basketball , ” Murray said .
“ So why not get the job done ?
” A short-handed Denver team , playing @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ) and Gary Harris ( hip ) since returning from the four-month , coronavirus-imposed break , has a chip the size of Space Mountain on its collective shoulders .
With all the focus on LeBron and Kawhi , the Greek Freak and the Beard as these NBA playoffs belatedly began , the Nuggets are irked about being dismissed as a legitimate contender .
What ’ s more , Malone seemed offended his team was given a half-priced popcorn , afternoon-matinee time slot by ESPN in the television lineup .
“ I guess the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ lot of people around the league , ” Malone quipped .
“ They put us as the 1:30 ( p.m. Eastern time ) game on the Oxygen Network.
” Well , I swear on the good name of the great Doris Burke that these Nuggets didn ’ t exactly look ready for prime time , especially when they fell behind 90-86 after Mitchell hit a mid-range floater with eight minutes , 24 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter .
Would this be a poor time to mention Mitchell is only a member of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ pick in the 2017 NBA draft to Utah in exchange for that dynamic duo of Tyler Lydon and Trey Lyles ?
( Who ?
Exactly . )
“ If Donovan Mitchell averages 57 and we win , I ’ ll stay away from the drawing board , ” Malone quipped .
The coach could crack wise because Murray refused to be shown up by Mitchell .
Forget his lucky stars .
Malone should thank Murray for coming up big in the clutch , scoring 20 of his 36 points during the tightest moments @ @ @ @ @ @ @ tired in overtime .
In a quirk of basketball in a bubble , the Nuggets and Jazz have been holed up in the same Orlando-area hotel since early July .
Of course they bump into each other .
The rooms where the two teams eat meals are located in the same hallway .
Now that the playoffs have begun , this has the potential to be as awkward as the Gryffindors and Slytherins mingling at Hogwarts .
“ We are going to see each other in the cold-tub area , ” Jokic said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ seemed disinclined to rub the victory in the face of Utah center Rudy Gobert , perhaps because it ’ s probably unwise to talk smack with a man who stands 7-foot-1 and weighs 258 pounds .
“ It ’ s not like we are in a war , ” Jokic said .
“ It ’ s a war on the floor , but it ’ s not , you know .
It ’ s still a game of basketball that we enjoy to play .
It ’ s not something we are going @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the floor .
But outside the floor , why ?
We are all eating the same bread.
” Winning makes the sandwiches tastier and the beer colder , though .
You know the deal .
Victors , spoils and all that Jazz .
Sorry , Utah .
You tried .
The Nuggets will see you ’ round campus .
Maybe even buy your dinner .
Fair warning : Humble pie is served cold .

ORLANDO — After fighting back, scoring 36 points to lift the dazed Nuggets off the mat to victory in their NBA playoff opener, Jamal Murray peeled off his basketball uniform and pulled on a T-shirt that paid tribute to Muhammad Ali, with a silk-screened photo of the legendary boxer raising his gloves triumphantly toward heaven
On a muggy Florida afternoon, Murray rained down shots on Utah like haymakers and talked trash like a champ at Jazz guard Donovan Mitchell, as Denver won 135-125 in overtime in a rugged Game 1 that was not for the faint of heart.
“Guys get under each other’s skin. It brings you out more … and some people fold,” said Murray, proudly tugging at the Ali T-shirt with his thumbs and index fingers, in praise of The Greatest.
“We were able to fight back and hold them off. It was: ‘Lights, camera, action. Come on! We are trying to get this win!'”
Mitchell scored a very Jordanesque 57 points, daring Denver to fold. Murray took it as a challenge. And won. It was the stuff of legend both players’ grandkids will talk about decades from now.
Know the sweetest part? Murray waited 463 long days to deliver this big, knockout blow in a big fight that really mattered. After getting bounced from the playoffs on their home floor in 2019, the Nuggets were forced to wait more than a year to win back a measure of respect.
Although Mitchell tried to beat the Nuggets single-handedly, do you think Denver was going down in the Disney bubble without a fight? What are you, freakin’ Goofy?
“We lost to Portland in Game 7,” Nuggets coach Michael Malone duly noted, “463 days ago.”
Think he kept count? Or maybe mentioned it to his team? Malone spoke about this basketball penance with the passion of a man that has put a big, black cross on the calendar every single day since the Nuggets ended their last playoff appearance with a gnawing sense of lost opportunity, not to mention unfinished business.
“We’re here for basketball,” Murray said. “So why not get the job done?”
A short-handed Denver team, playing without injured starters Will Barton (knee) and Gary Harris (hip) since returning from the four-month, coronavirus-imposed break, has a chip the size of Space Mountain on its collective shoulders.
With all the focus on LeBron and Kawhi, the Greek Freak and the Beard as these NBA playoffs belatedly began, the Nuggets are irked about being dismissed as a legitimate contender. What’s more, Malone seemed offended his team was given a half-priced popcorn, afternoon-matinee time slot by ESPN in the television lineup.
“I guess the Utah-Denver matchup didn’t excite a lot of people around the league,” Malone quipped. “They put us as the 1:30 (p.m. Eastern time) game on the Oxygen Network.”
Well, I swear on the good name of the great Doris Burke that these Nuggets didn’t exactly look ready for prime time, especially when they fell behind 90-86 after Mitchell hit a mid-range floater with eight minutes, 24 seconds remaining in the fourth quarter.
Would this be a poor time to mention Mitchell is only a member of the Jazz because Denver traded the 13th pick in the 2017 NBA draft to Utah in exchange for that dynamic duo of Tyler Lydon and Trey Lyles? (Who? Exactly.)
“If Donovan Mitchell averages 57 and we win, I’ll stay away from the drawing board,” Malone quipped.
The coach could crack wise because Murray refused to be shown up by Mitchell.
Forget his lucky stars. Malone should thank Murray for coming up big in the clutch, scoring 20 of his 36 points during the tightest moments of the fourth quarter and as Mitchell tired in overtime.
“He matched fire with fire,” Malone said.
In a quirk of basketball in a bubble, the Nuggets and Jazz have been holed up in the same Orlando-area hotel since early July. Of course they bump into each other. The rooms where the two teams eat meals are located in the same hallway.
Now that the playoffs have begun, this has the potential to be as awkward as the Gryffindors and Slytherins mingling at Hogwarts.
“We are going to see each other in the cold-tub area,” Jokic said after a grueling Game 1.
He seemed disinclined to rub the victory in the face of Utah center Rudy Gobert, perhaps because it’s probably unwise to talk smack with a man who stands 7-foot-1 and weighs 258 pounds.
“It’s not like we are in a war,” Jokic said. “It’s a war on the floor, but it’s not, you know. It’s still a game of basketball that we enjoy to play. It’s not something we are going to kill each other for. Maybe on the floor. But outside the floor, why? We are all eating the same bread.”
Winning makes the sandwiches tastier and the beer colder, though. You know the deal. Victors, spoils and all that Jazz.
Sorry, Utah. You tried.
The Nuggets will see you ’round campus. Maybe even buy your dinner. Fair warning: Humble pie is served cold.


thedenverpost--2020-08-18--Denver suburbs welcome first group of kids back to in-person classes

A few Denver area kids entered school buildings for the first time since spring Monday as two districts — Cherry Creek and Douglas County — forged ahead with their reopening plans .
At Walnut Hills Elementary in Centennial , a parade of parents dropped off masked fifth-graders in the early morning for the first day of the 2020-21 academic year — and the first element of the Cherry Creek School District ’ s plan for in-person learning for the vast majority of its 55,000 students .
Cherry Creek is taking a cautious approach in its first week back in the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its own dedicated day in-person this week before everyone is back in school next week .
“ As a district , we didn ’ t take this lightly , ” said Teolyn Bourbonnie , principal of Walnut Hills , which has an enrollment of 203 students .
“ We ’ ve done the adequate amount of planning and putting in place safety measures to bring back the kids.
” Those measures include masks for all students and staff , staggered lunch times and recesses to keep crowding to a minimum and directional tape @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of little feet throughout the building .
There are around 40 kids in Walnut Hills ’ fifth-grade class , which lined up aside two rows of orange cones outside the school Monday morning before the 8 a.m. starting bell sounded .
“ It ’ s great to have the kids back in school — we ’ re all excited , ” Bourbonnie said .
“ Kids need to be in school.
” Still , the year begins with uncertainty as several schools around the country that have reopened in recent days have had @ @ @ @ @ @ @ COVID-19 began circulating .
Walnut Hills Elementary parent Jeff Ross said he ’ s not worried about the return to school for his son , Bryce , whose third-grade class commences in-person instruction Wednesday .
Ross was dropping his son off at the school Monday morning for a summer school program that has been held at Walnut Hills for the past month or so .
“ We ’ re looking forward to it , ” Ross said of in-person learning , which ended abruptly in March as the virus began its spread across @ @ @ @ @ @ @ learning ( in the spring ) was good , but my boy didn ’ t take to it .
It was a challenge for us to keep him on task.
” Convincing his kid to wear a mask ?
No big deal , Ross said : “ He ’ s really into Star Wars right now so he ’ s into being Darth Vader.
” Cherry Creek and Douglas County are the biggest districts in the metro area starting the school year with at least some in-person instruction .
Westminster Public Schools is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its student body on Thursday , and Mapleton Public Schools in Adams County is reopening with in-person classes later this month .
Jefferson County , the second-largest school district in Colorado , has put off in-person learning for at least the first two weeks of the school year , while the biggest district in the state , Denver Public Schools , has postponed the opening of schools until at least mid-October .
The resumption of school in the United States has prompted much debate — and politicization — as the stabilization of COVID-19 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to a surge in infections as people began congregating more , bringing the country ’ s caseload to nearly 5.4 million and deaths to 170,000 .
While the respiratory disease the coronavirus causes overwhelmingly targets older people and those with existing health problems , children are not entirely immune to it .
Earlier this month , the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that nearly 180,000 new cases of COVID-19 in children were recorded in the United States from July 9 to Aug. 6 , a 90 % increase in child cases over that @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , however , that “ available data indicated that COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death is uncommon in children.
” Many advocates of in-person learning note that nothing can match the value of face-to-face instruction , especially for children with special needs or those who may not be able to afford the technology required for learning over the internet .
Kasey Ellis , president of the Cherry Creek Education Association , said the union worked diligently with the district over the last few months to figure out how to best approach the reopening .
Even @ @ @ @ @ @ @ again , depending on how coronavirus behaves in Arapahoe County , Ellis said , there is value to having at least a bit of face time and interaction between teachers and students .
“ It ’ s important to make a personal connection with students , ” she said .

A few Denver area kids entered school buildings for the first time since spring Monday as two districts — Cherry Creek and Douglas County — forged ahead with their reopening plans.
At Walnut Hills Elementary in Centennial, a parade of parents dropped off masked fifth-graders in the early morning for the first day of the 2020-21 academic year — and the first element of the Cherry Creek School District’s plan for in-person learning for the vast majority of its 55,000 students.
Cherry Creek is taking a cautious approach in its first week back in the classroom, with each elementary grade getting its own dedicated day in-person this week before everyone is back in school next week.
“As a district, we didn’t take this lightly,” said Teolyn Bourbonnie, principal of Walnut Hills, which has an enrollment of 203 students. “We’ve done the adequate amount of planning and putting in place safety measures to bring back the kids.”
Those measures include masks for all students and staff, staggered lunch times and recesses to keep crowding to a minimum and directional tape in the hallways to control the flow of little feet throughout the building. There are around 40 kids in Walnut Hills’ fifth-grade class, which lined up aside two rows of orange cones outside the school Monday morning before the 8 a.m. starting bell sounded.
“It’s great to have the kids back in school — we’re all excited,” Bourbonnie said. “Kids need to be in school.”
Still, the year begins with uncertainty as several schools around the country that have reopened in recent days have had to revisit their decisions as cases of COVID-19 began circulating.
Walnut Hills Elementary parent Jeff Ross said he’s not worried about the return to school for his son, Bryce, whose third-grade class commences in-person instruction Wednesday. Ross was dropping his son off at the school Monday morning for a summer school program that has been held at Walnut Hills for the past month or so.
“We’re looking forward to it,” Ross said of in-person learning, which ended abruptly in March as the virus began its spread across Colorado. “The structure of remote learning (in the spring) was good, but my boy didn’t take to it. It was a challenge for us to keep him on task.”
Convincing his kid to wear a mask? No big deal, Ross said: “He’s really into Star Wars right now so he’s into being Darth Vader.”
Cherry Creek and Douglas County are the biggest districts in the metro area starting the school year with at least some in-person instruction. Westminster Public Schools is opening its buildings to the majority of its student body on Thursday, and Mapleton Public Schools in Adams County is reopening with in-person classes later this month.
Jefferson County, the second-largest school district in Colorado, has put off in-person learning for at least the first two weeks of the school year, while the biggest district in the state, Denver Public Schools, has postponed the opening of schools until at least mid-October.
The resumption of school in the United States has prompted much debate — and politicization — as the stabilization of COVID-19 case numbers in late May gave way to a surge in infections as people began congregating more, bringing the country’s caseload to nearly 5.4 million and deaths to 170,000.
While the respiratory disease the coronavirus causes overwhelmingly targets older people and those with existing health problems, children are not entirely immune to it. Earlier this month, the American Academy of Pediatrics reported that nearly 180,000 new cases of COVID-19 in children were recorded in the United States from July 9 to Aug. 6, a 90% increase in child cases over that time period.
The academy did note, however, that “available data indicated that COVID-19-associated hospitalization and death is uncommon in children.”
Many advocates of in-person learning note that nothing can match the value of face-to-face instruction, especially for children with special needs or those who may not be able to afford the technology required for learning over the internet.
Kasey Ellis, president of the Cherry Creek Education Association, said the union worked diligently with the district over the last few months to figure out how to best approach the reopening. Even if Cherry Creek is forced to close again, depending on how coronavirus behaves in Arapahoe County, Ellis said, there is value to having at least a bit of face time and interaction between teachers and students.
“It’s important to make a personal connection with students,” she said.


thedenverpost--2020-08-18--“The Jamal Murray show”: Nuggets’ fiery point guard accepts Donovan Mitchell’s Game 1 challenge

Packed tightly inside of Jamal Murray ’ s chiseled frame , wound up and praying for an exit strategy , resides a passion that only comes out when the moment demands .
That moment came Monday afternoon in Game 1 against Utah , when Donovan Mitchell ’ s historic 57-point outburst challenged Murray and drew the absolute best out of him .
Behind Murray ’ s playoff career-high 36 points , the Nuggets wrested Game 1 from Mitchell ’ s grips and took a 1-0 series lead with a dramatic 135-125 overtime win .
You could see Murray ’ s @ @ @ @ @ @ @ court during a scorching 12-point run over an 85-second span in the second quarter .
After one 3-pointer , he aimed an icy glare not five feet from Utah ’ s bench .
It was evident in the dismissive glances he gave his teammates after another one of his daggers forced the Jazz to take a timeout .
Microphones picked up some of the chatter , but it wasn ’ t hard to imagine him promising his teammates that the Jazz defenders couldn ’ t stop him .
“ No fans , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ good trash talking , ” Murray said .
“ It was fun , and that ’ s how us basketball players like it when you can go at each other respectfully and see who ’ s got more bullets.
” Over and over , Murray called for the ball , begged for the ball and didn ’ t wait for anyone ’ s permission .
Even Nikola Jokic , whose 29 points and 10 rebounds supplemented Murray ’ s eruption , ceded the spotlight and the clutch buckets he ’ s so used @ @ @ @ @ @ @ t the first time he ’ s doing this , ” Jokic said .
With three minutes and change left in the fourth quarter , Murray was sitting on a rather pedestrian 16 points .
His counterpart , Mitchell , was hanging the Nuggets out to dry on offense and abusing every matchup Denver could muster .
Over the final 8:13 of Monday ’ s Game 1 thriller , Murray poured in 20 points , grabbed three rebounds and issued two massive assists that brought Utah and Mitchell to their knees .
Some @ @ @ @ @ @ @ fourth quarter and overtime would ’ ve been audacious even for a game of H-O-R-S-E. His nine assists tied another playoff career-high .
In overtime , Murray scored or assisted on 16 of Denver ’ s 20 points — or every basket that didn ’ t come at the free-throw line .
Eventually , amid Mitchell ’ s devastating stop-and-start drives that had already exposed Torrey Craig and Jerami Grant , Murray momentarily took the assignment .
“ That is what made it so fun , ” Murray said .
“ We are @ @ @ @ @ @ @ I am guarding him and he ’ s hitting step backs on me and he ’ s guarding me and I ’ m hitting step backs on him .
I am smiling because those are the games you want to be in , those are games that are the most fun and most competitive .
As a guy that takes it with that kind of passion , those are the fights , those are the competitive spirit that you want to have going into games.
” “ Every time he shot , it @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in , ” Malone said .
The NBA bubble is quite literally a sterilized environment , void of real fans , heavy noise and authentic energy .
Malone said he even missed the feeling of arriving to the arena in a team bus , knowing the crowd and the anxious feeling that waits out on the court .
And that ’ s where Murray ’ s passion injects something into the bubble that wouldn ’ t otherwise be there .
“ Jamal ’ s energy is infectious , it ’ s contagious , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he matched fire with fire , one it was great to watch , for those viewing at home , but we need that from Jamal , ” Malone said .
“ He ’ s a guy that kind of takes his game and his team to a different level.
” The scary part , for the Jazz and the rest of the league in general , is how badly Murray craves those moments .
Still just 23 years old , he has a grand total of 15 playoff games to his name .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ t happen if he hadn ’ t already gone through the highs of last year ’ s Game 2 vs. San Antonio ( that may have saved the series ) or the 4-of-18 dud he authored in Game 7 against Portland .
Because the Nuggets thrust so much on him last year , there ’ s already a familiarity to the tension .
Murray ’ s willingness to embrace the moment , trading haymakers with Mitchell as the game was on the line , speaks to the character of the point guard the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ “ You have to love that from such a young player , ” Malone said .

Packed tightly inside of Jamal Murray’s chiseled frame, wound up and praying for an exit strategy, resides a passion that only comes out when the moment demands.
That moment came Monday afternoon in Game 1 against Utah, when Donovan Mitchell’s historic 57-point outburst challenged Murray and drew the absolute best out of him.
Behind Murray’s playoff career-high 36 points, the Nuggets wrested Game 1 from Mitchell’s grips and took a 1-0 series lead with a dramatic 135-125 overtime win.
You could see Murray’s determination in the way he stalked the court during a scorching 12-point run over an 85-second span in the second quarter. After one 3-pointer, he aimed an icy glare not five feet from Utah’s bench.
It was evident in the dismissive glances he gave his teammates after another one of his daggers forced the Jazz to take a timeout. Microphones picked up some of the chatter, but it wasn’t hard to imagine him promising his teammates that the Jazz defenders couldn’t stop him.
“No fans, it was a lot of trash talking, good trash talking,” Murray said. “It was fun, and that’s how us basketball players like it when you can go at each other respectfully and see who’s got more bullets.”
Over and over, Murray called for the ball, begged for the ball and didn’t wait for anyone’s permission. Even Nikola Jokic, whose 29 points and 10 rebounds supplemented Murray’s eruption, ceded the spotlight and the clutch buckets he’s so used to taking.
“This isn’t the first time he’s doing this,” Jokic said.
With three minutes and change left in the fourth quarter, Murray was sitting on a rather pedestrian 16 points. His counterpart, Mitchell, was hanging the Nuggets out to dry on offense and abusing every matchup Denver could muster.
Over the final 8:13 of Monday’s Game 1 thriller, Murray poured in 20 points, grabbed three rebounds and issued two massive assists that brought Utah and Mitchell to their knees. Some of the shots he made in the fourth quarter and overtime would’ve been audacious even for a game of H-O-R-S-E. His nine assists tied another playoff career-high.
In overtime, Murray scored or assisted on 16 of Denver’s 20 points — or every basket that didn’t come at the free-throw line.
Eventually, amid Mitchell’s devastating stop-and-start drives that had already exposed Torrey Craig and Jerami Grant, Murray momentarily took the assignment.
“That is what made it so fun,” Murray said. “We are chatting as we go to timeouts, I am guarding him and he’s hitting step backs on me and he’s guarding me and I’m hitting step backs on him. I am smiling because those are the games you want to be in, those are games that are the most fun and most competitive. As a guy that takes it with that kind of passion, those are the fights, those are the competitive spirit that you want to have going into games.”
Nuggets coach Michael Malone affectionately deemed it the “Jamal Murray show.”
“Every time he shot, it was like you knew it was going in,” Malone said.
The NBA bubble is quite literally a sterilized environment, void of real fans, heavy noise and authentic energy. Malone said he even missed the feeling of arriving to the arena in a team bus, knowing the crowd and the anxious feeling that waits out on the court.
And that’s where Murray’s passion injects something into the bubble that wouldn’t otherwise be there.
“Jamal’s energy is infectious, it’s contagious, and when he got going, and he matched fire with fire, one it was great to watch, for those viewing at home, but we need that from Jamal,” Malone said. “He’s a guy that kind of takes his game and his team to a different level.”
The scary part, for the Jazz and the rest of the league in general, is how badly Murray craves those moments. Still just 23 years old, he has a grand total of 15 playoff games to his name. Monday’s eruption probably doesn’t happen if he hadn’t already gone through the highs of last year’s Game 2 vs. San Antonio (that may have saved the series) or the 4-of-18 dud he authored in Game 7 against Portland. Because the Nuggets thrust so much on him last year, there’s already a familiarity to the tension.
Murray’s willingness to embrace the moment, trading haymakers with Mitchell as the game was on the line, speaks to the character of the point guard the Nuggets have invested so much in.
“You have to love that from such a young player,” Malone said.