While the Denver Nuggets were getting prepared for arguably their most important game left this regular season against the Oklahoma City Thunder, their coach, George Karl, underwent his last round of chemotherapy today for throat and neck cancer.
Nuggets players visited Karl on Monday in an attempt to lift his spirits, but as it turned out it was their spirits that came away raised.
Today, while his team is in another state and fans brace for the biggest 48 hours remaining this season for the team–with back to backs in Oklahoma City and then back home on Thursday night with a showdown with the Western conference leading Los Angeles Lakers– Karl had a special message for his team and the great fans that have helped support him in his second battle against cancer.
Here is what Karl had to say, courtesy of Nuggets.com
The past six weeks have been the toughest of my life. But thanks to the support of my biological and basketball families and guidance from incredible doctors, we have made it through an intensive regimen of chemotherapy and radiation. Although I lost my voice temporarily, I never lost hope in my battle with cancer thanks in part to the overwhelming outpouring of kindness from basketball fans and new friends across the globe. Your thoughts, letters and prayers have meant the world to me and my family.
The Nuggets are in the midst of a special season. Your support of me and the entire organization have lifted our spirits on and off the court. I’m eager to return to the sidelines with my team. Until I do, I have one request: keep being the best fans a coach could ask for and be my voice until I return.
Together we will raise awareness about cancer and celebrate future victories against a disease that has affected all of us.
GO NUGGETS!
-Coach Karl
Everyone, Nuggets fan or not, is rooting for Karl to make it back to the sideline this season and help lead the Nuggets in the playoffs.
Karl is expected to miss the first round of the playoffs as he continues to recover and hopes to return in the second round if his team advances.
Win or lose the next couple of weeks, it will be a victory just for the Nuggets to have their coach back.
KENYON MARTIN UPDATE:
Martin practiced today with the Nuggets and was seen dunking. He is expected to try and play some minutes before the end of the regular season.
NUGGETS IN THE PLAYOFF SEEDING RACE: CURRENT STANDINGS
Western Conference
Team GB
1. y-LA Lakers —
2. x-Utah 4.5
3. x-Dallas 5.0
4. x-Phoenix 5.0
5. x-Denver 5.0
6. x-San Antonio 7.0
7. x-Oklahoma City 7.0
8. x-Portland 8.0