Defense: Is the Key to Nuggets open camp

With an emphasis on defense first, the Nuggets opening training camp today at the Pepsi Center.

Coach George Karl, who this season is focusing on improving the team's defense from the start of camp, was satisfied with the first morning practice of the 2007-08 season.

"Guys had great attitudes," he said. "The maturity team very much was on the court."

Denver ranked 26th in average points allowed (103.73) and tied for 15th in field-goal percentage allowed (.460).

"The things that come to my mind are basically layups in transition and statistically we can't let guys shoot a high percentage on us," Karl said. "You're going to see a lot of individual challenge."

Said Carmelo Anthony: "I think last season, toward the end of the season we showed that we could be a good defensive team. So if we can start off like we ended last season, I think we'll be pretty good."

Footnotes

Nuggets single-game season tickets go on sale on Saturday at 10 a.m. Prices range from $10-$110 per seat. Tickets can be bought a variety of ways, including at Ticketmaster locations and the Pepsi Center box office. ...

As expected, Nene (calf) did not participate in practice. He did do some light shooting on and stretching on the side.