Nuggets make a statement against the Lakers to cement a solid start to the season.
Chancey and the Nuggets on the bench
Flying off to a great start, the Nuggets were bound to hit a wall with 3 back to back games in November. However, with a 3 day break on the horizon the Nuggets could rebound and regain their momentum in the west with a hard fought victory over the rival Lakers, well, maybe hard fought was not on the Nuggets mind. Friday night, Denver played host to the then 7-2 Lakers, and within minutes fans could tell Denver would not play the victim at home.
With the leading role, Melo took charge with 25 points, 3 steals & went 3 for 3 from the line. While he did not match his high average of over 30 points in the game, Carmelo did perform marvelously as a leader on the court. The Denver defense deserves their applause as well, holding L.A. to an unheard of 8 points in the 3rd quarter, and 23 points in the 2nd half. Chauncey got his, as he always does, with 8 assists, making up for the lack of scoring on the night (6 points). Mr. Smith put on a show of his own with 20 points (4 of 10 from 3-point line). The 6 game suspension does not seem to be affecting  J.R. Smith to this point, however, Nuggets fans know when he’s off, he is off, and right now all we can do is hold our breath and hope he is on. Another honorable mention must go to Arron Afflalo, his 10 points were helpful, but the work he put in defensively kept the Lakers frustrated & off the mark most of the game.
Since game 1 of the season it has been apparent Melo has matured and openly accepted a leadership role on this team. Perhaps the Summer league had some affect on this, perhaps he feels the time may be now to finally achieve the goal of an NBA championship, whatever the reason, Carmelo Anthony seems comfortable leading the team and the fans seem comfortable following his lead. With a confident, reliable co-captain on the court, it seems Chauncey too is content dishing the rock and schooling the rook (Lawson) while Melo burns the net.
Galloping into a 3 day break taking 5 of the last 8 games, and securing a long awaited ‘revenge’ game against Kobe & the Lakers (105-79), the Nuggets can prep to close out November strong against the unthreatening Toronto Raptors, at the L.A. Clippers & back home against Rose & the Bulls. At 7-3, Denver sits above Portland at the top of the  Northwest Division.
