Down three games to one in the opening round of the 2010 NBA Playoffs, Denver needed a big victory on Wednesday night. More than that, they needed a big outing from absent star Chauncey Billups. The Nuggets got both in Game 5 at Pepsi Center, part of their 116-102 win.
As dominant as the Nuggets were throughout the regular season series, the Jazz improved mightily in the final month of the season. Carlos Boozer came on strong after struggling for Utah since late last season, and the Jazz bench began contributing in a real way for the first time in years.
This date with the Blazers proved to be a shot of adrenaline for the Nuggets’ stars, who have failed to rise to the late-season occasion as the playoffs draw near. All you Denver fans owe Portland a big, sweaty thank you. Here’s why…
This entire game was still on the line even with the Nuggets down by 8 in the fourth. And then 1 moment’s lack of focus by J.R. Smith and Jason Kidd steps in with a steal and Dallas takes an 8-point lead to 16 in 2 minutes. One play in the middle of the fourth quarter and a possible win becomes a 20ish point loss. That’s how close this was.
Unexpected as it may be, Anthony Carter is enjoying a sort of Renaissance… the sort of Renaissance a career backup has when his team really, really needs him
Nuggets rookie guard Ty Lawson is still nursing a sore shoulder that has now kept him out of 8 straight games.
It wasn’t a great game for the Nuggets… but it’s tough to critique a solid road win against a Conference-leading team. Not perfect, but good enough for a big win out of the All-Star Break.
Without top offensive threat Carmelo Anthony, the Nuggets will almost surely lose. But for Kobe Bryant, the game is still a must-win.
The Nuggets have the third best overall record in the NBA behind only Cleveland and the L.A. Lakers; both of whom Denver has defeated.
Just as the Denver Broncos’ season came to a grinding halt, the Colorado Avalanche finally finished making up for their hot start with so-so-to-awful play since. Now third in the Northwest Division behind both Vancouver and Calgary, the Avs don’t appear to be in Panic! mode… but they should be. The Broncos’ decline after a [...]
