Can’t beat the Lakers? Try becoming the Lakers.
The Denver Nuggets stole a chapter out of L.A.’s playbook tonight, winning in a way only the Lakers usually do: taking the first half off, showing no outward signs of caring, and then, somehow, getting back into it and taking the game at the end.
In sharp contrast to their effort in Game One, the Nuggets played almost flawlessly down the stretch, save perhaps J.R. Smith’s turnover on a pass attempt to Carmelo Anthony. (I guess Anthony had that turnover, too.) Anthony, by the way, just about willed the Nuggets back into the game, scoring more than 30 points for the fifth game in a row, which Scott Van Pelt just told me breaks Alex English’s franchise single-season playoff record. That means the streak started with Game 3 in Dallas, when Carmelo hit that game-winning three pointer. I can almost hear Morpheus: “He’s beginning to believe.”
Chauncey Billups might be missing some of his free throws, but he played great, especially in the fourth quarter. He put it in another gear when the team needed it, driving to the basket, and making his way to the line again and again. He knew just how to attack, and carried the Nuggets when Carmelo began to falter ever so slightly near the end.
They said that Linas Kleiza was scoring something like five points per game in the playoffs; that's way higher than I would have thought, but his threes were big tonight. (And Coach Karl wisely pulled him when he missed a three in the fourth.) Nene and Kenyon Martin were solid, though a few more boards from the Mart are always welcome. I was so relieved/stoked when Nene hit those free throws.
Those words describe how I felt down the stretch, but now? Incredible! I can’t believe my Nuggets just beat the Los Angeles Lakers on the road in the Western Conference Finals in what was starting to feel like a must-win game. They got it, and now they have the homecourt advantage. But this series, which has been great basketball so far, is far from over. Game Three is Saturday night at the Pepsi Center (6:30 pm Mountain, ABC).
Comments
(1) "He is beginning to believe" is the perfect sentiment for Melo. Even though he didn't shoot well, he was an absolute force when we needed him most and literally willed his team to victory. I think his stint in the Olympics was huge for his confidence because it showed him that he is as good or better than anyone else in the NBA.
(2) Melo's defense on Kobe was huge down the stretch. I think he took a page from the Shane Battier playbook with the way he was sticking his hand in Kobe's face and trying to force him to go left. And my favorite part was that Kobe was too soft to guard Melo on the other end - once I noticed that, I knew the game was ours.
(3) Chauncey delivered big-time from the line when we needed him most, proving once again why he deserves to be considered a great player.
(4) K-Mart and Andersen gave us just enough, which was good because Nene gave us very little (aside from the aforementioned free throws).
(5) Coach Karl got a little too cute with some of those substitutions down the stretch (like pulling Melo and Chauncey for a possession), but made all the right calls, including playing and then pulling Kleiza.
(6) Trevor Ariza is a total chump. I wish K-Mart had sent him to the floor a little harder.
The best play of the game was when Chauncy threw the ball in off Kobe's back and scored the layup. Classic!
I agree that Chauncy came up HUGE in the second half. I was surprised at how easily he was able to get into the lane over and over again and then make his free throws.
Melo looked like a man possessed last night on offense and defense. I don't think I've ever seen Melo play like that. After last night I think he truly is on the same level as Kobe, LeBron, and Wade. He had that look that Kobe gets when he just decides there is no freaking way we are losing this game.
I think the main reason we won that game last night was because we rebounded so much better. We still allowed way too many offensive rebounds, but overall I think the Fakers only had one more rebound than us in the game.
I agree with John, Nene was a no show most of the game. It's amazing we were able to win without a solid performance from him.
Wow it was great to see the L-Train show up for a game. I think last night was the first time he decided to actually show up all year. Good timing I guess. His threes were absolutely clutch, especially with J.R. not scoring.
I agree with John that Kobe's D looked weak last night. Is this a sign of Kobe's decline? He certainly takes way more jump shots than he used to.
Blain, sounds like you were up late. Two unhuge games for J.R. in a row is a cause for concern. I hope he can turn it on back at home. As for Kobe, I think he's definitely just starting the downside of his career.
I am exicited to WITNESS the nuggets in games 3 and 4.
JR and Birdman will feed off the home crowd.
This is going to be a fun holiday weekend.
I loved Melo's confidence bringing the team back into it in the second period.
I still felt like they weren't quite themselves, which might be due to the Lakers D. However, if we get back to a running game and the home crowd, well, I'm looking forward to a blow out game!
LT