Nuggets-Hornets Preview

By JEFF MEZYDLO
Posted Dec 17 2009 9:22PM

The Denver Nuggets have overcome some obstacles on their way to a strong start this season. They might need to do it again to get their fourth straight win.

The Nuggets could be without point guard Chauncey Billups as they visit the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Billups strained his left groin in the second half of Denver's 111-101 win over Houston on Wednesday. The veteran, who's averaging 17.4 points and a team-leading 5.7 assists, underwent a precautionary MRI on Thursday that confirmed a strain of his left adductor muscle. He's considered day-to-day.

"The one thing I've always done is listen to my body," Billups told the Nuggets' official Web site. "I'm going to listen to my body, and whatever it tells me, that's what it is. I don't know if it's going to be (Friday) or next week."

Denver coach George Karl believes Billups could miss this contest and possibly Sunday's at Memphis. Veteran Anthony Carter (2.9 points per game) or rookie Ty Lawson (7.9 ppg, 3.4 assists per game) could start in place of Billups, who's averaging 16.5 points in his last six against New Orleans.

"Hopefully, Chauncey comes back soon, but I've got to be ready,'' said Lawson, who had six points, six assists, three rebounds and two steals in 21 minutes Wednesday.

If Billups is out, it won't be the first time the Nuggets (19-7) have faced adversity this season. Second in the Western Conference, Denver went 5-2 while key reserve J.R. Smith was suspended for the first seven games of the season. The Nuggets were also able to regroup after going 0-3 when forward Kenyon Martin was out with calf and finger injuries.

Having a healthy Carmelo Anthony could be enough to help Denver avoid a third straight road loss. Anthony topped the 30-point mark for a fifth straight game with 38 against Houston. He added nine rebounds and went 19 for 20 from the free-throw line.

Anthony is averaging a league-leading 30.7 points on the season and 35.0 in his last five contests. He has scored 30 or more points in 17 games this season, four more than he had in 2008-09. He's averaging 25.5 points in his last 10 against New Orleans.

The Nuggets and Hornets split their four-game series last season with each winning once on the other's home floor. Anthony scored 29 points and New Orleans' Chris Paul had 19 with 13 assists in Denver's 101-88 road win in their last meeting March 25.

New Orleans (11-13) avoided a third straight loss with a 95-87 win over Detroit on Wednesday.

"We're not in position to be able to drop three or four games in a row where we sit right now," said David West, who had a season-high 32 points and 12 rebounds.

Paul scored 14 of his 16 points in the second half and added 12 assists as the Hornets overcame a 16-point deficit to win for the seventh time in eight games at home.

While New Orleans failed to score 100 points for an eighth straight game, it's holding opponents to 95.5 over its last six - 6.2 fewer than its season average. Denver's near the top of the league with 108.3 points per contest.

Paul is averaging 21.6 points and 12.0 assists in his last seven games versus the Nuggets.

Copyright 2009 by STATS LLC and Associated Press. Any commercial use or distribution without the express written consent of STATS LLC and Associated Press is strictly prohibited

Paul, Hornets exact revenge on Billups-less Nuggets

By Larry Holder, for NBA.com
Posted Friday December 18, 2009 11:49PM

NEW ORLEANS (NBA.com exclusive) -- Don't think what happened in the New Orleans Arena the last time the Hornets and Denver Nuggets squared off was lost on either side when they met again Friday night.

Nuggets coach George Karl called Denver's 58-point win over the Hornets on April 27 the best playoff performance he had ever seen from his team. Hornets guard Chris Paul called the pitiful performance by New Orleans in Game 4 of the teams' first-round playoff series a "butt whipping."

Paul and the rest of his teammates came in the saltier bunch and left the more satisfied bunch as the Hornets pulled off a 98-92 win over the Nuggets to take back some of the pride lost last year in the playoffs.

Paul played one of his more outstanding games this season as he led the charge, scoring 30 points, tallying 19 assists and pulling down nine rebounds. It's the type of performance Paul salivated for in a game the Hornets couldn't help but want pay back for last year.

"This is what you play for," Paul said. "Our coach told us before the game when you lose to a team in the playoffs, it's always a rivalry. And this team embarrassed us when we played here last year. We definitely want this one. Yes, it's just one win. But we really wanted to beat those guys."

When asked how to describe Paul's Herculean output, Hornets teammate Devin Brown could only describe it one way.

"Remarkable," Brown said. "He was able to do whatever he wanted on the floor."

Paul's third-quarter surge helped the Hornets erase a 15-point deficit and stop what could have transformed into another Denver blowout. Paul went a perfect 7-for-7 from the floor in the quarter to give New Orleans a 79-71 lead heading into the fourth.

"We just starting hitting shots and I got a little more aggressive," Paul said. "At the halfcourt, they can really defend our ballscreens. We got physical and were able to get in the lane a little bit."

Peja Stojakovic also came up clutch against the Nuggets, going 9-for-14 from the field for 24 points.

Nuggets point guard Chauncey Billups missed Friday's game with a strained groin. Billups sustained the injury in the third quarter Wednesday. Brown said he knew the Nuggets would move the offense through Carmelo Anthony.

Brown and James Posey handcuffed Anthony, holding the Nuggets forward to 17 points on 5-for-16 shooting -- nearly 14 points below Anthony's average.

"Once they figured out he wasn't playing, they made it their strategy to keep the ball out of my hands, which turned out to be a good scheme," Anthony said.

Brown said the defensive effort was probably the most impressive display the Hornets have put forth all season.

"That's what you've got to do against those superstars, you've got to make them work," Brown said. "We were able to do that tonight. We know now that when we do that, we're a pretty good team. ... You know going in playing a player like that, he's going to shoot the ball 25, 30 times.

"You just don't want him to get into a rhythm early. It's amazing when those guys come out and get a couple of layups and then they start hit shots and spraying 3s from everywhere."

Paul added: "With a guy like 'Melo, it's tough to stop him with one person. You can't. I don't know one guy that plays that can stop Melo on a consistent basis every night. So we tried to trap him."

J.R. Smith and Ty Lawson did the best they could to pick up the slack in Billups' absence. Smith lit it up off the bench with a team-high 25 points and Lawson added 14. Nene also chipped in with 15.

The Hornets have beaten some of the league's elite at home this season: Dallas, Phoenix, Atlanta and now Denver. But New Orleans' road struggles still have the team hovering around .500 at 12-13.

"It's just the confidence we have," Brown said. "If there's a formula for doing that on the road, there'd be a lot of great teams out there. We'll figure it out. We've still got a long way to go."

• Nuggets: Billups
• Hornets: Brown, Diogu, Marks

• Nuggets: --
• Hornets: --

• Lead Changes: 4
• Times Tied: 13

• Arena: New Orleans Arena, New Orleans, LA
• Officials: #43 Dan Crawford, #33 Sean Corbin, #65 Sean Wright
• Attendance: 14453
• Duration: 2:8

Denver Nuggets (21-14)		New Orleans Hornets (17-16)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Okafor vs Hilario (Paul gains possession)
	11:42 [NOH 2-0]	West Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Paul (1 AST)
Hilario Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Carter (1 AST)	11:25 [DEN 2-2]
	10:58 [NOH 5-2]	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Paul (2 AST)
Carter Jump Shot: Missed	10:41
	10:40	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:32 [NOH 7-2]	Okafor Slam Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Paul (3 AST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	10:07
Carter Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	10:06
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	10:01
	10:00	Brown Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:35 [NOH 9-2]	West Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Paul (4 AST)
Hilario Slam Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)	09:24 [DEN 4-9]
	09:04	Paul Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Anthony (1 ST)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	08:53
	08:52	Okafor Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	08:30	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:29
Hilario Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (1 AST)	08:18 [DEN 6-9]
	08:03 [NOH 11-6]	Okafor Slam Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Paul (5 AST)
Hilario Layup Shot: Missed	07:49
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	07:48
Hilario Putback Slam Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS)	07:47 [DEN 8-11]
	07:24	Brown Layup Shot: Missed Block: Afflalo (1 BLK)
	07:24	Team Rebound
	07:17	Brown Jump Shot: Missed Block: Afflalo (2 BLK)
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:15
Carter Pullup Jump shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (2 AST)	07:11 [DEN 10-11]
Martin Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	06:57
	06:57 [NOH 12-10]	Okafor Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	06:57	Okafor Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	06:57
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	06:48
	06:47	Stojakovic Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	06:34	Paul Jump Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:33
Okafor Violation:Defensive Goaltending	06:25
Carter Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Anthony (1 AST)	06:25 [DEN 12-12]
	06:08	West Layup Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	06:07
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	05:57
	05:56	Okafor Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	05:49	Stojakovic Jump Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	05:47
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	05:34
	05:32	Brown Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	05:22	Brown 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	05:21
Anthony Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Carter (2 AST)	05:15 [DEN 14-12]
	05:00 [NOH 14-14]	Stojakovic Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Paul (6 AST)
Anthony Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)	05:00
	05:00	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:00	Okafor Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	04:59
Afflalo Jump Shot: Missed	04:43
	04:42	Okafor Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	04:27	Okafor Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	04:25
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed Block: Okafor (1 BLK)	04:13
	04:11	Okafor Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	04:07 [NOH 16-14]	Brown Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Paul (7 AST)
Carter 3pt Shot: Missed	03:47
	03:46	West Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	03:27	Brown 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	03:26
Afflalo Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Carter (3 AST)	03:20 [DEN 16-16]
	02:58	Okafor Jump Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	02:57
Carter Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	02:52
Team Timeout : Regular	02:52
Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen	02:52
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	02:52
Carter Substitution replaced by Lawson	02:52
	02:39	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Missed
	02:38	West Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	02:31 [NOH 18-16]	Paul Pullup Jump shot: Made (2 PTS)
	02:19	West Foul : Defense 3 Second (0 PF)
Anthony Free Throw Technical (3 PTS)	02:19 [DEN 17-18]
	02:09	West Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Smith Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	02:09 [DEN 18-18]
Smith Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	02:09
	02:08	Okafor Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	01:53 [NOH 20-18]	West Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Paul (8 AST)
Lawson Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	01:41 [DEN 20-20]
	01:24	Paul Jump Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (1 BLK)
Lawson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:23
Lawson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Brown (1 ST)	01:18
	01:05 [NOH 23-20]	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: West (1 AST)
Lawson 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Andersen (1 AST)	00:50.1 [DEN 23-23]
	00:31.9	West Jump Shot: Missed
	00:30.9	Okafor Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	00:30.9	Okafor Tip Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	00:29.2
Smith Layup Shot: Missed	00:08.9
	00:07.9	Okafor Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	00:00.0 [NOH 25-23]	Paul Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Instant Replay - Support Ruling	00:00.0
End of 1st Quarter
Denver Nuggets (21-14)		New Orleans Hornets (17-16)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Martin Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Songaila (1 ST)	11:43
	11:32 [NOH 27-23]	West Driving Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Smith Pullup Jump shot: Made (3 PTS)	11:19 [DEN 25-27]
	11:19	Stojakovic Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Smith Free Throw 1 of 1 (4 PTS)	11:19 [DEN 26-27]
Smith Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	11:06
	11:06 [NOH 28-26]	Stojakovic Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)
	11:06 [NOH 29-26]	Stojakovic Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)
Lawson Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Anthony (2 AST)	10:52 [DEN 28-29]
	10:37	Paul Layup Shot: Missed
Lawson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	10:36
Lawson 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Anthony (3 AST)	10:23 [DEN 31-29]
	10:08 [NOH 31-31]	Stojakovic Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Paul (9 AST)
Andersen Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Anthony (4 AST)	09:53 [DEN 33-31]
Lawson Foul : Personal (1 PF)	09:43
Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario	09:43
	09:23	Posey Jump Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:23
Smith Driving Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS)	09:10 [DEN 35-31]
	08:47	West Layup Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	08:46
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	08:38
Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	08:37
	08:37	Stojakovic Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)
Timeout : Official	08:37
	08:37	Stojakovic Substitution replaced by Thornton
Anthony Substitution replaced by Afflalo	08:37
Lawson Driving Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS)	08:28 [DEN 37-31]
	08:06	West Layup Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	08:05
Andersen Jump Bank Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Smith (1 AST)	07:48 [DEN 39-31]
	07:24	Thornton 3pt Shot: Missed
	07:23	Songaila Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	07:10	Paul Foul : Offensive (1 PF)
	07:10	Paul Turnover : Foul (2 TO)
Hilario Driving Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS)	07:01 [DEN 41-31]
	07:01	Songaila Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
	07:01	Paul Substitution replaced by Collison
Hilario Free Throw 1 of 1 (11 PTS)	07:01 [DEN 42-31]
	06:42	Collison Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Smith (1 ST)
	06:42	Posey Foul : Clear Path (1 PF)
Smith Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)	06:42 [DEN 43-31]
Smith Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	06:42
Team Rebound	06:42
	06:26	Songaila Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Afflalo Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	06:26 [DEN 44-31]
Afflalo Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	06:26 [DEN 45-31]
	06:04	Collison Jump Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	06:03
Lawson Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)	06:01
	06:01	West Substitution replaced by Okafor
Hilario Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	05:51
	05:51	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:51 [NOH 32-45]	Posey Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	05:51	Posey Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
	05:49	Posey Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	05:46	Team Timeout : Short
	05:35 [NOH 34-45]	Okafor Slam Dunk Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Collison (1 AST)
Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover	05:06
	04:52	Collison Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Andersen (1 ST)
Lawson Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Andersen (2 AST)	04:48 [DEN 47-34]
	04:32	Thornton Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Afflalo (1 ST)
Lawson Layup Shot: Missed Block: Collison (1 BLK)	04:28
Smith Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	04:27
Smith Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS)	04:19 [DEN 49-34]
	04:11	Team Timeout : Regular
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	04:11
	04:11	Collison Substitution replaced by Paul
	04:03	Songaila Jump Shot: Missed
	04:02	Okafor Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)
	04:02 [NOH 36-49]	Okafor Tip Shot: Made (9 PTS)
Hilario Layup Shot: Missed	03:49
	03:48	Okafor Rebound (Off:2 Def:7)
	03:38	Songaila Jump Shot: Missed
	03:37	Okafor Rebound (Off:3 Def:7)
Hilario Foul : Personal (2 PF)	03:22
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Anthony	03:22
	03:12	Thornton 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	03:11
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	02:57
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	02:56
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	02:44
	02:43	Okafor Rebound (Off:3 Def:8)
	02:23	Paul Jump Shot: Missed
Lawson Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	02:22
Smith Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Lawson (1 AST)	02:17 [DEN 51-36]
	02:06 [NOH 38-51]	Songaila Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Paul (10 AST)
Smith Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Thornton (1 ST)	01:54
	01:51 [NOH 40-51]	Posey Layup Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Paul (11 AST)
Lawson Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	01:51
Lawson Substitution replaced by Carter	01:51
	01:51 [NOH 41-51]	Posey Free Throw 1 of 1 (4 PTS)
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	01:29
	01:28	Songaila Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	01:22 [NOH 44-51]	Posey 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Paul (12 AST)
Anthony Foul : Offensive (2 PF)	01:05
Anthony Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	01:05
Smith Substitution replaced by Afflalo	01:05
	00:43.9	Songaila Jump Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	00:43.3
	00:32.5	Posey Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Hilario Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	00:32.5
Team Rebound	00:32.5
	00:32.5	Okafor Substitution replaced by Stojakovic
Hilario Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)	00:32.5 [DEN 52-44]
	00:12.7 [NOH 46-52]	Songaila Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Paul (13 AST)
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	00:01.9
	00:00.3	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
End of 2nd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (21-14)		New Orleans Hornets (17-16)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Hilario Hook Shot: Made (14 PTS)	11:42 [DEN 54-46]
	11:18 [NOH 48-54]	Stojakovic Running Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Brown (1 AST)
Carter Jump Shot: Missed	11:00
	10:59	West Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	10:47	Paul Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Carter (1 ST)
Afflalo Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Carter (4 AST)	10:43 [DEN 56-48]
	10:28 [NOH 51-56]	Brown 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Stojakovic (1 AST)
Carter Jump Shot: Missed	10:15
	10:14	West Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	10:04	Okafor Jump Bank Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	10:03
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	09:48
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	09:47
	09:40	Brown Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)	09:40 [DEN 57-51]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	09:40 [DEN 58-51]
	09:19	West Jump Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (1 BLK)
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)	09:18
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	09:10
	09:07	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	09:01 [NOH 54-58]	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Paul (14 AST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	08:46
	08:43	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	08:37 [NOH 57-58]	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Made (20 PTS) Assist: Paul (15 AST)
Hilario Jump Shot: Missed	08:11
	08:10	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
Afflalo Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	08:06
Team Timeout : Regular	08:06
	08:06 [NOH 58-58]	Brown Free Throw 1 of 2 (6 PTS)
	08:06 [NOH 59-58]	Brown Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)
Martin Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Paul (1 ST)	07:48
	07:40 [NOH 61-58]	Paul Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	07:26
	07:25	Okafor Rebound (Off:3 Def:9)
	07:15	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	07:14
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Carter (5 AST)	07:03 [DEN 60-61]
	06:39 [NOH 63-60]	Paul Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Carter 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (3 AST)	06:21 [DEN 63-63]
	05:59	Brown 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:5)	05:58
Afflalo Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	05:52
Carter Substitution replaced by Lawson	05:52
	05:27	Brown Running Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)	05:26
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed Block: Okafor (2 BLK)	05:15
	05:13	West Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	05:07 [NOH 65-63]	Paul Pullup Jump shot: Made (10 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS)	04:53 [DEN 65-65]
	04:35	Okafor Dunk Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (2 BLK)
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:7)	04:34
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	04:21
	04:19	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
Martin Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	04:13
	04:13 [NOH 66-65]	Paul Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)
	04:13 [NOH 67-65]	Paul Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)
Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed	03:56
	03:55	Stojakovic Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Martin Foul : Personal (3 PF)	03:49
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	03:49
	03:33 [NOH 69-65]	West Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)
	03:17	Paul Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Hilario Dunk Shot: Missed Block: Okafor (3 BLK)	03:05
	03:04	West Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	02:47	West Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	02:46
	02:38	Okafor Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
	02:38	Team Timeout : Regular
Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen	02:38
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (10 PTS)	02:38 [DEN 66-69]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (11 PTS)	02:38 [DEN 67-69]
	02:23	West Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:8)	02:22
Lawson Layup Shot: Missed Block: Okafor (4 BLK)	02:12
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:8)	02:11
Martin Putback Slam Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS)	02:10 [DEN 69-69]
	01:42 [NOH 72-69]	Paul 3pt Shot: Made (15 PTS)
Andersen Layup Shot: Missed Block: Okafor (5 BLK)	01:26
	01:24	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)
	01:17 [NOH 74-69]	Paul Layup Shot: Made (17 PTS)
	01:00	Brown Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Smith Running Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS)	00:48.1 [DEN 71-74]
	00:31.8 [NOH 76-71]	Paul Driving Layup Shot: Made (19 PTS)
Andersen Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	00:31.8
	00:31.8 [NOH 77-71]	Paul Free Throw 1 of 1 (20 PTS)
Anthony Turnover : 3 Second Violation (2 TO)	00:16.9
	00:00.4 [NOH 79-71]	Paul Jump Shot: Made (22 PTS)
End of 3rd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (21-14)		New Orleans Hornets (17-16)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:44	West Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	11:43
Smith Running Jump Shot: Made (15 PTS)	11:28 [DEN 73-79]
	11:06	Brown Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	10:51
	10:50	Posey Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	10:26	Brown Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:9)	10:25
Smith Jump Shot: Made (17 PTS)	10:07 [DEN 75-79]
	10:03	Team Timeout : Regular
	09:49	West Jump Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	09:48
Smith Turnaround Fade Away shot: Made (19 PTS)	09:38 [DEN 77-79]
	09:20	Posey 3pt Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)	09:20
Smith Pullup Jump shot: Made (21 PTS)	09:11 [DEN 79-79]
	08:52	Collison Layup Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:10)	08:51
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	08:43
	08:42	Team Rebound
	08:42	Collison Substitution replaced by Paul
Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario	08:42
	08:18	Paul 3pt Shot: Missed
	08:18	Team Rebound
	08:18	Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover
Lawson Substitution replaced by Carter	08:18
Carter Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:West (1 ST)	08:00
	07:47 [NOH 81-79]	Paul Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (24 PTS)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	07:25
	07:24	Brown Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	07:14 [NOH 83-79]	Paul Jump Shot: Made (26 PTS)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	06:51
	06:49	West Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
Carter Foul : Personal (1 PF)	06:44
Team Timeout : Regular	06:44
	06:44	West Substitution replaced by Stojakovic
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Anthony	06:44
	06:26 [NOH 85-79]	Songaila Pullup Jump shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Paul (16 AST)
	06:08	Songaila Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Carter Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	06:08 [DEN 80-85]
Carter Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)	06:08 [DEN 81-85]
	05:50 [NOH 87-81]	Stojakovic Jump Shot: Made (22 PTS)
	05:40	Songaila Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Hilario Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)	05:40 [DEN 82-87]
Hilario Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	05:40
	05:40	Posey Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	05:23	Songaila Turnover : Traveling (1 TO)
Hilario Reverse Layup Shot: Missed	05:09
	05:08	Posey Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	04:46	Paul Jump Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)	04:45
	04:40	Stojakovic Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	04:40
	04:40	Songaila Substitution replaced by West
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	04:31
	04:30	West Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
	04:21 [NOH 89-82]	West Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Paul (17 AST)
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	03:59
	03:58	Posey Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	03:40	Stojakovic 3pt Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	03:39
Smith Driving Layup Shot: Made (23 PTS)	03:30 [DEN 84-89]
	03:05 [NOH 92-84]	Brown 3pt Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Paul (18 AST)
Team Timeout : Short	02:59
Timeout : Official	02:59
Carter Substitution replaced by Lawson	02:59
Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed	02:41
	02:40	Paul Rebound (Off:0 Def:8)
	02:30	Paul Turnover : Bad Pass (4 TO) Steal:Martin (1 ST)
Smith Layup Shot: Made (25 PTS) Assist: Lawson (2 AST)	02:25 [DEN 86-92]
	01:58	West Jump Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (3 BLK)
Hilario Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)	01:57
Anthony Step Back Jump shot: Made (13 PTS)	01:48 [DEN 88-92]
	01:31 [NOH 94-88]	Stojakovic Jump Shot: Made (24 PTS) Assist: Paul (19 AST)
	01:24	Posey Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)	01:24 [DEN 89-94]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (15 PTS)	01:24 [DEN 90-94]
	01:05 [NOH 96-90]	Paul Floating Jump shot: Made (28 PTS)
	00:58.6	West Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	00:58.6
Team Rebound	00:58.6
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	00:58.6
	00:57.9	Posey Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	00:39.9	Paul Jump Shot: Missed
	00:38.3	Paul Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)
	00:19.2 [NOH 98-90]	Paul Pullup Jump shot: Made (30 PTS)
Team Timeout : Regular	00:19.2
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	00:13.3
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	00:12.8
Anthony Tip Shot: Made (17 PTS)	00:12.8 [DEN 92-98]
Hilario Foul : Personal (3 PF)	00:11.1
Martin Foul : Personal (4 PF)	00:08.6
	00:08.6	Brown Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:08.6	Team Rebound
Martin Substitution replaced by Afflalo	00:08.6
Hilario Substitution replaced by Carter	00:08.6
	00:08.6	Brown Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
	00:07.9	Posey Rebound (Off:2 Def:5)
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa		--	CST	Local	8:00 pm ET
		--	ASE	Local	8:00 pm ET