Nuggets-Trail Blazers Preview

By SANTOSH VENKATARAMAN
Posted Dec 24 2009 8:11PM

A marquee Christmas matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets may lose some luster if Portland's Brandon Roy and Denver's Chauncey Billups are both out.

It's unclear if either guard will be available Friday night when the Northwest Division rivals meet for the second time this season.

Roy started every game for Portland (19-12) before missing Wednesday's 98-94 win at San Antonio with a left shoulder problem. The All-Star guard averages a team-high 22.2 points, and an MRI on the shoulder did not reveal any tears Thursday.

Billups has missed the last three games for Denver (20-9) with a groin strain, but he could be back Friday. The former NBA finals MVP worked out before Wednesday's 124-104 home win over Atlanta and believes he is close to returning.

"It's basically a game-time decision," Billups told the Nuggets' official Web site. "I'm definitely feeling better. If I wasn't, I wouldn't even think about playing."

Portland and Denver both finished with 54-28 records a season ago, with the Nuggets winning the division due to a tiebreaker. The Trail Blazers, though, have more injury problems besides Roy.

Centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla are both out for the season. Oden was already out with a left knee injury before the Trail Blazers announced Thursday that Przybilla had season-ending surgery to repair a ruptured right patella tendon suffered in Tuesday's win at Dallas.

Veteran Juwan Howard made his first start in the middle in Wednesday's win and had 12 points and 12 rebounds for his second consecutive double-double. Howard has logged more than 30 minutes the last two games for the first time all season.

Portland is also without forwards Travis Outlaw (foot) and Nicolas Batum (shoulder) and guard Rudy Fernandez (back).

The Trail Blazers and Nuggets both had players that are normally backups step up Wednesday in the absence of Roy and Billups.

Second-year guard Jerryd Bayless made his first career start a memorable one with a career-high 31 points to key Portland's third straight win. Bayless scored a total of 25 points over his three previous games.

"Even with Brandon and with all these injuries - and we need Brandon back - I think we can still win games," Bayless said.

The Blazers have gotten solid production during the win streak from LaMarcus Aldridge, who is averaging 21.3 points and 9.3 rebounds in that span.

Denver won for the first time with Billups out thanks in part to reserve J.R. Smith's season-high 41 points Wednesday. Smith made 10 3-pointers - one shy of his franchise record set April 13 against Sacramento.

"It's great to have a player that can take over and end a game like J.R. has done," coach George Karl said. "There's no question he was in a zone, but we need J.R. to be the complete player and work on other aspects of his game."

Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, leading the league with 30.3 points per game, scored 41 in a 97-94 win at Portland on Oct. 29. Anthony had 19 of Denver's 35 fourth-quarter points.

Roy led the Blazers with 30 points in that game.

Denver has lost four straight on the road while Portland has won its last three at home.

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

Roy's 41 brings holiday cheer for Blazers

By Kerry Eggers, for NBA.com
Posted Saturday December 26, 2009 2:29AM

PORTLAND (NBA.com exclusive) -- Two of the NBA's stars went at it Friday night, and only one could taste victory.

That was Brandon Roy, who was at the top of his game in the Portland Trail Blazers' 107-96 victory over Carmelo Anthony's Denver Nuggets before a national ESPN audience.

Anthony was outstanding, collecting 32 points, nine rebounds and four assists, but Roy one-upped him with a spectacular 41-point show that turned into a late Christmas gift to a sellout Rose Garden crowd of 20,664.

It was the fourth straight win for Portland (20-12), which moved within a game of Denver (20-10) in the Northwest Division race. It was the fifth straight road loss for the Nuggets, who simply couldn't slow down Roy.

"It's frustrating to let a guy do what he does best," Denver forward Kenyon Martin said of Roy's performance. "It's frustrating for everybody. We try not to let guys go for big numbers like that."

Roy made 16 of 26 shots from the field the former number a career high was 3 of 6 from 3-point range and 6 of 6 from the foul line. The two-time all-star also had six rebounds and four rebounds and played the entire second half.

And he almost didn't play.

Roy missed Wednesday's win at San Antonio with a sore left shoulder. A Thursday MRI showed nothing more serious. He played with a protective harness over the shoulder.

"It was close," Roy said of the decision to play or sit. "I didn't think I was going to be able to play, because [at the game-day shootaround] it hurt. But then they gave me that strap that kept my shoulder back. "I told myself, 'You won't even think about it.' And once I warmed up ... I couldn't sit out today. It was Christmas. My parents even called and said, 'You gonna play?' I was like, 'I'm gonna play.' "

Roy said he didn't play the game without discomfort.

"It was sore," he admitted. "There were a couple of plays where I hit it and, 'Oh.' But the doctor said I couldn't hurt it any further by playing. That helped me on the court."

Roy scored 25 points in the first half to keep the Blazers within 51-49 at intermission. Denver was still in front 76-74 entering the fourth quarter, but then Steve Blake came to the party for the Blazers.

The veteran point guard, relegated to a backup role behind Andre Miller earlier this month, was on fire when it counted. Blake scored 14 of his 17 points in the final period, sinking 5 of 7 shots, including 4 of 6 from 3-point range, as Portland outscored Denver 33-20 over the final 12 minutes.

"The shot felt good," Blake said. "My teammates were finding me. I was able to make some shots."

"He did a great job of reading and getting to the open spot," Portland coach Nate McMillan said. "Denver does a lot of trapping and zoning. You have to move, and you have to move the ball. Blake got himself open. When he's spreading the floor like that and knocking down his shots, it opens up our offense."

Despite the loss of five of 10 rotation players centers Greg Oden and Joel Przybilla, forwards Nicolas Batum and Travis Outlaw and guard Rudy Fernandez for an extended period due to injuries, Portland has knocked off playoff teams Miami, Dallas, San Antonio and Denver in succession.

"I'm proud of the guys, being able to stay solid night in and night out, and to believe in one another," said veteran Juwan Howard, who had four points and eight rebounds in 31 minutes as Portland's new starting post man. "We could have easily said, 'Hey, the season's over with. Let's pack our bags and prepare for next season.' But we're having a no-quit attitude."

Denver, meanwhile, got plenty from Anthony on Friday night but not enough from his teammates. Chauncey Billups had 10 points and five assists in the first half, but the veteran point guard who had missed the previous three games with a strained groin sat out the second half for precautionary reasons. It played a role in the outcome as the Nuggets managed only four fast-break points in the game.

"Melo was very good, passed the ball well and had a great game, but we need some other guys to step up offensively," Denver coach George Karl said. "We're not picking the pace up on the road. We're not running and attacking. We're more of a half-court team than a fast-break team. We just have to get a little better there as the season goes on."

• Nuggets: Petro
• Trail Blazers: Batum, Mills, Oden, Outlaw

• Nuggets: Martin
• Trail Blazers: Howard

• Lead Changes: 7
• Times Tied: 13

• Arena: Rose Garden, Portland, OR
• Officials: #9 Derrick Stafford, #62 Brian Forte, #40 Leon Wood
• Attendance: 20664
• Duration: 2:24

Denver Nuggets (21-14)		Portland Trail Blazers (23-14)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Aldridge vs Hilario (Billups gains possession)
	11:45	Roy Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Hilario Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	11:45 [DEN 1-0]
Hilario Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	11:45 [DEN 2-0]
	11:29	Aldridge Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
	11:29	Howard Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	11:23	Webster 3pt Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:21
Afflalo Pullup Jump shot: Made (2 PTS)	11:13 [DEN 4-0]
	10:50 [POR 3-4]	Webster 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Miller (1 AST)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	10:29
	10:29	Howard Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	10:13 [POR 5-4]	Aldridge Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Roy (1 AST)
Martin Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Missed	09:59
	09:58	Aldridge Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	09:43 [POR 8-4]	Roy 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Aldridge (1 AST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (1 AST)	09:21 [DEN 6-8]
	08:58 [POR 10-6]	Roy Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Miller (2 AST)
Billups Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (2 PTS)	08:46 [DEN 8-10]
	08:17 [POR 12-8]	Miller Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	08:01
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	07:59
Anthony 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)	07:56 [DEN 11-12]
	07:38 [POR 14-11]	Howard Turnaround Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Miller (3 AST)
Roy Violation:Defensive Goaltending	07:30
Hilario Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Billups (2 AST)	07:30 [DEN 13-14]
Afflalo Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	07:11
	07:11 [POR 15-13]	Roy Free Throw 1 of 2 (6 PTS)
	07:11 [POR 16-13]	Roy Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)
Billups 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS)	06:59 [DEN 16-16]
	06:32	Webster 3pt Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	06:31
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	06:22
	06:21	Howard Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	06:14	Miller Jump Shot: Missed
	06:13	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	06:10	Roy 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	06:09
Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	05:58
	05:58	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:37 [POR 18-16]	Roy Step Back Jump shot: Made (9 PTS)
Martin Driving Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (3 AST)	05:21 [DEN 18-18]
	04:58 [POR 20-18]	Miller Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Hilario Jump Shot: Missed	04:33
Billups Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	04:31
Billups Putback Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)	04:31 [DEN 20-20]
	04:10	Miller Jump Shot: Missed
	04:08	Howard Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	04:08	Howard Tip Shot: Missed
Billups Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	04:07
Afflalo Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Martin (2 AST)	03:56 [DEN 22-20]
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Andersen	03:32
Hilario Substitution replaced by Smith	03:32
	03:32	Howard Substitution replaced by Pendergraph
	03:32	Roy Substitution replaced by Bayless
	03:31	Webster Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Martin (1 ST)
Martin Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (1 TO)	03:28
	03:07 [POR 22-22]	Aldridge Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Bayless (1 AST)
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed	02:50
Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	02:49
Anthony Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)	02:48 [DEN 24-22]
	02:31	Webster Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Andersen (1 ST)
Smith 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Billups (4 AST)	02:24 [DEN 27-22]
	01:58	Bayless 3pt Shot: Missed
	01:56	Pendergraph Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	01:40	Bayless Jump Shot: Missed
	01:38	Pendergraph Rebound (Off:2 Def:0)
	01:33	Pendergraph Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (1 BLK)
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	01:32
Team Timeout : Regular	01:30
	01:30	Miller Substitution replaced by Blake
Billups Substitution replaced by Lawson	01:30
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	01:20
	01:19	Webster Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	01:01	Blake Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Martin (2 ST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	00:51.8
Lawson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	00:49.9
Lawson Running Jump Shot: Missed	00:47.9
	00:46.8	Pendergraph Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)
	00:36.8 [POR 24-27]	Aldridge Driving Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Missed	00:22.9
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	00:21.6
Martin Putback Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS)	00:21.6 [DEN 29-24]
	00:08.9	Bayless Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Andersen (2 ST)
Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed	00:00.6
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)	00:00.0
Anthony Tip Shot: Made (9 PTS)	00:00.0 [DEN 31-24]
	00:00.0	Instant Replay - Support Ruling
End of 1st Quarter
Denver Nuggets (21-14)		Portland Trail Blazers (23-14)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
	11:46	Aldridge Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	11:45
Anthony Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	11:28
	11:26	Team Rebound
	11:04	Aldridge Foul : Offensive (1 PF)
	11:04	Aldridge Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Andersen Foul : Offensive (1 PF)	10:58
Andersen Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	10:58
Andersen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	10:36
	10:36 [POR 25-31]	Bayless Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	10:36	Aldridge Substitution replaced by Howard
	10:36 [POR 26-31]	Bayless Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
	10:25	Bayless Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	10:14
	10:12	Team Rebound
Anthony Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)	10:12
	09:58	Roy Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (2 BLK)
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:58
Smith Driving Reverse Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS)	09:51 [DEN 33-26]
	09:33	Bayless Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (3 BLK)
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	09:31
Anthony Driving Dunk Shot: Made (11 PTS)	09:29 [DEN 35-26]
	09:26	Team Timeout : Regular
Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario	09:26
Anthony Substitution replaced by Billups	09:26
	09:13	Howard Jump Shot: Missed
	09:12	Pendergraph Rebound (Off:3 Def:1)
	08:57 [POR 28-35]	Roy Driving Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS)
Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed	08:33
	08:32	Blake Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	08:08 [POR 31-35]	Blake 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Roy (2 AST)
	07:59	Howard Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Billups Jump Shot: Missed	07:52
Smith Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	07:49
	07:48	Blake Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	07:48	Pendergraph Substitution replaced by Aldridge
	07:38	Bayless Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)	07:38 [DEN 36-31]
Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)	07:38 [DEN 37-31]
	07:15	Andersen Violation:Defensive Goaltending
	07:15 [POR 33-37]	Roy Driving Layup Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Bayless (2 AST)
	07:05	Blake Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Lawson Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	07:05 [DEN 38-33]
Lawson Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	07:05 [DEN 39-33]
	06:43	Aldridge Jump Shot: Missed
	06:41	Howard Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)
	06:25	Roy 3pt Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	06:23
Smith Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Roy (1 ST)	06:22
	06:18	Roy Driving Layup Shot: Missed
	06:17	Roy Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	06:17 [POR 35-39]	Roy Tip Shot: Made (15 PTS)
Smith Pullup Jump shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Billups (5 AST)	06:03 [DEN 41-35]
	05:46	Howard Turnaround Hook Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (4 BLK)
Team Rebound	05:45
Timeout : Official	05:45
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	05:27
	05:25	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	05:14	Howard Foul : Offensive (2 PF)
	05:14	Howard Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	05:14
	05:04	Howard Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
	05:04	Howard Technical
	05:04	Blake Substitution replaced by Miller
	05:04	Howard Substitution replaced by Pendergraph
Billups Free Throw Technical (10 PTS)	05:04 [DEN 42-35]
Hilario Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	05:04 [DEN 43-35]
Hilario Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	05:04
	05:02	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	04:48	Roy Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Hilario (1 ST)
Martin Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Hilario (1 AST)	04:34 [DEN 45-35]
Martin Technical	04:32
	04:32 [POR 36-45]	Miller Free Throw Technical (5 PTS)
Lawson Substitution replaced by Anthony	04:32
	04:09 [POR 38-45]	Roy Layup Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Bayless (3 AST)
Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed	03:47
	03:46	Roy Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
Anthony Foul : Personal (2 PF)	03:38
	03:22 [POR 40-45]	Roy Pullup Jump shot: Made (19 PTS) Assist: Miller (4 AST)
Smith Substitution replaced by Afflalo	03:06
Team Timeout : Regular	02:57
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	02:54
	02:52	Roy Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	02:32	Aldridge Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	02:31
	02:25	Roy Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)	02:25 [DEN 46-40]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)	02:25 [DEN 47-40]
Martin Foul : Flagrant Type 1 (1 PF)	02:15
	02:15	Miller Substitution replaced by Webster
	02:15 [POR 41-47]	Bayless Free Throw Flagrant 2 of 2 (3 PTS)
	02:15	Bayless Free Throw Flagrant 1 of 1 Missed
	02:15	Team Rebound
Martin Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	02:09
	02:09 [POR 42-47]	Roy Free Throw 1 of 2 (20 PTS)
	02:09 [POR 43-47]	Roy Free Throw 2 of 2 (21 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (15 PTS)	01:53 [DEN 49-43]
Afflalo Foul : Personal (2 PF)	01:34
	01:34 [POR 44-49]	Roy Free Throw 1 of 2 (22 PTS)
	01:34 [POR 45-49]	Roy Free Throw 2 of 2 (23 PTS)
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	01:21
	01:21	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	01:14	Bayless Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Hilario (1 BLK)
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	01:11
Martin Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Aldridge (1 ST)	01:10
	01:05	Webster Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (3 TO)
	00:50.8	Pendergraph Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (16 PTS)	00:50.8 [DEN 50-45]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (17 PTS)	00:50.8 [DEN 51-45]
	00:34.9	Roy Jump Shot: Missed
	00:34.2	Team Rebound
Hilario Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)	00:34.2
	00:34.2 [POR 46-51]	Pendergraph Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	00:34.2	Roy Substitution replaced by Miller
	00:34.2	Bayless Substitution replaced by Blake
	00:34.2 [POR 47-51]	Pendergraph Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)
Billups Driving Layup Shot: Missed	00:26.7
	00:25.8	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)
	00:17.1	Team Timeout : Short
	00:17.1	Miller Substitution replaced by Bayless
	00:17.1	Pendergraph Substitution replaced by Roy
	00:02.9 [POR 49-51]	Roy Step Back Jump shot: Made (25 PTS)
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	00:00.2
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 2nd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (21-14)		Portland Trail Blazers (23-14)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
	11:39	Roy 3pt Shot: Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	11:38
Martin Pullup Jump shot: Missed	11:15
	11:15	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)
	11:00	Aldridge Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
Hilario Turnaround Hook Shot: Missed	10:45
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	10:43
Hilario Reverse Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (1 AST)	10:38 [DEN 53-49]
	10:15	Miller Jump Shot: Missed
	10:14	Howard Rebound (Off:4 Def:2)
	10:01 [POR 51-53]	Roy Step Back Jump shot: Made (27 PTS)
Hilario Jump Shot: Missed	09:45
Anthony Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	09:43
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	09:39
	09:39	Team Rebound
Hilario Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)	09:39
	09:22	Roy Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	09:21
	09:13	Webster Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (18 PTS)	09:13 [DEN 54-51]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (19 PTS)	09:13 [DEN 55-51]
	08:57 [POR 54-55]	Webster 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Miller (5 AST)
Anthony Pullup Jump shot: Missed	08:43
Team Rebound	08:41
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (21 PTS)	08:29 [DEN 57-54]
Anthony Foul : Personal (3 PF)	08:19
	08:12	Webster Jump Shot: Missed
	08:12	Team Rebound
Afflalo Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)	08:12
	08:02 [POR 56-57]	Webster Driving Reverse Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Aldridge (2 AST)
Anthony Foul : Offensive (4 PF)	07:50
Anthony Turnover : Foul (1 TO)	07:50
	07:39 [POR 59-57]	Webster 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Miller (6 AST)
Carter Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	07:15 [DEN 59-59]
Carter Foul : Personal (1 PF)	06:57
	06:51 [POR 61-59]	Miller Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Roy (3 AST)
Hilario Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Miller (1 ST)	06:39
Hilario Foul : Personal (3 PF)	06:38
	06:38 [POR 62-59]	Miller Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)
	06:38	Miller Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)	06:37
Carter Jump Shot: Missed	06:18
	06:17	Webster Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	06:04	Miller Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	06:03
Carter Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Webster (1 BLK)	05:59
Team Rebound	05:59
	05:59	Team Timeout : Regular
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (23 PTS)	05:52 [DEN 61-62]
	05:38 [POR 64-61]	Roy Reverse Layup Shot: Made (29 PTS) Assist: Miller (7 AST)
Martin Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Anthony (1 AST)	05:21 [DEN 63-64]
	05:09 [POR 66-63]	Aldridge Alley Oop Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Miller (8 AST)
Afflalo Driving Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)	04:59 [DEN 65-66]
	04:59	Roy Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Afflalo Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	04:59
	04:58	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:7)
	04:40	Roy Turnover : Traveling (2 TO)
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	04:40
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (25 PTS)	04:20 [DEN 67-66]
	04:08	Miller Foul : Offensive (1 PF)
	04:08	Miller Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	03:57
	03:56	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:8)
Hilario Foul : Personal (4 PF)	03:49
	03:49 [POR 67-67]	Miller Free Throw 1 of 2 (9 PTS)
Hilario Substitution replaced by Andersen	03:49
	03:49	Howard Substitution replaced by Pendergraph
	03:49 [POR 68-67]	Miller Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)
Carter 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Anthony (2 AST)	03:36 [DEN 70-68]
	03:13 [POR 70-70]	Roy Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (31 PTS)
Smith Running Jump Shot: Made (9 PTS)	03:03 [DEN 72-70]
	02:40 [POR 72-72]	Miller Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS)
	02:31	Webster Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Team Timeout : Regular	02:31
Anthony Substitution replaced by Lawson	02:31
	02:31	Webster Substitution replaced by Bayless
Smith Running Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS)	02:22 [DEN 74-72]
	02:00 [POR 74-74]	Miller Pullup Jump shot: Made (14 PTS)
Smith Driving Layup Shot: Missed	01:47
Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:6)	01:46
Smith Driving Layup Shot: Missed	01:40
	01:38	Miller Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	01:21	Aldridge Jump Shot: Missed
Carter Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	01:20
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	01:10
	01:09	Pendergraph Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)
	01:01	Bayless 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:7)	00:59.9
Martin Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Lawson (1 AST)	00:42.9 [DEN 76-74]
	00:29.9	Bayless Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (5 BLK)
Smith Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	00:27.9
	00:09.9	Miller Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Smith Step Back Jump shot: Missed	00:00.2
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 3rd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (21-14)		Portland Trail Blazers (23-14)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed	11:42
Team Rebound	11:42
	11:42	Blake Foul : Loose Ball (3 PF)
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	11:34
	11:32	Team Rebound
	11:23 [POR 76-76]	Blake Jump Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Aldridge (3 AST)
Carter Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO)	11:11
Carter Substitution replaced by Anthony	11:11
	11:11	Webster Substitution replaced by Roy
	10:56	Roy Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	10:56
	10:56	Pendergraph Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)
	10:56	Pendergraph Substitution replaced by Howard
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	10:43
	10:41	Blake Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	10:27 [POR 78-76]	Bayless Driving Dunk Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Blake (1 AST)
Lawson Layup Shot: Missed Block: Howard (1 BLK)	10:17
Anthony Rebound (Off:4 Def:4)	10:15
	10:13	Aldridge Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Martin Substitution replaced by Hilario	10:13
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (26 PTS)	10:13 [DEN 77-78]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (27 PTS)	10:13 [DEN 78-78]
	09:53 [POR 80-78]	Roy Running Jump Shot: Made (33 PTS) Assist: Howard (1 AST)
Smith Pullup Jump shot: Made (13 PTS)	09:32 [DEN 80-80]
	09:09 [POR 83-80]	Blake 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Bayless (4 AST)
	08:57	Bayless Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Timeout : Official	08:57
Hilario Layup Shot: Missed	08:50
	08:49	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)
	08:34 [POR 85-80]	Roy Driving Layup Shot: Made (35 PTS)
Anthony Running Jump Shot: Made (29 PTS)	08:17 [DEN 82-85]
	07:54	Roy Step Back Jump shot: Missed
Lawson Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	07:53
Smith 3pt Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Anthony (3 AST)	07:38 [DEN 85-85]
	07:18 [POR 88-85]	Roy 3pt Shot: Made (38 PTS) Assist: Bayless (5 AST)
Anthony Pullup Jump shot: Missed	06:56
	06:55	Howard Rebound (Off:4 Def:3)
Lawson Foul : Personal (1 PF)	06:45
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	06:45
	06:37 [POR 90-85]	Aldridge Slam Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Howard (2 AST)
Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed Block: Aldridge (1 BLK)	06:20
	06:19	Bayless Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	06:16	Blake 3pt Shot: Missed
	06:15	Roy Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
Lawson Foul : Personal (2 PF)	06:15
	06:02 [POR 93-85]	Roy 3pt Shot: Made (41 PTS) Assist: Howard (3 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	06:01
Hilario Dunk Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Anthony (4 AST)	05:45 [DEN 87-93]
	05:45	Howard Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Hilario Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	05:45
	05:45	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:10)
	05:23 [POR 95-87]	Howard Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)
	05:02	Howard Foul : Shooting (5 PF)
Lawson Substitution replaced by Carter	05:02
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (30 PTS)	05:02 [DEN 88-95]
	05:02	Howard Substitution replaced by Pendergraph
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	05:02
	05:01	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:11)
	04:41	Bayless Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	04:40
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Missed	04:26
	04:25	Aldridge Rebound (Off:1 Def:12)
	04:05 [POR 98-88]	Blake 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Roy (4 AST)
Smith Running Jump Shot: Missed	03:51
	03:49	Roy Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	03:27	Blake 3pt Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:4 Def:5)	03:27
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	03:16
	03:15	Roy Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)
	02:52	Bayless 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:8)	02:51
Anthony Pullup Jump shot: Made (32 PTS)	02:41 [DEN 90-98]
	02:39	Team Timeout : Regular
Carter Foul : Personal (2 PF)	02:27
	02:27	Pendergraph Substitution replaced by Howard
	02:13 [POR 101-90]	Blake 3pt Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Bayless (6 AST)
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	01:59
	01:59	Howard Rebound (Off:4 Def:4)
	01:39	Roy Pullup Jump shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:9)	01:38
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	01:30
Martin Rebound (Off:5 Def:9)	01:29
Martin Putback Layup Shot: Made (12 PTS)	01:29 [DEN 92-101]
	01:10 [POR 103-92]	Bayless Driving Layup Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Hilario Foul : Shooting (5 PF)	01:10
	01:10	Bayless Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Hilario Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	01:09
Smith Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)	01:03
Smith Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	00:46.5
	00:46.5	Bayless Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:46.5	Team Rebound
	00:46.5 [POR 104-92]	Bayless Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)
Smith Pullup Jump shot: Made (18 PTS)	00:42.9 [DEN 94-104]
	00:23.9 [POR 107-94]	Blake 3pt Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Bayless (7 AST)
Smith Driving Layup Shot: Made (20 PTS)	00:16.9 [DEN 96-107]
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			ESPN	National	10:30 pm ET
		--	KGW	Local	10:30 pm ET
		--	ASE	Local	10:30 pm ET
canada			TSN	national	10:30 pm ET