Nuggets-Cavaliers Preview

By KATE HEDLIN
Posted Feb 18 2010 12:42AM

The Denver Nuggets are fighting for one of the top spots in the Western Conference, but this week, their attention turned to a different kind of battle.

Two days after coach George Karl announced he is suffering from throat and neck cancer, the Nuggets visit the Cleveland Cavaliers, who could have new acquisition Antawn Jamison in the lineup for the first time as they try to win their franchise-record 14th straight Thursday night.

Denver (35-18) comes out of the All-Star break trying to fend off Utah in the Northwest Division as it looks to win a second consecutive division title. However, the Nuggets recently learned they may have to do so without their coach for periods of time.

Karl announced Tuesday that he will undergo a rigorous six-week treatment of radiation and chemotherapy to treat the cancer. He said he will miss at least a couple of Denver's upcoming games and that assistant Adrian Dantley would lead the team in his absence.

"My desire is to do whatever I can to stay with my team throughout the treatment that I have to go through," Karl said. "Basically, my belief is this is a championship team and I want to do anything and everything I can to help them continue in their quest that we all want."

This is the second time Karl has been diagnosed with cancer. He underwent treatment for prostate cancer in 2005.

"It was shocking just to hear it," forward Kenyon Martin told the Nuggets' official Web site. "He told us he's battled it before so he knows what it takes to get right. He's going to do all he can to get his body right and his health together and we're going to do all we can to make sure the basketball end is taken care of."

Karl will be on the bench Thursday as the Nuggets get a tough test coming out of the break.

Cleveland (43-11) has tied a franchise record with 13 consecutive wins and has the best record in the NBA. The Cavaliers could have a better shot at extending the run if Jamison can make his debut with the team. Cleveland acquired the two-time All-Star forward from Washington in a three-team trade Wednesday night, and it's unclear if the 33-year-old will be available to face the Nuggets.

The Cavaliers closed the first half of the season with a 115-106 victory over Orlando last Thursday, led by LeBron James' 32 points and 13 assists.

James, who scored 25 points in the All-Star game, will be looking to pick up where he left off before the break. He averaged 33.5 points and 11.0 assists in the final six games.

"I think our team is built to win a championship," James said. "With the group of guys we have here, if we continue to get better, we're headed in the right direction."

While the Cavaliers, who are 11-0 at home against teams from the West, are hoping the break didn't hurt their momentum, the Nuggets used the time off to get healthy.

Denver ended the first half of the season by splitting its final six games, losing 111-92 to San Antonio last Thursday, although it still has gone 12-4 since mid-January.

Martin sat out the final two games with tendinitis in his left knee while Carmelo Anthony returned for the final two after missing the previous eight with an ankle injury.

Anthony was sidelined for Cleveland's visit to Denver last month because of a knee injury. Despite his absence and James scoring 35 points, the Nuggets won 99-97. They have also won four of their last six trips to Quicken Loans Arena.

Denver will face two of the top three teams in the East this week, hosting Boston on Sunday.

Copyright 2010 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

In clash of superstars, Nuggets edge Cavs in overtime

By Sam Amico, for NBA.com
Posted Friday February 19, 2010 12:41AM

CLEVELAND (NBA.com exclusive) -- On a day dominated by trades and other off-the-court news, the Denver Nuggets and the Cleveland Cavaliers proved they didn't forget what the best of the NBA is really all about.

It's about superstars, contending teams, fantastic games that go down to the final shot.

Such was the case Thursday night in Cleveland, when All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony buried a game-winning basket with 1.9 seconds left in overtime to lift the Nuggets to a 118-116 victory. And it was a basket that came over the outstretched arms of Cavaliers All-Star forward LeBron James.

You couldn't have written a better script for two teams that were playing their first game after the All-Star break, not to mention two teams that are trying to prove they can win a title. And the stars couldn't have shined any brighter.

James finished with his third triple-double of the season (and 27th of his career), recording game highs of 43 points and 15 assists, as well as 13 rebounds.

Anthony finished with 40 points and seven boards, and of course, the game-winner. He played 48 of a possible 53 minutes.

"It was a pretty good show between [Anthony] and LeBron," said Nuggets coach George Karl. "I didn't want to take Melo out. I was afraid I'd get some phone calls from the fans if I did."

Anthony's big shot ended the Cavs' 13-game winning streak and concluded what had been an exhausting 24 hours, starting with the trade of longtime center and fan favorite Zyrdunas Ilgauskas to Washington. In return, the Cavs landed forward Antawn Jamison from the Wizards and guard Sebastian Telfair from the Los Angeles Clippers. Neither played Thursday, but Jamison could be in uniform for the Cavs' game in Charlotte on Friday.

Thursday's contest was equally draining for the Nuggets, who played their first game since their coach disclosed he has neck and throat cancer. Karl has already undergone some chemotherapy, which resulted in headaches and nausea while he sat on the bench.

In other words, it's safe to say both teams had plenty on their minds entering the game -- making their performances all that much more amazing.

"It was two really good teams," James said. "It really came down to whoever got the stop they needed or made the shot they needed to win the game. That's how it ended."

The Cavs (43-12) had a chance to win it, but James slipped when receiving the final inbound pass, his ensuing 3-point attempt bouncing off the rim. It gave the Nuggets (36-18) a sweep of the two-game season series, with both going down to the final moments.

Interestingly, the Cavs struggled mightily from the free-throw line in both losses, finishing a miserable 23-for-40 on Thursday night.

"You're not always going to shoot 100 percent from the line, but if we make 12 or 13 of those misses, it's a totally different game," James said. "We have to do a better job than we did tonight."

Chauncey Billups and Kenyon Martin each added 18 points for the Nuggets, with Martin compiling a game-high 17 rebounds.

Meanwhile, Shaquille O'Neal scored 18 for the Cavs, and point guard Mo Williams returned from a 12-game absence by coming off the bench to score eight. But the Cavs looked rusty early and by the time they recovered, Anthony and Billups seemed to be just heating up.

"It was a great win for us," Billups said. "They are playing the best basketball out of anyone right now, especially at home where they never lose. This is an unbelievable way to start the second half of the season."

On the other hand, the Cavs are hoping to regain their stride once they work in the newcomers. That's especially true of Jamison, who comes to Cleveland with season averages of 20.8 points and 8.8 rebounds.

"This is a very special, unique team," said Jamison, who watched the game in a suit and tie from behind the Cavs bench. "Unfortunately, [the Nuggets] were able to come up with the big play, but it's fun to call this place home. Hopefully, I can come in and contribute right away."

The Nuggets also seem to be happy with where they are -- or at least, where they believe they could be going.

"I think that's a good statement," Karl said of Thursday's win. "We know we have some tough road games this month and some tough opponents. We talked about being able to turn up the seriousness and treat every game like it has value, no matter who our opponent is. We always seem to play with a little more pizzazz when we play the good teams."

• Nuggets: Balkman
• Cavaliers: Ilgauskas, Powe

• Nuggets: --
• Cavaliers: --

• Lead Changes: 16
• Times Tied: 16

• Arena: Quicken Loans Arena, Cleveland, OH
• Officials: #13 Monty McCutchen, #19 James Capers, #53 Mark Lindsay
• Attendance: 20562
• Duration: 2:51

Denver Nuggets (36-18)		Cleveland Cavaliers (43-12)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball O'Neal vs Nene (Hickson gains possession)
	11:43	Parker Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:42
Nene Layup Shot: Missed	11:28
	11:27	Hickson Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	11:19	O'Neal Layup Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:18
Martin Jump Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (1 AST)	11:10 [DEN 2-0]
	10:55	James Jump Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:54
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	10:45
	10:44	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:30	O'Neal Layup Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	10:28
Billups Jump Bank Shot: Missed	10:22
	10:20	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	10:01 [CLE 3-2]	Parker 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: James (1 AST)
Anthony Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:42 [DEN 4-3]
	09:24 [CLE 5-4]	James Running Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)	09:12 [DEN 6-5]
	08:57	O'Neal Jump Hook Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	08:55
Martin Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Billups (2 AST)	08:46 [DEN 8-5]
	08:23 [CLE 7-8]	Hickson Driving Slam Dunk Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: James (2 AST)
Billups Jump Bank Shot: Made (2 PTS)	08:07 [DEN 10-7]
	08:00 [CLE 9-10]	Gibson Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Nene Jump Shot: Missed	07:50
	07:48	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	07:31 [CLE 11-10]	Parker Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: James (3 AST)
	07:20	Parker Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	07:20 [DEN 11-11]
Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)	07:20 [DEN 12-11]
	07:06 [CLE 13-12]	O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	06:55
Nene Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	06:53
Nene Tip Shot: Missed	06:53
Nene Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	06:53
Nene Layup Shot: Missed	06:52
	06:50	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	06:28	Hickson Jump Shot: Missed Block: Martin (1 BLK)
	06:27	Team Rebound
	06:27	Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover
Billups Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)	06:12 [DEN 14-13]
	06:02	Parker 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	06:01
Billups Jump Shot: Missed	05:55
Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	05:54
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed Block: James (1 BLK)	05:54
Team Rebound	05:54
	05:54	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:54	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Varejao
Anthony Running Jump Shot: Missed	05:46
Afflalo Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	05:43
Afflalo Jump Bank Shot: Made (2 PTS)	05:43 [DEN 16-13]
	05:28 [CLE 15-16]	Hickson Running Bank shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: James (4 AST)
Nene Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	05:28
	05:28 [CLE 16-16]	Hickson Free Throw 1 of 1 (5 PTS)
Afflalo Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Nene (1 AST)	05:08 [DEN 18-16]
	04:52	Gibson 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	04:51
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	04:39
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)	04:38
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed Block: James (2 BLK)	04:35
	04:33	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	04:23 [CLE 18-18]	James Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Parker (1 AST)
	04:09	James Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Nene Substitution replaced by Andersen	04:09
	04:09	Parker Substitution replaced by Williams
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	04:09
Team Rebound	04:09
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	04:09 [DEN 19-18]
	04:01	Hickson Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Martin (1 ST)
Billups 3pt Shot: Made (7 PTS)	03:54 [DEN 22-18]
	03:37	James Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Anthony (1 ST)
	03:33	Williams Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	03:33
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	03:33
Team Rebound	03:33
	03:33	Gibson Substitution replaced by Williams
	03:33	Hickson Substitution replaced by West
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)	03:33 [DEN 23-18]
	03:09	James Jump Shot: Missed Block: Anthony (1 BLK)
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	03:07
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	03:02
	02:59	West Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	02:46	West 3pt Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	02:45
Smith Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	02:35 [DEN 25-18]
Smith Foul : Personal (1 PF)	02:11
Team Timeout : Regular	02:11
Billups Substitution replaced by Lawson	02:11
	01:58	James Jump Bank Shot: Missed
	01:57	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	01:57	Varejao Tip Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	01:55
	01:46	Varejao Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Andersen Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	01:46 [DEN 26-18]
Andersen Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	01:46 [DEN 27-18]
	01:24	West Jump Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	01:24
Lawson Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:James (1 ST)	01:11
	01:05	James Driving Layup Shot: Missed
	01:05	Team Rebound
Martin Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	00:54.3
	00:54.3	James Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:54.3	Team Rebound
	00:54.3 [CLE 19-27]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)
Anthony Reverse Layup Shot: Missed	00:38.8
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	00:38.8
Martin Putback Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS)	00:38.8 [DEN 29-19]
	00:23.9 [CLE 21-29]	Varejao Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Williams (1 AST)
Martin Driving Slam Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Anthony (1 AST)	00:04.0 [DEN 31-21]
	00:00.0	James Running Jump Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 1st Quarter
Denver Nuggets (36-18)		Cleveland Cavaliers (43-12)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	11:35
Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	11:33
Andersen Putback Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)	11:33 [DEN 33-21]
	11:11	Varejao Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Martin (2 ST)
	11:06	Williams Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)	11:06 [DEN 34-21]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)	11:06 [DEN 35-21]
	10:55 [CLE 23-35]	O'Neal Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: West (1 AST)
	10:43	O'Neal Foul : Defense 3 Second (0 PF)
Anthony Free Throw Technical (9 PTS)	10:43 [DEN 36-23]
Smith Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS)	10:35 [DEN 38-23]
	10:20 [CLE 25-38]	O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Andersen Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	10:20
Martin Substitution replaced by Nene	10:20
	10:20	O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	10:18
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	10:00
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)	09:59
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	09:54
	09:52	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
Nene Foul : Personal (2 PF)	09:39
Team Timeout : Regular	09:39
Anthony Substitution replaced by Billups	09:39
Andersen Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	09:34
	09:34	O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	09:34	Team Rebound
	09:34	O'Neal Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
	09:34	Williams Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	09:33	Williams Tip Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	09:31
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	09:15
	09:14	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	09:06	Williams Jump Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	09:05
Smith Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	08:55
	08:52	West Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Billups Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	08:50
	08:50 [CLE 26-38]	West Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)
	08:50	West Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	08:49
Smith Driving Layup Shot: Missed Block: Varejao (1 BLK)	08:29
	08:26	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	08:15 [CLE 28-38]	O'Neal Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	07:51
	07:50	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	07:49	Williams Substitution replaced by Parker
	07:30 [CLE 31-38]	Williams 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Parker (2 AST)
Smith Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Billups (3 AST)	07:11 [DEN 40-31]
	06:58	West Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (1 BLK)
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	06:55
Smith Layup Shot: Missed	06:52
	06:50	Williams Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	06:34 [CLE 33-40]	West Floating Jump shot: Made (3 PTS)
Billups Layup Shot: Missed Block: O'Neal (1 BLK)	06:14
	06:12	Varejao Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
	06:02	West Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Andersen (1 ST)
	06:00	West Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Smith Substitution replaced by Afflalo	06:00
	06:00	Williams Substitution replaced by James
Nene Jump Shot: Missed	05:53
	05:52	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
Lawson Foul : Personal (1 PF)	05:40
	05:40	Timeout : Official
	05:40	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Hickson
	05:40 [CLE 34-40]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (6 PTS)
	05:40 [CLE 35-40]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (7 PTS)
Afflalo Jump Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Nene (2 AST)	05:18 [DEN 42-35]
	04:54	Hickson Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Lawson (1 ST)
Lawson Layup Shot: Missed	04:49
	04:47	Hickson Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
Lawson Substitution replaced by Anthony	04:40
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	04:40
	04:27	James Layup Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	04:25
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	04:05
	04:05	Team Rebound
	03:41	James Running Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	03:38
Martin Jump Hook Shot: Missed	03:24
	03:21	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	03:13 [CLE 38-42]	Parker 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: James (5 AST)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Made (9 PTS) Assist: Anthony (2 AST)	02:57 [DEN 45-38]
Afflalo Foul : Personal (1 PF)	02:49
	02:49	Team Timeout : Regular
	02:49	Varejao Substitution replaced by Gibson
	02:49	West Substitution replaced by O'Neal
	02:49 [CLE 39-45]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)
	02:49	James Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	02:48
	02:33	O'Neal Foul : Personal (1 PF)
	02:31	Parker Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Nene Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Billups (4 AST)	02:21 [DEN 47-39]
	02:09 [CLE 41-47]	Parker Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: James (6 AST)
Billups Driving Layup Shot: Made (9 PTS)	01:48 [DEN 49-41]
	01:33 [CLE 43-49]	O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: James (7 AST)
Nene Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	01:33
	01:33	Parker Substitution replaced by Williams
Nene Substitution replaced by Andersen	01:33
	01:33	O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:5)	01:32
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	01:13
	01:12	Team Rebound
	00:55.7	O'Neal Foul : Offensive (2 PF)
	00:55.7	O'Neal Turnover : Foul (1 TO)
	00:55.7	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Varejao
Afflalo Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Anthony (3 AST)	00:41.8 [DEN 51-43]
Martin Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	00:26.6
	00:26.6	Hickson Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:26.6	Team Rebound
	00:26.6 [CLE 44-51]	Hickson Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
	00:04.4	Williams Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Martin Substitution replaced by Graham	00:04.4
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	00:04.4
Team Rebound	00:04.4
Andersen Substitution replaced by Allen	00:04.4
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (10 PTS)	00:04.4 [DEN 52-44]
	00:04.4	Team Timeout : Short
	00:04.4	Hickson Substitution replaced by Williams
	00:04.4	Williams Substitution replaced by Parker
Graham Substitution replaced by Lawson	00:04.4
	00:00.0	Parker 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 2nd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (36-18)		Cleveland Cavaliers (43-12)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Martin Floating Jump shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Billups (5 AST)	11:45 [DEN 54-44]
	11:25 [CLE 46-54]	Hickson Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Gibson (1 AST)
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	11:12
	11:10	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	10:56	Hickson Jump Shot: Missed Block: Anthony (2 BLK)
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	10:54
Nene Driving Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Anthony (4 AST)	10:48 [DEN 56-46]
	10:23 [CLE 49-56]	Gibson 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Hickson (1 AST)
Billups Jump Shot: Missed Block: Gibson (1 BLK)	10:06
	10:04	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	09:55 [CLE 51-56]	James Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Nene Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Anthony (5 AST)	09:41 [DEN 58-51]
	09:25 [CLE 53-58]	O'Neal Jump Hook Shot: Made (12 PTS)
Anthony Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	09:07
	09:04	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
	08:55 [CLE 55-58]	O'Neal Jump Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: James (8 AST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS)	08:42 [DEN 60-55]
	08:25 [CLE 57-60]	Hickson Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: James (9 AST)
Martin Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	08:08
	08:06	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
Anthony Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	07:59
	07:59	Parker Free Throw 1 of 3 Missed
	07:59	Team Rebound
	07:59	Parker Free Throw 2 of 3 Missed
	07:59	Team Rebound
	07:59 [CLE 58-60]	Parker Free Throw 3 of 3 (11 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	07:42
	07:41	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
	07:22 [CLE 60-60]	James Jump Shot: Made (12 PTS) Assist: Hickson (2 AST)
	07:08	O'Neal Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)	07:08 [DEN 61-60]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)	07:08 [DEN 62-60]
	06:53 [CLE 62-62]	O'Neal Jump Hook Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: James (10 AST)
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	06:36
Afflalo Rebound (Off:2 Def:0)	06:35
	06:33	O'Neal Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
	06:33	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Varejao
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (15 PTS)	06:33 [DEN 63-62]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (16 PTS)	06:33 [DEN 64-62]
Billups Foul : Personal (2 PF)	06:28
Nene Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	06:17
	06:17 [CLE 63-64]	Hickson Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)
Nene Substitution replaced by Andersen	06:17
	06:17 [CLE 64-64]	Hickson Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed Block: James (3 BLK)	05:58
Afflalo Rebound (Off:3 Def:0)	05:58
Anthony Layup Shot: Made (18 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (1 AST)	05:57 [DEN 66-64]
	05:39	James 3pt Shot: Missed
	05:37	Varejao Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
	05:36 [CLE 66-66]	James Layup Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Varejao (1 AST)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	05:21
	05:20	Varejao Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)
	04:59 [CLE 68-66]	Gibson Jump Bank Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: James (11 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	04:54
Billups Jump Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)	04:43 [DEN 68-68]
	04:23 [CLE 70-68]	James Driving Layup Shot: Made (16 PTS)
Anthony Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:James (2 ST)	04:09
Anthony Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	04:03
	04:03	James Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	04:03	Team Rebound
	04:03 [CLE 71-68]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (17 PTS)
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Missed	03:43
	03:43	Team Rebound
	03:43	Parker Substitution replaced by West
	03:21	James Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:1 Def:6)	03:18
	03:09	West Foul : Personal (2 PF)
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	03:09
Anthony Layup Shot: Made (20 PTS) Assist: Andersen (1 AST)	02:58 [DEN 70-71]
	02:58	Hickson Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
	02:58	Team Timeout : Regular
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 1 (21 PTS)	02:58 [DEN 71-71]
	02:39	West Jump Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (2 BLK)
	02:34	Varejao Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	02:34 [CLE 73-71]	Varejao Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
Billups Layup Shot: Missed	02:14
	02:13	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)
	02:07	Andersen Violation:Kicked Ball
Billups Substitution replaced by Lawson	02:07
	02:07	Gibson Substitution replaced by Williams
	02:03 [CLE 75-71]	James Alley Oop Dunk Shot: Made (19 PTS) Assist: Varejao (2 AST)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	01:40
	01:39	Varejao Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)
	01:19	Varejao Foul : Offensive (2 PF)
	01:19	Varejao Turnover : Foul (2 TO)
Smith Reverse Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)	01:03 [DEN 73-75]
	00:45.9 [CLE 77-73]	Varejao Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: James (12 AST)
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed Block: Varejao (2 BLK)	00:27.9
	00:25.9	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:8)
	00:23.2 [CLE 79-73]	Hickson Alley Oop Dunk Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: James (13 AST)
Hickson Violation:Defensive Goaltending	00:01.6
Anthony Layup Shot: Made (23 PTS)	00:01.6 [DEN 75-79]
	00:00.0	Varejao 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 3rd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (36-18)		Cleveland Cavaliers (43-12)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:49 [CLE 82-75]	Williams 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: James (14 AST)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	11:31
Lawson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	11:30
	11:30	Varejao Foul : Personal (3 PF)
	11:20	Varejao Foul : Shooting (4 PF)
Andersen Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	11:20 [DEN 76-82]
Andersen Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	11:20
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)	11:17
Andersen Layup Shot: Missed Block: James (4 BLK)	11:06
	11:05	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:9)
	11:05	James Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (2 TO)
Martin Substitution replaced by Nene	11:05
Anthony 3pt Shot: Made (26 PTS) Assist: Smith (1 AST)	10:55 [DEN 79-82]
	10:40 [CLE 84-79]	James Driving Slam Dunk Shot: Made (21 PTS) Assist: Williams (2 AST)
Andersen Layup Shot: Missed Block: Varejao (3 BLK)	10:23
Andersen Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)	10:20
Andersen Dunk Shot: Made (7 PTS)	10:20 [DEN 81-84]
	10:06	Varejao Turnover : Lost Ball (3 TO) Steal:Lawson (2 ST)
Anthony Dunk Shot: Made (28 PTS) Assist: Lawson (1 AST)	10:01 [DEN 83-84]
	09:49	Team Timeout : Regular
	09:49	Hickson Substitution replaced by Williams
	09:40	Varejao Layup Shot: Missed Block: Andersen (3 BLK)
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)	09:38
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	09:27
	09:25	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:10)
	09:16 [CLE 87-83]	Williams 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: James (15 AST)
Lawson Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Smith (2 AST)	08:58 [DEN 85-87]
Lawson Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	08:42
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	08:42
Lawson Substitution replaced by Billups	08:42
	08:42 [CLE 88-85]	Williams Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)
	08:42 [CLE 89-85]	Williams Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)
Nene Jump Shot: Missed	08:26
	08:25	James Rebound (Off:0 Def:11)
	08:20 [CLE 91-85]	James Driving Layup Shot: Made (23 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (30 PTS)	08:04 [DEN 87-91]
	07:44 [CLE 93-87]	James Layup Shot: Made (25 PTS) Assist: Williams (3 AST)
Billups Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	07:44
	07:44 [CLE 94-87]	James Free Throw 1 of 1 (26 PTS)
	07:28	Varejao Foul : Shooting (5 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (31 PTS)	07:28 [DEN 88-94]
	07:28	Varejao Substitution replaced by O'Neal
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (32 PTS)	07:28 [DEN 89-94]
	07:06	Williams 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:7)	07:05
Smith Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (10 PTS)	06:48 [DEN 91-94]
	06:26	Williams 3pt Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	06:25
Smith Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:West (1 ST)	06:18
Martin Foul : Personal (3 PF)	06:18
	06:05	O'Neal Dunk Shot: Missed Block: Smith (1 BLK)
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:8)	06:00
Smith 3pt Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Nene (3 AST)	05:55 [DEN 94-94]
	05:53	Team Timeout : Short
	05:53	Timeout : Official
	05:53	Williams Substitution replaced by Parker
	05:34	James 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	05:34
	05:34	Parker Foul : Personal (3 PF)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	05:16
	05:13	West Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	04:55	O'Neal Hook Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	04:53
Billups Turnaround Jump Shot: Missed	04:40
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:8)	04:38
Billups Layup Shot: Missed	04:24
	04:22	Williams Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	04:18	Williams Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:9)	04:16
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	04:06
	04:05	O'Neal Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)
Martin Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	03:51
	03:51	Williams Substitution replaced by Gibson
	03:51	Parker Substitution replaced by Varejao
	03:51 [CLE 95-94]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (27 PTS)
	03:51 [CLE 96-94]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (28 PTS)
Nene Reverse Dunk Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Billups (6 AST)	03:34 [DEN 96-96]
	03:10	James Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:10)	03:08
Martin Dunk Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Billups (7 AST)	02:58 [DEN 98-96]
	02:39 [CLE 98-98]	James Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (30 PTS)
Anthony Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	02:39
Team Timeout : Regular	02:39
	02:39 [CLE 99-98]	James Free Throw 1 of 1 (31 PTS)
Billups Jump Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Nene (4 AST)	02:26 [DEN 100-99]
Billups Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	02:13
	02:13	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Hickson
	02:13	Gibson Free Throw 1 of 3 Missed
	02:13	Team Rebound
	02:13 [CLE 100-100]	Gibson Free Throw 2 of 3 (8 PTS)
	02:13	Gibson Free Throw 3 of 3 Missed
	02:08	Gibson Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	01:59 [CLE 102-100]	James Driving Layup Shot: Made (33 PTS)
Martin Jump Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Anthony (6 AST)	01:43 [DEN 102-102]
	01:24	James 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	01:24
	01:24	Hickson Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)	01:24 [DEN 103-102]
	01:24	Hickson Substitution replaced by O'Neal
	01:24	Varejao Substitution replaced by Parker
Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (15 PTS)	01:24 [DEN 104-102]
	01:14	James Layup Shot: Missed Block: Nene (1 BLK)
	01:12	James Rebound (Off:1 Def:11)
Martin Foul : Shooting (5 PF)	01:12
	01:12 [CLE 103-104]	James Free Throw 1 of 2 (34 PTS)
	01:12	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Varejao
	01:12	Parker Substitution replaced by Hickson
	01:12	James Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:11)	01:11
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (34 PTS)	00:57.5 [DEN 106-103]
	00:48.5 [CLE 106-106]	James 3pt Shot: Made (37 PTS)
Team Timeout : Short	00:48.5
Billups Turnover : Step Out of Bounds Turnover (1 TO)	00:36.5
	00:36.5	Hickson Substitution replaced by O'Neal
	00:36.5	Varejao Substitution replaced by Parker
	00:12.9	Parker 3pt Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	00:11.9
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	00:01.0
	00:00.4	James Rebound (Off:1 Def:12)
	00:00.0	James 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 4th Quarter
Denver Nuggets (36-18)		Cleveland Cavaliers (43-12)
Start of 1st OvertimeBack to Top
(05:00) Jump Ball O'Neal vs Nene
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (36 PTS)	04:43 [DEN 108-106]
	04:31	James Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Smith (1 ST)
	04:24	O'Neal Foul : Shooting (5 PF)
Smith Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	04:24
Team Rebound	04:24
Smith Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)	04:24 [DEN 109-106]
	04:07 [CLE 108-109]	O'Neal Layup Shot: Made (18 PTS)
Martin Jump Bank Shot: Missed	03:44
	03:42	Parker Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	03:20 [CLE 110-109]	James Jump Shot: Made (39 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (38 PTS) Assist: Billups (8 AST)	03:05 [DEN 111-110]
	02:42	O'Neal Jump Bank Shot: Missed
	02:40	Parker Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
Nene Foul : Shooting (5 PF)	02:24
	02:24	O'Neal Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	02:24	Team Rebound
	02:24	O'Neal Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
	02:23	Varejao Rebound (Off:4 Def:5)
	02:17	James 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:12)	02:16
Billups Jump Shot: Missed	01:59
Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:12)	01:58
Martin Putback Dunk Shot: Made (18 PTS)	01:58 [DEN 113-110]
Anthony Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	01:50
	01:50	James Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	01:50	Team Rebound
	01:50 [CLE 111-113]	James Free Throw 2 of 2 (40 PTS)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	01:35
Billups Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)	01:34
Billups 3pt Shot: Made (18 PTS) Assist: Anthony (7 AST)	01:18 [DEN 116-111]
	01:18	Team Timeout : Regular
Smith Foul : Personal (2 PF)	01:12
	01:12 [CLE 112-116]	Parker Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)
	01:12 [CLE 113-116]	Parker Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)
Martin Jump Hook Shot: Missed	00:58.9
	00:57.8	Gibson Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
	00:48.9	James 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:47.9	Gibson Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)
	00:36.9	James 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:4 Def:13)	00:35.9
Martin Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Varejao (1 ST)	00:32.9
	00:32.1	Team Timeout : Short
	00:32.1	O'Neal Substitution replaced by Williams
	00:23.1 [CLE 115-116]	James Running Jump Shot: Made (42 PTS)
Nene Foul : Shooting (6 PF)	00:23.1
Nene Substitution replaced by Afflalo	00:23.1
	00:23.1 [CLE 116-116]	James Free Throw 1 of 1 (43 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (40 PTS)	00:01.9 [DEN 118-116]
	00:01.9	Team Timeout : Short
	00:01.9	Williams Substitution replaced by Williams
	00:00.0	James 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:00.0	Team Rebound
End of 1st Overtime

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			TNT	National	8:00 pm ET
canada		--	TSN2	national	8:00 pm ET