Nuggets-Lakers Preview

By BRETT HUSTON
Posted Feb 27 2010 11:26PM

Sixteen wins in 21 games have made the Denver Nuggets perhaps the most logical choice to challenge the Los Angeles Lakers in the Western Conference playoffs.

So far this season, it's been Los Angeles that's been unable to keep pace with the Nuggets.

Denver has blown out the Lakers in both meetings, and can lock up the season series against the defending champions Sunday afternoon with a second victory this month at Staples Center.

Los Angeles (44-15) won three of four in the 2008-09 regular season against the Nuggets before dispatching them in six hard-fought games in the Western finals, but Denver (39-19) seems to have figured out Kobe Bryant and company this season.

Bryant was held scoreless after halftime and the Lakers totaled 23 second-half points in a 105-79 loss at the Pepsi Center on Nov. 13 without Pau Gasol, a defeat the reigning Finals MVP summed up succinctly.

"They beat the hell out of us," Bryant said.

Gasol was back Feb. 5 at Staples Center, and had 17 points and 17 rebounds as the Nuggets played the seventh of eight consecutive games without Carmelo Anthony. His absence made little difference - Chauncey Billups scored a career-high 39 points and J.R. Smith added 27 off the bench in a 126-113 win.

"We're 2-0 against them in the season but that's still the best team in the Western Conference, there's no question about that," said Billups. "They're the world champs but we feel that we can compete with them, we just really feel that way."

Bryant, who scored 33 points while playing on his sprained left ankle, was asked after Billups' big game if he believes Denver thinks it's the better team.

"I'm sure they do," Bryant said. "They played extremely well the first two games this season and they have every right to feel that way."

Billups has carried the offense during the Nuggets' current three-game winning streak, averaging 29.3 points on 63.4 percent shooting. Billups scored 37 on Thursday in a 127-112 victory at Golden State, then had 25 one night later - 10 in the fourth quarter - as Denver battled fatigue to knock off visiting Detroit 107-102.

"I was looking for some energy and a little zip," coach George Karl said. "But Chauncey really has a knack for finding a winning way in the fourth quarter and I thought we made some good stops down the stretch.''

Anthony has averaged just 16.0 points in his last six regular-season games versus Los Angeles, but Smith has compensated by averaging 21.2 points in the series' past five contests.

They may both need to pick up the slack defensively Sunday if Kenyon Martin can't go. Martin missed the win over Detroit with a left knee contusion - the same knee that caused him to miss two games prior to the All-Star break - and is questionable.

Denver has been outrebounded in five of the six games Martin has missed, a troubling sign with Gasol, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom to account for underneath. The Nuggets are 2-4 without Martin.

Gasol and Bynum each had double-doubles in the Lakers' latest game, combining for 43 points and 24 boards in a 99-90 victory over Philadelphia on Friday.

Bryant had 19 points and eight assists in his third game back after taking five games to rest his ankle, but the Lakers were immediately looking ahead to Sunday's showdown.

"That's a game we have to win," Bynum said, "because, obviously, they're trying to show dominance over us."

The teams meet for a final time April 8 in Denver.

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

Lakers make statement in win against Nuggets

By Bryan Chu, for NBA.com
Posted Sunday February 28, 2010 8:23PM

LOS ANGELES (NBA.com exclusive) -- As the final buzzer sounded, Kobe Bryant pointed his bandaged right index finger in the air following the Lakers 95-89 victory against the Nuggets.

He walked to center court and embraced Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith.

It was that gesture that showed a sense of mutual respect for the two top teams in the Western Conference seemingly destined to meet again in the playoffs.

Even with their troubles against Denver this season, Bryant saw this Sunday's win at Staples Center as just that -- a win.

"I don't believe in statement games," Bryant said. "This (win) has nothing to do with the playoffs."

That's the bigger picture in Bryant's mind.

To his teammates, however, this victory was significant for the Lakers (45-15), who now trail the season series 1-3 with the final contest on April 8 at Denver.

"We haven't beaten any good teams this year," said Ron Artest, who had 17 points and tied a season high with six steals. "I think this was a big win."

Added Lamar Odom, who scored nine of his team-high 20 points in the final period to go along with 12 rebounds: "We answered the call. It was a big game."

For most of the game, the Nuggets (39-20) were the aggressor, leading by as many as 13 points.

But, the Lakers made their move at the start of the fourth quarter.

Los Angeles outscored Denver 15-4 thanks to stellar defense led by Artest and the play of Odom, who sparked the team's surge to an 82-74 lead with 7:57 left. Denver, however, answered with an 11-2 run to take an 85-84 lead with 5:08 to go. But, key baskets late by Bryant and Pau Gasol gave the Lakers the lead, 93-89, with 2:26 left.

The Nuggets struggled from that point on.

Carmelo Anthony, who had a game-high 21 points, picked up his sixth foul at the 2:13 mark and Denver wound up missing its final six shots to go along with five turnovers in the fourth period.

"I think they were much more aggressive in the second half than the first half," Anthony said.

Added Arron Afflalo, who had 16 points: "We're disappointed. We wanted this, no doubt."

In their Feb. 5 victory, Denver shot a blistering 57.1 percent from the field. On Sunday, they converted a season-low 35.9 percent. Despite cold-shooting and turning the ball over 20 times, the Nuggets did have a chance down the stretch.

"I'm pretty happy with playing as poorly as we played and still having a chance to win the game," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "Second half, they picked up the pressure on us and started a wrestling match with the ball."

An underlying difference in this game was the play of Bryant and Anthony. Bryant struggled to get 14 points on 3-for-17 shooting. But his work in the low block and playing the role of facilitator were key as he finished with a season-high 12 assists.

"He made everybody better today," Artest said.

On the other end, Anthony tried to win the game by himself. He finished 7-for-19 and recorded eight turnovers, a season high, to go along with one assist.

"When we find the open man and move the ball and have a high assist night," Karl said. "that's the key to us winning games."

Artest had a lot to do with Anthony's struggles.

"He did a great job tonight. He earned his money tonight," Bryant said. "That's what he's here for -- to defend and make life uncomfortable. He did a fantastic job."

"I think I'm in a little rhythm, defensively," said Artest, who cited his recent weight drop from 268 pounds to 255 helping his play.

It was nightmarish first half for the Lakers.

They trailed 52-43 at halftime and had it not been for little-used center Josh Powell -- yes, Powell, who led the Lakers with six points in the second period -- and seven missed free throws by Denver it could have been worse.

The Lakers recorded 13 of their 18 turnovers in the first half, one more than all of last game against Denver.

But in the second half, the Lakers' urgency changed, something Gasol, who finished with 15 points and a game-high 14 rebounds, feels needs to happen for the rest of season.

"We need to really be the aggressor," said Gasol, whose team is now 6-8 against the likes of Cleveland, Orlando, Boston, Denver, Dallas and Utah.

"We need to start challenging teams and posing our will in games because we can."

• Nuggets: Balkman
• Lakers: Vujacic

• Nuggets: --
• Lakers: Bryant

• Lead Changes: 10
• Times Tied: 6

• Arena: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA
• Officials: #41 Ken Mauer, #33 Sean Corbin, #61 Courtney Kirkland
• Attendance: 18997
• Duration: 2:31

Denver Nuggets (39-20)		Los Angeles Lakers (45-15)
Start of 1st Quarter
(12:00) Jump Ball Bynum vs Nene (Fisher gains possession)
	11:48 [LAL 2-0]	Gasol Driving Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Artest (1 AST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS)	11:28 [DEN 2-2]
	11:11	Gasol Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:09
	11:04	Fisher Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	11:04
Team Rebound	11:04
Billups Free Throw 2 of 2 (1 PTS)	11:04 [DEN 3-2]
	10:52	Fisher Jump Shot: Missed
	10:51	Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
	10:44 [LAL 4-3]	Gasol Jump Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Bryant (1 AST)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	10:22
	10:21	Bynum Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	10:12	Bryant Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Anthony (1 ST)
	10:07	Fisher Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Afflalo Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	10:07 [DEN 4-4]
	10:07	Fisher Substitution replaced by Brown
Afflalo Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	10:07 [DEN 5-4]
	09:53	Bynum Dunk Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	09:50
Billups Jump Shot: Missed Block: Bynum (1 BLK)	09:38
Team Rebound	09:37
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	09:31
	09:30	Gasol Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)
Afflalo Foul : Personal (1 PF)	09:22
	09:12 [LAL 6-5]	Brown Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Bryant (2 AST)
Billups 3pt Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Martin (1 AST)	08:51 [DEN 8-6]
	08:38	Brown Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Nene (1 ST)
Nene Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	08:35 [DEN 10-6]
	08:17	Artest Jump Shot: Missed
	08:16	Gasol Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)
	08:12	Gasol Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Nene (2 ST)
	08:07	Bryant Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	08:07 [DEN 11-6]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	08:07
	08:05	Gasol Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
Martin Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	07:49
	07:49	Gasol Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	07:49	Team Rebound
	07:49 [LAL 7-11]	Gasol Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)
Nene Slam Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Martin (2 AST)	07:34 [DEN 13-7]
	07:15	Artest 3pt Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	07:14
Martin Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Brown (1 ST)	07:12
	07:06 [LAL 10-13]	Artest 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Brown (1 AST)
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Nene (1 AST)	06:45 [DEN 16-10]
	06:33	Gasol Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Billups (1 ST)
	06:21	Artest Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (4 PTS)	06:21 [DEN 17-10]
	06:21	Team Timeout : Regular
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (5 PTS)	06:21 [DEN 18-10]
	06:09	Brown Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
Martin Jump Hook Shot: Missed	05:58
	05:56	Bynum Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	05:37 [LAL 12-18]	Bryant Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
	05:24	Bynum Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Nene Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	05:24
Team Rebound	05:24
	05:24	Bynum Substitution replaced by Odom
Nene Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	05:24
	05:23	Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	05:11	Odom 3pt Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	05:10
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	05:03
	05:02	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	04:54	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	04:52
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	04:42
Nene Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)	04:41
Afflalo Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Artest (1 ST)	04:32
	04:27	Brown Layup Shot: Missed
	04:27	Team Rebound
	04:19	Artest 3pt Shot: Missed
Anthony Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	04:18
	04:13	Gasol Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Nene Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)	04:13 [DEN 19-12]
Nene Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)	04:13 [DEN 20-12]
	03:56	Gasol Jump Shot: Missed
Afflalo Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	03:55
Gasol Violation:Kicked Ball	03:46
Nene Substitution replaced by Andersen	03:46
Martin Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Artest (2 ST)	03:40
	03:36 [LAL 14-20]	Artest Driving Dunk Shot: Made (5 PTS)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	03:16
	03:15	Gasol Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
Martin Foul : Loose Ball (2 PF)	03:15
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	03:15
Martin Substitution replaced by Graham	03:15
	03:00 [LAL 17-20]	Artest 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Odom (1 AST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (7 PTS)	02:42 [DEN 22-17]
	02:18	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
	02:15	Gasol Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)
	02:15 [LAL 19-22]	Gasol Tip Shot: Made (7 PTS)
Smith 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Billups (1 AST)	01:57 [DEN 25-19]
	01:38 [LAL 21-25]	Odom Hook Shot: Made (2 PTS)
Graham Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed	01:21
	01:20	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	01:14	Odom Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Smith (1 ST)
	01:13	Bryant Technical
Team Timeout : Regular	01:13
Billups Free Throw Technical (5 PTS)	01:13 [DEN 26-21]
Billups 3pt Shot: Made (8 PTS)	01:01 [DEN 29-21]
	00:45.8	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Graham Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:43.9
Anthony Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Odom (1 ST)	00:35.9
	00:29.9	Artest Reverse Layup Shot: Missed
Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	00:28.7
Anthony 3pt Shot: Missed	00:21.9
	00:19.9	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	00:15.9	Odom Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Graham (1 ST)
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	00:02.6
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 1st Quarter
Denver Nuggets (39-20)		Los Angeles Lakers (45-15)
Start of 2nd QuarterBack to Top
Anthony Turnover : Lost Ball (2 TO) Steal:Odom (2 ST)	11:42
	11:33	Brown Jump Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	11:32
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	11:16
Anthony Rebound (Off:1 Def:1)	11:15
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	11:09
	11:08	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	11:02	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
	11:01	Brown Rebound (Off:1 Def:0)
Andersen Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	10:58
	10:58 [LAL 22-29]	Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)
	10:58 [LAL 23-29]	Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)
Lawson 3pt Shot: Missed	10:38
	10:37	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	10:34	Bryant Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO)
Graham Substitution replaced by Nene	10:34
Anthony Turnaround Fade Away shot: Made (9 PTS)	10:21 [DEN 31-23]
	10:08	Bynum Jump Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	10:07
Anthony Driving Layup Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Smith (1 AST)	09:56 [DEN 33-23]
	09:35	Odom Turnover : 3 Second Violation (3 TO)
Team Timeout : Regular	09:35
Anthony Substitution replaced by Afflalo	09:35
	09:35	Bryant Substitution replaced by Fisher
Nene Jump Shot: Missed	09:20
	09:19	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
	09:02	Bynum Layup Shot: Missed
	09:01	Bynum Rebound (Off:1 Def:2)
	08:59 [LAL 25-33]	Bynum Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)
	08:49	Farmar Foul : Shooting (1 PF)
Lawson Free Throw 1 of 2 (1 PTS)	08:49 [DEN 34-25]
Lawson Free Throw 2 of 2 (2 PTS)	08:49 [DEN 35-25]
	08:32	Odom 3pt Shot: Missed
Smith Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	08:30
Afflalo Layup Shot: Missed	08:24
	08:23	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	08:18 [LAL 27-35]	Brown Slam Dunk Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Farmar (1 AST)
	08:07	Bynum Foul : Defense 3 Second (1 PF)
Afflalo Free Throw Technical (6 PTS)	08:07 [DEN 36-27]
Lawson Jump Shot: Missed	07:59
Nene Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)	07:58
	07:53	Bynum Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Lawson Free Throw 1 of 2 (3 PTS)	07:53 [DEN 37-27]
Lawson Free Throw 2 of 2 (4 PTS)	07:53 [DEN 38-27]
	07:43	Odom Jump Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	07:42
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	07:30
	07:29	Farmar Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	07:18	Brown Fade Away Jumper Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	07:17
Lawson Floating Jump shot: Made (6 PTS)	07:10 [DEN 40-27]
	06:52 [LAL 30-40]	Farmar 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS) Assist: Brown (2 AST)
Nene Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Odom (3 ST)	06:39
	06:36	Bynum Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Smith (2 ST)
	06:35	Odom Foul : Loose Ball (1 PF)
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	06:35
Afflalo Fade Away Jumper Shot: Made (8 PTS)	06:17 [DEN 42-30]
	06:02 [LAL 32-42]	Odom Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS)
	05:53	Brown Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Timeout : Official	05:53
Lawson Substitution replaced by Billups	05:53
	05:53	Brown Substitution replaced by Bryant
	05:53	Odom Substitution replaced by Gasol
	05:53	Farmar Substitution replaced by Artest
Martin Layup Shot: Missed	05:44
	05:42	Gasol Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)
	05:35	Gasol Turnover : Lost Ball (3 TO) Steal:Smith (3 ST)
Smith Driving Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Afflalo (1 AST)	05:31 [DEN 44-32]
Afflalo Foul : Personal (2 PF)	05:08
Afflalo Foul : Personal (3 PF)	05:03
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Anthony	05:03
	04:52 [LAL 35-44]	Artest 3pt Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Bryant (3 AST)
Nene Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS) Assist: Billups (2 AST)	04:39 [DEN 46-35]
	04:39	Bynum Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
	04:39	Bynum Substitution replaced by Powell
Nene Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed	04:39
	04:37	Gasol Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)
	04:26	Artest Layup Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	04:25
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	04:07
Team Rebound	04:05
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	04:01
Smith Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	04:00
	03:54	Gasol Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Martin Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed	03:54
Team Rebound	03:54
Martin Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed	03:54
	03:53	Team Rebound
	03:28 [LAL 37-46]	Powell Jump Shot: Made (2 PTS) Assist: Artest (2 AST)
Nene Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Martin (3 AST)	03:15 [DEN 48-37]
	03:15	Gasol Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
	03:15	Gasol Substitution replaced by Mbenga
Anthony Turnover : Lane Violation (3 TO)	03:15
	03:01 [LAL 39-48]	Powell Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Bryant (4 AST)
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed	02:35
	02:34	Mbenga Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	02:11	Team Turnover : Shot Clock Turnover
	02:11	Team Timeout : Regular
	01:58	Mbenga Foul : Personal (1 PF)
Nene Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)	01:58 [DEN 49-39]
	01:58	Mbenga Substitution replaced by Odom
Nene Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)	01:58 [DEN 50-39]
Anthony Foul : Personal (1 PF)	01:47
	01:34 [LAL 41-50]	Odom Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Powell (1 AST)
Anthony Layup Shot: Missed	01:09
Team Rebound	01:08
Martin Alley Oop Layup shot: Missed	01:07
	01:04	Powell Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	00:58.9	Bryant Turnover : Lost Ball (3 TO) Steal:Smith (4 ST)
Smith Slam Dunk Shot: Made (7 PTS) Assist: Anthony (1 AST)	00:54.9 [DEN 52-41]
	00:37.2 [LAL 43-52]	Powell Slam Dunk Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Artest (3 AST)
Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (1 TO) Steal:Artest (3 ST)	00:26.9
	00:07.2	Bryant Turnover : Bad Pass (4 TO)
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	00:02.7
Team Rebound	00:00.0
End of 2nd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (39-20)		Los Angeles Lakers (45-15)
Start of 3rd QuarterBack to Top
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	11:41
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)	11:40
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	11:33
	11:31	Gasol Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)
	11:21	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	11:19
Billups Jump Shot: Missed	11:11
	11:09	Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	10:57 [LAL 45-52]	Bynum Driving Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Bryant (5 AST)
Martin Finger Roll Layup Shot: Missed	10:38
	10:37	Bryant Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)
	10:20	Bynum Layup Shot: Missed
	10:18	Bynum Rebound (Off:2 Def:2)
	10:18 [LAL 47-52]	Bynum Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Afflalo Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Artest (4 ST)	09:54
	09:50 [LAL 49-52]	Artest Layup Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Bryant (6 AST)
Team Timeout : Regular	09:50
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	09:32
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:3)	09:31
Jump Ball Artest vs Anthony	09:21
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	09:13
	09:11	Bynum Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)
Martin Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	08:56
	08:56 [LAL 50-52]	Gasol Free Throw 1 of 2 (8 PTS)
	08:56	Gasol Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)	08:55
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	08:40
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)	08:37
Martin Tip Shot: Made (2 PTS)	08:37 [DEN 54-50]
	08:19	Bynum Turnover : 3 Second Violation (2 TO)
Martin Jump Shot: Missed	08:04
	08:03	Fisher Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)
	07:56 [LAL 53-54]	Fisher 3pt Shot: Made (3 PTS)
	07:32	Artest Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (12 PTS)	07:32 [DEN 55-53]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (13 PTS)	07:32 [DEN 56-53]
	07:20	Gasol Turnaround Hook Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:4)	07:18
Anthony Jump Shot: Missed	07:01
Anthony Rebound (Off:2 Def:1)	06:59
Anthony Tip Shot: Missed	06:59
Anthony Rebound (Off:3 Def:1)	06:55
Anthony Tip Shot: Made (15 PTS)	06:55 [DEN 58-53]
Anthony Foul : Personal (2 PF)	06:49
	06:42	Artest Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:5)	06:41
	06:22	Bynum Foul : Defense 3 Second (3 PF)
Billups Free Throw Technical (9 PTS)	06:22 [DEN 59-53]
Billups Jump Shot: Missed Block: Bynum (2 BLK)	06:14
	06:13	Bynum Rebound (Off:2 Def:4)
	06:05	Bryant Turnover : Lost Ball (5 TO) Steal:Nene (3 ST)
Afflalo Driving Dunk Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Nene (2 AST)	06:01 [DEN 61-53]
	05:32	Fisher Layup Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:5)	05:31
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Made (13 PTS) Assist: Billups (3 AST)	05:23 [DEN 64-53]
	05:22	Team Timeout : Regular
	05:22	Bynum Substitution replaced by Odom
	05:11 [LAL 56-64]	Fisher 3pt Shot: Made (6 PTS)
Anthony Turnover : Lost Ball (4 TO) Steal:Artest (5 ST)	04:51
	04:36	Artest 3pt Shot: Missed
Team Rebound	04:35
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed Block: Bryant (1 BLK)	04:19
	04:17	Artest Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)
Nene Foul : Shooting (1 PF)	04:08
Nene Substitution replaced by Andersen	04:08
	04:08 [LAL 57-64]	Odom Free Throw 1 of 2 (7 PTS)
	04:08 [LAL 58-64]	Odom Free Throw 2 of 2 (8 PTS)
Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Fisher (1 ST)	03:56
	03:51	Gasol Layup Shot: Missed
	03:49	Bryant Rebound (Off:1 Def:4)
	03:47	Bryant Layup Shot: Missed Block: Afflalo (1 BLK)
	03:45	Team Rebound
	03:40	Bryant Layup Shot: Missed
	03:38	Gasol Rebound (Off:4 Def:6)
	03:37	Odom Turnover : Traveling (4 TO)
Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (3 TO) Steal:Bryant (1 ST)	03:27
	03:20	Bryant 3pt Shot: Missed
	03:18	Artest Rebound (Off:1 Def:3)
Afflalo Foul : Shooting (4 PF)	03:05
Afflalo Substitution replaced by Smith	03:05
	03:05 [LAL 59-64]	Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (5 PTS)
	03:05 [LAL 60-64]	Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 (6 PTS)
Anthony Jump Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Billups (4 AST)	02:43 [DEN 66-60]
	02:20 [LAL 62-66]	Odom Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS) Assist: Bryant (7 AST)
Billups Turnover : Lost Ball (4 TO) Steal:Fisher (2 ST)	02:10
	02:06 [LAL 64-66]	Fisher Driving Layup Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Martin Layup Shot: Made (4 PTS) Assist: Andersen (1 AST)	01:49 [DEN 68-64]
Smith Foul : Personal (1 PF)	01:24
	01:24 [LAL 65-68]	Artest Free Throw 1 of 2 (14 PTS)
	01:24	Artest Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)	01:23
Martin Driving Finger Roll Layup Shot: Made (6 PTS) Assist: Smith (2 AST)	01:00 [DEN 70-65]
Andersen Foul : Personal (2 PF)	00:50.8
Billups Substitution replaced by Carter	00:50.8
	00:50.8	Gasol Free Throw 1 of 2 Missed
	00:50.8	Team Rebound
	00:50.8	Fisher Substitution replaced by Farmar
	00:50.8 [LAL 66-70]	Gasol Free Throw 2 of 2 (9 PTS)
Anthony Turnover : Lost Ball (5 TO) Steal:Artest (6 ST)	00:37.9
Anthony Foul : Shooting (3 PF)	00:17.2
	00:17.2 [LAL 67-70]	Odom Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)
	00:17.2	Gasol Substitution replaced by Powell
	00:17.2	Odom Free Throw 2 of 2 Missed
Team Rebound	00:16.8
Anthony Turnover : Lost Ball (6 TO) Steal:Odom (4 ST)	00:00.9
End of 3rd Quarter
Denver Nuggets (39-20)		Los Angeles Lakers (45-15)
Start of 4th QuarterBack to Top
	11:48 [LAL 70-70]	Odom 3pt Shot: Made (14 PTS) Assist: Artest (4 AST)
Anthony Running Jump Shot: Made (19 PTS)	11:27 [DEN 72-70]
	11:07 [LAL 72-72]	Gasol Slam Dunk Shot: Made (11 PTS) Assist: Bryant (8 AST)
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	10:44
	10:42	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)
	10:26	Bryant Layup Shot: Missed
Carter Rebound (Off:0 Def:1)	10:24
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	10:19
	10:18	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:6)
	10:06 [LAL 74-72]	Odom Fade Away Bank shot: Made (16 PTS)
Smith Jump Shot: Missed	09:48
	09:46	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:7)
	09:33 [LAL 76-72]	Gasol Turnaround Hook Shot: Made (13 PTS)
Team Timeout : Regular	09:32
Martin Substitution replaced by Nene	09:32
Carter Driving Layup Shot: Made (2 PTS)	09:20 [DEN 74-76]
	09:01 [LAL 78-74]	Odom Floating Jump shot: Made (18 PTS) Assist: Gasol (1 AST)
Smith Layup Shot: Missed Block: Bryant (2 BLK)	08:34
Team Rebound	08:34
Anthony Substitution replaced by Afflalo	08:34
	08:34	Artest Substitution replaced by Brown
Nene 3pt Shot: Missed	08:31
	08:30	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:8)
	08:14 [LAL 80-74]	Bryant Turnaround Jump Shot: Made (8 PTS)
Carter Layup Shot: Missed Block: Odom (1 BLK)	08:02
	08:00	Gasol Rebound (Off:4 Def:7)
	07:57 [LAL 82-74]	Farmar Driving Layup Shot: Made (5 PTS) Assist: Bryant (9 AST)
Afflalo Foul : Shooting (5 PF)	07:57
Smith Substitution replaced by Billups	07:57
	07:57	Farmar Free Throw 1 of 1 Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	07:55
Afflalo Jump Shot: Missed	07:44
	07:43	Odom Rebound (Off:0 Def:9)
	07:34	Gasol Layup Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	07:33
Nene Turnover : Bad Pass (2 TO) Steal:Bryant (2 ST)	07:18
	07:11	Team Timeout : Regular
	07:11	Bryant Substitution replaced by Artest
	07:05	Artest Turnover : Lost Ball (1 TO) Steal:Andersen (1 ST)
Billups Jump Shot: Missed	06:56
	06:55	Farmar Rebound (Off:0 Def:2)
	06:34	Gasol Jump Shot: Missed
Nene Rebound (Off:3 Def:7)	06:33
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Made (16 PTS) Assist: Carter (1 AST)	06:17 [DEN 77-82]
	05:57	Odom 3pt Shot: Missed
Andersen Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	05:56
	05:51	Odom Foul : Shooting (2 PF)
Carter Substitution replaced by Anthony	05:51
Andersen Substitution replaced by Martin	05:51
	05:51	Brown Substitution replaced by Bryant
Nene Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)	05:51 [DEN 78-82]
	05:51	Farmar Substitution replaced by Fisher
Nene Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)	05:51 [DEN 79-82]
	05:37	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
	05:36	Odom Rebound (Off:1 Def:9)
	05:35	Odom Layup Shot: Missed
Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:3)	05:34
	05:30	Fisher Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Billups Free Throw 1 of 3 (10 PTS)	05:30 [DEN 80-82]
Billups Free Throw 2 of 3 (11 PTS)	05:30 [DEN 81-82]
Billups Free Throw 3 of 3 (12 PTS)	05:30 [DEN 82-82]
	05:20 [LAL 84-82]	Bryant Layup Shot: Made (10 PTS)
Billups 3pt Shot: Made (15 PTS)	05:06 [DEN 85-84]
	04:49	Gasol Layup Shot: Missed
	04:48	Gasol Rebound (Off:5 Def:7)
	04:47	Gasol Layup Shot: Missed Block: Martin (1 BLK)
Anthony Rebound (Off:3 Def:2)	04:45
Anthony Foul : Offensive (4 PF)	04:41
Anthony Turnover : Foul (7 TO)	04:41
	04:41	Gasol Substitution replaced by Bynum
	04:25 [LAL 86-85]	Odom Turnaround Hook Shot: Made (20 PTS) Assist: Bryant (10 AST)
Billups Step Back Jump shot: Made (17 PTS)	04:10 [DEN 87-86]
	03:53 [LAL 89-87]	Artest 3pt Shot: Made (17 PTS) Assist: Bryant (11 AST)
	03:45	Fisher Foul : Personal (4 PF)
	03:38	Artest Foul : Shooting (3 PF)
Anthony Free Throw 1 of 2 (20 PTS)	03:38 [DEN 88-89]
Anthony Free Throw 2 of 2 (21 PTS)	03:38 [DEN 89-89]
	03:25	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Martin Rebound (Off:2 Def:6)	03:24
Billups Turnover : Bad Pass (5 TO) Steal:Bryant (3 ST)	03:06
Anthony Foul : Shooting (5 PF)	03:03
	03:03 [LAL 90-89]	Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (11 PTS)
	03:03	Bynum Substitution replaced by Gasol
	03:03 [LAL 91-89]	Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 (12 PTS)
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	02:50
	02:49	Gasol Rebound (Off:5 Def:8)
	02:26 [LAL 93-89]	Gasol Driving Layup Shot: Made (15 PTS) Assist: Bryant (12 AST)
Anthony Foul : Offensive (6 PF)	02:13
Anthony Turnover : Foul (8 TO)	02:13
	02:13	Timeout : Official
Anthony Substitution replaced by Smith	02:13
	01:56	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:4)	01:54
Billups 3pt Shot: Missed	01:49
Nene Rebound (Off:4 Def:7)	01:48
Afflalo Jump Shot: Missed Block: Gasol (1 BLK)	01:35
Smith Rebound (Off:2 Def:3)	01:33
Afflalo 3pt Shot: Missed	01:27
Martin Rebound (Off:3 Def:6)	01:25
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	01:18
	01:17	Odom Rebound (Off:1 Def:10)
	00:52.9	Bryant Jump Shot: Missed
Billups Rebound (Off:0 Def:5)	00:51.9
Martin Turnover : Out of Bounds Lost Ball Turnover (3 TO)	00:46.3
	00:23.9	Bryant 3pt Shot: Missed
	00:22.9	Gasol Rebound (Off:6 Def:8)
Martin Foul : Personal (4 PF)	00:15.5
Smith Foul : Shooting (2 PF)	00:12.7
	00:12.7 [LAL 94-89]	Bryant Free Throw 1 of 2 (13 PTS)
	00:12.7 [LAL 95-89]	Bryant Free Throw 2 of 2 (14 PTS)
Team Timeout : Short	00:12.7
Smith 3pt Shot: Missed	00:07.8
	00:06.4	Odom Rebound (Off:1 Def:11)
End of 4th Quarter

broadcast information
country		channel			time
usa			ABC	National	3:30 pm ET