Photo by Noah Graham:NBAE via Getty Images
Nuggets 126, Lakers 113: The Nuggets were without Carmelo Anthony in Los Angeles facing a Laker team that was determined to make up for the trouncing Denver gave them early in the season. Kobe Bryant in his Zoom Kobe V: Bruce Lees came out the gate on fire racking up 20 points with 9 minutes to go in the second quarter. Lakers led at the half 64-59. Little did the Lakers know but Chauncey Billups was about to GO OFF!! Billups scored 21 points in the third quarter alone, the most against the Lakers in one period since Wilt Chamberlain of the Philadelphia 76ers had 23 in a game in February 1966. Chauncey hit three consecutive 3s to give Denver an 84-83 lead, its first since late in the second quarter. He hit his ninth 3 about 35 seconds later finishing with a career high 39 points and 8 assists. Denver shot 15-22 from deep, and not even the mighty Lakers can beat that.
The Nuggets improved to 2-0 against the Lakers this season, winning by a combined margin of 39 points. In the first matchup Billups had only 6 points on 1-8 shooting. This was the first regular season win in Los Angeles for the Nuggets since April 3, 2007. “We are 2-0 this season, and the Lakers are still best team in Western Conference, World Champs, feel like we can compete with them” Billups said.
Photo by Noah Graham:NBAE via Getty Images
The Nuggets bench outscored the Lakers bench 47-37, highlighted by 27 from J.R. Smith. “Huge, to win on their court…we got unbelievable hot, domino effect” Smith said via twitter.
The Lakers are the best team in basketball, but nagging injuries to Kobe Bryant could be something that could lead to trouble down the road. The importance of home-court advantage may come at the risk of a hobbled Bryant who has a pain threshold unlike any mortal, but isn’t as young as he used to be. Carmelo Anthony for example has sat out the last 7 games with an ankle injury similar to Bryants watching his team go 5-2 without him.
Oh, and Ron almost forgot where he was when Joey Graham fouled him hard under the basket.
