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Nuggets beat Lakers 106-103 in Game 2

By BETH HARRIS, AP Sports Writer May 22, 2:04 am EDT

Preview | Box Score | Recap | Series Breakdown
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LOS ANGELES (AP)—Similar game, different ending for the Los Angeles Lakers.

Their 24-year playoff dominance of the Denver Nuggets dissipated over the final 29 seconds of the fourth quarter in the second down-to-the-wire game in the Western Conference finals.

That’s when Kenyon Martin(notes) hit a layup in traffic and Chauncey Billups(notes) made 3 of 4 free throws to give Denver a 106-103 victory in Game 2 on Thursday night to even the series.

“It’s going to be a long series,” Nuggets coach George Karl said.

It was Denver’s first playoff win against Los Angeles since 1985, a span of 11 games, the second-longest postseason winning streak against one team in NBA history.

“There was just a demand that we had to win this game,” Karl said. “There was an inner spirit. We’re a much more smart, mentally tough team than you look at last year and what we are now. It’s a great win.”

Carmelo Anthony(notes) scored 34 points, Billups had 27 points and Linas Kleiza(notes) added 16 for the Nuggets. Nene finished with six points, nine rebounds and six assists.

“To get one on the road is always tough. We came in and got it,” Anthony said. “We’re mentally tough and we showed that in this game coming off the loss that we gave away in Game 1.”

Anthony twisted his ankle in the game, but he said he would be fine for Game 3 Saturday in Denver.

Kobe Bryant(notes) had 32 points, including making all 10 of his free throws, Trevor Ariza(notes) scored a career playoff-high 20 points and Pau Gasol(notes) had 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers, who dropped to 7-2 at Staples Center this postseason.

“They have home court advantage now. Now it’s time to go to Denver, see if we can do the same,” Bryant said. “We’re not the best road team in the NBA for no reason.”

The Nuggets recovered from poor free throw shooting in a two-point loss in Game 1 to make 17 consecutive foul shots until Billups missed one with 4 seconds remaining. He made the second for the three-point lead.

“I want to kill Chauncey for missing that free throw,” Karl said.

Derek Fisher(notes) launched a 3-pointer from the right corner that Nene got a piece of as time expired.

“Nene had a great contest,” Billups said. “I don’t think Fisher got a good chance to get a good look on the shot. Nonetheless, I was down there trying to rebound and trying to get my hands on the ball again, try to get back on that free throw line.”

Fisher thought he did get a good look.

“I figured they were going to try to foul to prevent us from shooting a 3,” he said. “I got rid of it a little quicker than I probably had to. Definitely don’t want to put yourself in a position where you need that kind of shot to try and tie the game.”

Tied at 101, Martin made the layup off Nene’s assist that gave the Nuggets the lead for good.

Bryant dribbled upcourt and got into traffic, with Nene tipping the ball away to earn a jump ball with 18 seconds left. Gasol controlled the tip to Ariza, but the ball squirted away and Fisher fouled Billups. He made both for a 105-101 lead.

“Looked to me like Anthony pushed on Trevor and Trevor tried to get rid of the ball, and no foul was called and they recovered the basketball,” Lakers coach Phil Jackson said.

Martin then fouled Gasol, who made both before Billups got fouled.

The Lakers were shaky on free throws in the fourth, making 9 of 14, while Denver didn’t blink at the line. The Nuggets were 29 of 37, with Billups hitting 13 of 16 and Anthony 10 of 14.

Kleiza’s 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter gave the Nuggets an 85-82 lead, their first since the game’s opening minutes. Billups followed with two free throws and Anthony hit two straight baskets to extend Denver’s lead to 91-84.

Bryant missed a jumper, but he came up big on the Lakers’ next possession, hitting a 3-pointer with Anthony’s hand in his face. Shannon Brown(notes) tossed in a 3 and Lamar Odom(notes) made two free throws as part of an 11-2 run that put the Lakers back in front 95-93.

Denver regained the lead before Bryant’s 3-pointer, again with Anthony guarding closely, tied the game at 99 with 1:59 remaining. Billups made two free throws before Bryant’s jumper tied it at 101.

The Lakers led by 14 early in the second quarter. Anthony began a run of 14 consecutive points for the Nuggets to get them to 51-40. They outscored the Lakers 14-2 to get within 55-54 at halftime.

Notes

Anthony became the first Denver player to score at least 30 points in five consecutive playoff games since 1976. He had 39 in Game 1. … Faces in the crowd included Tom Cruise and his “Top Gun” co-star Val Kilmer, Will Ferrell, Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson, Adam Levine and Maria Shriver.

Updated May 22, 2:04 am EDT
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Sun Nov 22, 2009, 9:30 pm EST

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Tue Nov 24, 2009, 9:00 pm EST

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968 Comments

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  1. Jacques
    968. Posted by Jacques Tue May 26 7:50am EDT

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    yeah i hope the lakers in the finals!
  2. G smacktalk
    967. Posted by G smacktalk Sat May 23 8:06pm EDT

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    Like I said, don't listen to dday, hes a chump with lame comebacks.
  3. Jessica
    966. Posted by Jessica Sat May 23 8:04pm EDT

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    So denver do your best to beat the la lakers
  4. Fernando G
    965. Posted by Fernando G Sat May 23 1:40pm EDT

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    everyone who thinks the refs are in favor of the lakers then you're stupid. the refs are obviously in favor of denver. as you can see by the mavs vs. nugs series. If your going to call soft fouls like that in favor of the nuggets then do it for the mavs lets be fair. That series was incredibly dull i mean if you watched the games the nugs fouled the mavs harder and didn't get called for anything. Yet the mavs barely breathed and got called for a foul. The refs need to man up and call real fouls not some little whimpy touches. LAKERS in 5.
  5. Sean L
    964. Posted by Sean L Sat May 23 1:19am EDT

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    Where are all the refs won't let Denver win posters? Denver played great, props to them but if the Lakers win it's the refs? can't be they deserve it you bitter no cals.
  6. brian r
    963. Posted by brian r Fri May 22 9:44pm EDT

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    to post 942 lakers let game 2 get away from them
  7. woah
    962. Posted by woah Fri May 22 9:23pm EDT

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    Laker doesn't suck, it's Walton.
  8. JohnnyBlue
    961. Posted by JohnnyBlue Fri May 22 9:08pm EDT

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    What elite team has THIS Laker team beat in the playoffs?
  9. Scott
    960. Posted by Scott Fri May 22 9:01pm EDT

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    I like how all the nugglet fans think their team is the best thing since sliced bread. Lets be real, the nuggets haven't really proven anything to me except they can hustle. They played two garbage teams with no d and rolled them. Big whoop. They need to win against an elite team, convincingly, and they have not done that yet. Game 2, like game 1, could have gone either way, turnovers in the end of the game will be the deciding factor in this series, and to be honest, i dont think the nuggets have it. Everyone who says Melo is better than Kobe is ridiculous, what has he won????? Cmon people he needs to win before he starts runnin his trap about no one can guard him, well how about a team guarding him? That selfishness will cost him and his nugglips the series. Lakers in 6
  10. F-FACE
    959. Posted by F-FACE Fri May 22 8:30pm EDT

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    Mello is a better scorer than KOBE?! BWahahahahahaha. omfg this is why kids shouldn't post.
  11. F-FACE
    958. Posted by F-FACE Fri May 22 8:29pm EDT

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    I said it last night before the game and now I will say it convincingly. This series is over. Denver slams the s**t out of the Lakers in Denver. Too much fan base, too much talent, too much muscle, and waaayyy too much altitude for the Lakers. I get a kick out of the Lakers fans complaining about the refs last night. Are you kidding me? Dante Jones 4 ticky-tac fouls in 6 minutes on Kobe?!?! Are you insane? The one where Bryant was trying to post him and flopping around like a fish was about the most pathetic attempt at protecting "the star" that I have ever seen. Even Laker Fan Marc Jackson accused the refs of making bad calls against the Nugs. But it doesn't matter...it's over. Best part is, I get to be there tomorrow night and you can bet I'll have my earplugs when Birdman swats his first and hauls down the loose ball! Denver by 12 tomorrow night. As for Melo, this guy is on a tear. There isn't a B-ball fan in the country that can't see "the best" in the making. Sure, Kobe and Lebron have their highlights but neither one is as physically punishing down low or all around efficient as he is. Those that thought Battier was a match for Kobe are finding out that Melo has it over him. The scary part for other teams is the fact that this and the proceeding series are showing Melo himself how overwhelming he can be. His confidence is soaring in terms of learning what his ability really is as well as seeing strong leadership coming out. It's a great show!


    LOL whatever, sense of what? Look fools, Denver is not better than The Lakers. You may think that from what you read and what you see in the box score and all your BS. The bottom line is LA will close you out more so than your guys can LA. If you think DEN is going to win 3 straight from LA, you are a moron. If you think LA can not come back for game 5 in be in the same position and respond the same way as with HOU, you are a moron. Outplaying The Lakers? If Den was out playing them they would be up 2-0 and these games would not be in doubt in the final minute. Put a cork in it morons. You talk too much and try to come out like you know what you are talking about after watching a couple of games. Denver is not going to get past Los Angeles kids, dream on. You do not have the team and coaching staff to beat The Lakers in a 7 game series. What are they now something like 2-8 over their last 10? Yea, I'm really in fear. Crying for fouls? Um yea, Lakers not getting calls on their own court or early in a series is nothing new. The opposition needs help early on to make it a series. Then when LA gets a little pay back later in the series, everyone cries. Keep getting excited Denver, you're going to lose.
  12. beast gangster
    957. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 8:18pm EDT

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    ur GAY too gasnoil-2000
  13. beast gangster
    956. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 8:13pm EDT

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    ur GAY jofel s!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  14. #1
    955. Posted by #1 Fri May 22 8:08pm EDT

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    Jack G, you are hilarious.....Maybe I should put a spin on your user name and ill be cool like you....How does JACKOFF sound??? Everythings always a conspiracy on here. If the NBA wanted the Lakers to win why's there such a big free throw difference in the series??? I do agree with you on one thing though, the Lakers will win a tough series.....They play their best after loses
  15. beast gangster
    954. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 8:07pm EDT

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    exucutor102405 is right crazylegs crane's junk bull@#$%!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  16. beast gangster
    953. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 8:00pm EDT

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    join the party laker fans we kick all other fans ASSES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
  17. jofel
    952. Posted by jofel Fri May 22 7:55pm EDT

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    Lakers suck
    GO NUGGETS
  18. beast gangster
    951. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 7:52pm EDT

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    lakers kick ASS
  19. beast gangster
    950. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 7:49pm EDT

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    cavs @#$%
  20. Chuck D
    949. Posted by Chuck D Fri May 22 7:45pm EDT

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    WOW ... finally starting to here some sense from you Laker fans that are realizing that Denver is outplaying them. This is a great series and will be exciting till the end .... I can feel it!
  21. JohnnyBlue
    948. Posted by JohnnyBlue Fri May 22 7:44pm EDT

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    Lakers could call big probs going real big at times. Odom, Gasol, Bynum, Kobe, and Ariza. Odom/Kobe can run the point. It would create a match up hell. Lakers would get some easy ones for a few possessions. Don't matter though. "JR Smith for THREE... AGAIN!!!!!!!!!"
  22. beast gangster
    947. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 7:42pm EDT

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    @#$% the nuggets they suck
  23. beast gangster
    946. Posted by beast gangster Fri May 22 7:38pm EDT

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    lakers all the @#$%en way cavs suck
  24. Brewnz
    945. Posted by Brewnz Fri May 22 7:33pm EDT

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    Sorry Mojito, Melo isn't bigger than Odom, he just plays that way. My point is if Melo's going to score anyway (which he will) putting Odom on him will at least eliminate the offensive rebounds (Lamar does rebound like he's 6'10", but plays offense like a guard...hell, defense also). By doing such, you keep Kobe and Ariza fresher as Melo is too strong for either of them. He's a freaking bull, not a bear (as Kobe said).
  25. Brewnz
    944. Posted by Brewnz Fri May 22 7:26pm EDT

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    Anyone who says this series will be easy on either side are speaking purely from emotion. If you look at it position by position, both have strengths. For Denver, PG and SF are big advantages. For L.A. SG and PF are big advantages. Center is a draw depending on whether Bynum or Nene decide to play, but Bynum has more upside. Bench is pretty even (Birdman, JR, AC, Kleiza) vs (Odom, Farmar, Walton, Brown), as both have players capable of being a difference maker in any given game. It's as close as the combined stats of the first two games say, and if you listen to Lithgow or Jackson they both think it will go 7. I can't see it going anything less as neither of these teams will be easy to close out.
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Top Performers

 Top Performers
 Denver
C. Anthony Carmelo Anthony
12-29,  34 Pts
9 Rebs, 4 Assists
 LA Lakers
K. Bryant Kobe Bryant
10-20,  32 Pts
5 Rebs, 3 Assists

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