NUGGETS RIP LAKER TO EVEN SERIES

While the NBA would certainly love a Lakers/Cavs matchup in the finals, the Denver Nuggets have other ideas.  With leading scorer Carmelo Anthony suffering from a sprained ankle and a stomach virus, Denver’s bench stepped up bigtime allowing the Nuggets to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers 120-101 at the Pepsi Center on Sunday.  The victory evened the series at 2-2, with game five back in Los Angeles on Wednesday night.

The Nuggets easily covered as a -4’ home favorite, with the final score sailing over the posted total of 209.  Denver has been a pointspread machine during the NBA playoffs, and by getting the money in game four improved their postseason ATS record to an amazing 13-1.  The Lakers, meanwhile, have stumbled to a 7-9 record against the number in their playoff run.  It was the first OVER for the Lakers after seven consecutive UNDER performances, and L.A. now has five OVER against 11 UNDER for the playoffs.  The Nuggets have an even 7-7 split in their total verdicts.

Seven Nuggets scored in double figures, led by Chauncey Billups and reserve J.R. Smith who each scored 24 points.  Carmelo Anthony managed to contribute 15 points despite his physical ailments, while Kenyon Martin (13 points and 15 rebounds) and Nene (14 points, 13 boards) each contributed a ‘double/double’.  Dahntay Jones added 12 points and reserve Linas Kleiza  10 to round out Denver’s double digit scoring attack.  The Lakers were led by Kobe Bryant’s game high 34 points, with Pau Gasol adding a ‘double/double’ with 21 points and 10 rebounds.  Andrew Bynum added 14 and Jordan Farmar 10 points in the losing effort.

Carmelo Anthony updated his physical situation after the game, including his needing IV’s during the halftime break:

"Even before I twisted my ankle, with my stomach, I didn't have my legs early in the game. I felt like I didn't have any energy. Those IVs were a must. They helped a little bit. I'll be OK for Wednesday."

He also credited his teammates for getting the win:

"It was important for everyone to step up. We had a bunch of guys step up today. I know the past two, three games our bench hasn't been as productive as they have been in the playoffs, but tonight those guys stepped up. J.R. stepped up big, Linas Kleiza  came in and hit some big shots, he was just phenomenal out there."

The Lakers’ Kobe Bryant, meanwhile, offered a less than insightful explanation for his team’s defeat:

"They whooped us, period. They whooped us on the glass. They whooped us to loose balls."

Denver is now 7-1 SU/ATS at home during the playoffs, but Los Angeles has held the advantage at the Staples Center.  The Lakers have won 8 of the last 10 SU on their home floor, covering 7.  Going back even further, Los Angeles has won 25 of the last 28 on their home floor going 18-8 ATS.  The Lakers are a -6 point home favorite for Wednesday’s game 5, with the total set at 209’.