2009 NBA Playoffs: Game 2 - Denver Nuggets 108 New Orleans Hornets 93 (Highlights)

Game 2: Denver Nuggets 108 New Orleans Hornets 93

Analysis: Mr. Big Shot strikes again for the Nuggets. You knew Chauncey Billups was going to have an impact on how this Denver Nuggets team played in the playoffs, but I didn't think it would be this much of an impact. Denver is looking really good right now, but still I have to wonder are they really this good or has New Orleans just been playing poorly? We should know for sure once this series heads to New Orleans. If the Nuggets beat up on the Hornets away from home that would be a sure sign that this team has arrived and can probably make it to the Western Conference Finals.

Key Players of The Game

Chauncey Billups: Billups was GREAT once again and finished with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and hasn't turned the ball over in two games so far. In two games, Billups has scored 67 points, made 12 of 15 threes, and hit all 19 of his free throws. He's the veteran leader that this team needed along side of Carmelo Anthony to get them to the next level and right now they are looking like an elite team out West.

Carmelo Anthony: Melo scored 22 points on 10 of 20 shooting, but more importantly he had 9 assists, which shows he is buying into the team concept. It also shows that the Nuggets are a deep team that has some nice options of offense. The scary thing about this Nuggets team is that they have two guys in Billups and Anthony that if need be can go out there and score at will for you when the role players are struggling. At some point in these playoffs, the Nuggets are going to need 'Melo to explode for a 30 or 40 point game and it's up to him to realize when that time is going to be.

Chris Paul: Another subpar scoring game for Paul as he finished with just 14 points on 5 of 11 shooting. Paul needs to score 25+ points a game for the Hornets to win because they just aren't deep enough on that end of the floor to score with the Nuggets. Peja Stojakovic and Rasual Butler combined to hit 8 threes and David West was decent in this game, so Paul was the only one who really played below expectations offensively for the Hornets. I think he needs to look to score more, but the way Denver's defense has been playing him has made it kind of tough for him to do so.



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