2009 NBA Playoffs: Game 1 - Denver Nuggets 109 Dallas Mavericks 95 (Highlights)

Game 1: Denver Nuggets 109 Dallas Mavericks 95

Analysis: I'm actually surprised it took Denver so long to pull away from the Mavs in this game. I didn't think the Mavs would have a chance to beat Denver at home but they stuck around for most of the game. Denver really turned it up late though and made this one a blowout. If Denver plays this way all series then we might have a quick series on our hands. Almost everyone on Denver played well and they continue to look like a team that is going to be tough to beat. I think the difference in this series for the Mavs is that Denver is far better offensively than the Spurs, who they were able to hold in check.

Key Players of The Game

Nene: I was waiting for Nene to breakout in the playoffs after not really doing all that much in the first round against the Hornets. It's not that he played bad, but they didn't really need him offensively to win the series. However, he was more assertive in this one and finished with 24 points on 9 of 13 shooting. Nene is going to be a key player for the Nuggets in these playoffs, especially if they meet up with the Lakers in the West finals.

Carmelo Anthony: Another strong game fro 'Melo who looks like he might be ready to take his game up to the next level of super-stardom. He finished with 23 points on an efficient 7 of 10 shooting.

J.R. Smith: Smith is a key player for the Nuggets off the bench because when he's on he brings so much energy to this team. The Nuggets really have a strong second unit because they are all active players who even if they aren't playing well still bring energy and hustle to the team. Smith finished with 15 points, 3 rebounds, 6 assists, and 3 steals off the bench.

Anthony Carter: 6 of 8 from the floor off the bench with 4 assists and 2 steals gets Carter a mention here. Another one of Denver's strong bench players.

Dirk Nowitzki: Dirk was solid for Dallas, which is good news from them. However, despite his 28 points and 10 rebounds the Mavs still lost, because the Mavs role players gave them next to nothing.

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