2009 NBA Playoffs: Game 2 - Denver Nuggets 106 Los Angeles Lakers 103 (Highlights)

Game 2: Denver Nuggets 106 Los Angeles Lakers 103

Analysis: Another game between these two teams that could have went either way, but we are just a few plays away from Denver being up 2-0 in this series. At this point, LA would probably be happy with a split once they go to Denver. I would be very surprised if they won both games in Denver and I think it's going to be tough for them to win one game in Denver, but certainly something they are capable of, but they are going to have to dig deep down inside to get it done. Carmelo and Chauncey combined for 61 points in this game and so far my prediction about 'Melo being a beast in this series has been true. J.R. Smith is still struggling off the bench, but Linas Kleiza helped fill that void for the Nuggets last night with 16 points. For the Lakers, Kobe was great once again and Trevor Ariza stepped up with 20 points. Pau is still controlling the boards, but he still only had 17 points and the Lakers weren't able to match the 11 threes they hit in Game 1.

Key Players of The Game

Carmelo Anthony: He was just 12 of 29 from the floor, but still managed 34 points, 9 rebounds, 4 assists, a steal, and a block.

Chauncey Billups: Huge clutch performance for Billups who nailed 13 of his 16 free throw attempts and finished with 27 points and 4 assists.

Kobe Bryant: Kobe shot a solid 10 of 20 from the floor and knocked down all 10 of his free throws to finish with 32 points.

Linas Kleiza: With J.R. Smith struggling off the bench for the second game in a row, Kleiza filled his void and finished with 16 points and 8 rebounds on 5 of 8 shooting, including 4 of 7 from downtown.

Trevor Ariza: Ariza stepped his game up for the Lakers in Game 2 and finished with 20 points and 4 steals, while shooting 6 of 7 from the floor.

Pau Gasol: Gasol had a solid game finishing with 17 points, 17 rebounds, 3 assists, and 2 blocks, but he is going to have to score 20 plus points a game for the Lakers to win in Denver, and I'm not sure he has that in him right now.

Kenyon Martin/Nene: These two combined to shoot 9 of 15 from the floor with 22 points, 12 rebounds, 8 assists, 4 steals, and 2 blocks. I'm looking for Nene to come up with a big game at home in Game 3.



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