Game 4: Denver Nuggets 120 Los Angeles Lakers 101Analysis: Denver was definitely the more aggressive team in this game. Despite what Phil Jackson may believe about the refs, his team looked pretty nonchalant in this one and Denver was able to outrebound them 58 to 40 and also went to the free throw line 14 more times than the Lakers. J.R. Smith finally exploded off the bench for the Nuggets and when he plays well the Nuggets are almost unbeatable. The big guys for Denver were also really active and finished with 42 rebounds between the three of them. With the series headed back to LA, I think Game 5 is a must win for the Lakers. I don't think they can win in Denver again.
Key Players of The Game
J.R. Smith: Smith had 26 points off the bench on 9 of 17 shooting, including 4 of 9 from downtown. He also added 4 assists and 2 steals. It will be interesting to see which J.R. shows up for Game 5. By the way, isn't J.R. Smith like the Vernon Maxwell of the NBA right now? Only with a better shooting percentage.
Kenyon Martin/Nene/Chris Andersen: This trio of big men for the Nuggets was excellent in Game 4. They combined for 33 points, 42 rebounds, 8 assists, and 4 blocks. One of the reasons why I liked the Nuggets chances so much in this series was because of these three big men and they have been solid so far.
Chauncey Billups: Billups had a quiet 24 points in this game and knocked down all 9 of his free throw attempts.
Kobe Bryant: Kobe got his 34 points but shot only 10 of 26 from the floor and Denver will take that any chance they can get.
Pau Gasol: Pau did his part with 21 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, and 3 blocks, but the rest of the key Lakers other than Kobe and Bynum were pretty much missing from this game.
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