2009 NBA Playoffs: Game 5 - Denver Nuggets 124 Dallas Mavericks 110 (Highlights)

Game 5: Denver Nuggets 124 Dallas Mavericks 110

Analysis: Congratulations to the Denver Nuggets for advancing to the Western Conference Finals for the first time since 1985. Regardless of what happens the rest of the playoffs for the Nuggets, this season has to be seen as a success. They made it out of the first round for the first time since 1994 and now they have accomplished something no Nugget team has been able to do in 24 years. Game 5 like most of the series was the Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups show, but make no mistake about it, everyone chipped in for the Nuggets in the victory. In the end, the Mavericks just couldn't stop the Nuggets and it's clear that Denver is the better team.

Key Players of The Game

Carmelo Anthony: 'Melo played like a star this whole series and led his team to victory in this one with 30 points on 13 of 22 shooting. A lights out performance from a player who is starting to realize his full potential. For the series, he averaged 30.0 points and 6.8 rebounds, while shooting 49.1% from the floor.

Chauncey Billups: Billups was just as good as 'Melo in this one and finished with 28 points, 12 assists, and 7 rebounds; while shooting 10 of 16 from the floor. He finished the series averaging 21.6 points, 7.2 assists, and 3.6 rebounds; while shooting 50.0% from the floor.

J.R. Smith: Smith was great off the bench all series long for the Nuggets and finished the series off with 18 points, 5 rebounds, and 6 assists. For the series he averaged 16.6 points, 3.4 rebounds, and 3.4 assists; while shooting 50.0% from the field.

Dirk Nowitzki: The Mavs losing this series had nothing to do with Dirk's play because he had a great series averaging 34.4 points, 11.6 rebounds, and 4.0 assists a game; while shooting 53.4% from the floor. Game 5 was no different as Dirk led the Mavs with 32 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists.

Jason Kidd: Kidd helped keep the Mavs in this game by nailing some big threes in the second half. Unfortunately it wasn't enough for the Mavs to outscore the Nuggets, but he finished with 19 points and 9 assists in what was his best offensive showing of the series.

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