2009 NBA Playoffs: Game 5 - Los Angeles Lakers 103 Denver Nuggets 94 (Highlights)

Game 5: Los Angeles Lakers 103 Denver Nuggets 94

Analysis: The Lakers were able to win this game because they finally decided to man up and play more physical. The Lakers won both games that they held the Nuggets under 100 points and the other game they won when the Nuggets scored 103 was Game 1, which they probably should have lost. I don't think the Lakers will be able to hold the Nuggets under 100 at home again, so I think this series goes 7. Then I would imagine we would get a very competitive game. The Lakers would be motivated of course and the Nuggets would not go down easily. As for this game, the Nuggets lost pretty much because they had a stretch in the 4th quarter where they missed something like 11 straight shots. Also, Lamar Odom finally decided to show up for the Lakers and like I said before when he has a double-double the Lakers are almost unbeatable. Game 6 should be interesting and I would not be surprised to see the Lakers lose by double digits, but if they can close out Denver in 6 on the road then I think we are looking at out NBA Champs for sure.

Key Players of The Game

Lamar Odom: 19 points, 14 rebounds, 3 assists, 4 blocks and one monster dunk on the Birdman. Yup, he pretty much did it all in this one.

Kobe Bryant: Bryant took less shots in this game and got his teammates involved more. 22 points, 8 assists, and 5 rebounds. He did also have 7 turnovers though.

Pau Gasol: 14 points, 10 rebounds, 4 assists, 2 steals, and 5 blocks which may or may not have been fouls.

Carmelo Anthony: Another 30+ scoring night for 'Melo, who finished with 31 points, 4 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals. 'Melo is averaging 28.0 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 4.0 assists; while shooting 41.6% from the floor in this series.

Chauncey Billups: I expect Billups to come out a lot more aggressive in Game 6 after taking just 7 shots in this game. I'm not sure why he didn't get more involved in the offense, because other than 'Melo, nobody was really on fire. He finished with just 12 points and added 5 assists and 2 steals.

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