Nuggets Take 2-0 Lead

It appeared as though the Dallas Mavericks were going to have an opportunity to even the series at one game apiece last night, but the Nuggets defensive intensity down the stretch was just too much to overcome.

Denver won the game by a score of 117-105 to take a two game lead. Carmelo Anthony was the driving force behind the win as he scored 15 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter. Despite his play, he was willing pass the praise to the team’s most recent addition Chauncey Billups. In the fourth quarter, Billups dove to save a loose ball that would eventually lead to a layup by J.R. Smith. In a post game interview, Anthony was quoted saying, “That play right there was the biggest play of the game.”

Dirk Norwitzki’s 35 points was not enough to get the Mavs over the hump. As he did after game one, he conceded to the defensive efforts of the Denver Nuggets. He received a lot of heat for his statement that forward Chris Andersen has what it takes to shut him down. Analysts Chris Webber and Charles Barkley felt as though a player of his caliber should never show that much respect to their opponent.

Norwitzki received very little help from his teammates on the offensive end of the floor. Josh Howard was not a factor at all. He was sent to the bench after just six minutes of action with two sprained ankles. Antoine Wright was the only other starter to score in double digits with just ten points and Jason Kidd provided a mere four points to go along with seven assists.

The series will move to Dallas on Saturday where the Mavs are 17-1 since the All-Star break. The Nuggets have been on a tear since the start of the playoffs. They have lost only one game with their margin of victory at 24.8. This includes a 58 point win over the Hornets in round one.