Nuggets Run Past Lakers, Tie Series
May 26, 2009 by Stephen Kersey
Filed under Basketball
The Denver Nuggets needed to win to keep hope alive in the 2009 Western Conference Finals. Using the energy from their home fans and well rounded attack, the Nuggets were able to defeat the Los Angeles Lakers by a final score of 120-101.
The Lakers were trailing by ten points with three minutes remaining and looked capable of making a run. However, J.R. Smith nailed a pair of three-pointers soon after to pull out the win for Denver.
J.R. Smith was big for the Nuggets in Game 4 (Image: Zuma Press)
Smith and Chauncey Billups ended up leading the Nuggets in scoring on the night with 24 points apiece. Carmelo Anthony scored 15 points but struggled — hitting just 3-of-16 shots from the field. The Nuggets got double-doubles from Kenyon Martin and Nene, with Martin going for 13 points and 15 rebounds and Nene finishing with 14 points and 13 rebounds.
Los Angeles was led by the dynamic duo of Kobe Bryant and Pau Gasol. Bryant had 34 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Gasol had 21 points, ten rebounds, four assists and three blocks.
With the series now tied 2-2, Game 5 in Los Angeles will be pivotal. The contest will be played on Wednesday at 9 PM EST.
