David Lee and reserves star as Golden State Warriors blow away Denver Nuggets 112-97 – NBA Recap
In an all important fixture against the Phoenix Suns last night, the Denver Nuggets carved out what could have been the decisive win in their playoffs campaign.
However, all that good work was trashed in the garbage can as the Broncos let their guard slip against the Golden State Warriors on Saturday night. Looking to retain their two game lead over the Suns, the Nuggets started the game strongly and were leading by 27-26 after one.
Denver held onto a two point lead in the first five minutes of the second, but were outscored 21-12 till the break, never to lead again.
The Warriors, in a rare show of dominance at home, were leading by 56-49 at halftime and used Klay Thompson’s brilliance to carve out an 11-3 run at the start of third to establish a firm hold on the game at 65-51.
The hosts took their advantage to 76-59 midway through the period, before the Nuggets scored nine unanswered points to close in at 68-76. Richard Jefferson and Al Harrington sank three’s on the next team possessions, but Golden State managed to hold on to an 85-75 edge after three.
Andre Miller and Harrington started the fourth on two jumpers to make it a six point game and Denver managed to close in within five, 87-92, with seven and a half minutes left on the clock. The Warriors were relentless on the offense though and a driving layup from Lee started a game winning 15-2 burst. Brandon Rush capped the run with two consecutive triples and the Nuggets never threatened after that.
Rush paced seven Warriors in double figures with 20 points; Lee had 17 points and nine rebounds; Klay finished with 15 while Nate Robinson had 14 points and seven assists. Golden State also got 11 points from Dorell Wright; 10 points and 8 boards from Jeremy Tyler and 10 points from Jefferson.
The Warriors shot 46-for-88 from the floor, won the battle on the paint, 41-35 on the boards and 58-48 on the points, and had 15 more fast break points than the Nuggets.
Ty Lawson had 21 points and six assists to lead the visitors, who also got 19 from Harrington.
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