Denver Nuggets defeat Washington Wizards 114-94
The Denver Nuggets thrashed the Washington Wizards 114-94 at Pepsi Centre in Denver on Friday night to post their third consecutive victory. The result extended the Nuggets home winning streak to nine games.
With this victory, Denver also moved to within four games of fourth-place Oklahoma City Thunders in the Western Conference. The Nuggets played the game with a balanced bench as six players scored in double figures.
Forward-centre Chris Andersen was sensational off the bench, as registered a career-high 17 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks for Denver.
Washington coach Flip Saunders appreciated the performance of Andersen after the game. He said, "Andersen just got it going. He dominated the game in the first quarter just with his defence."
Danilo Gallinari, Ty Lawson and Al Harrington also added 17 points each for the Nuggets, who have won seven of their last nine games. J.R. Smith came off the bench with 14 points and six assists while centre Nene ended with 10 points and six rebounds in
the victory.
Jordan Crawford scored a game-high 19 points and grabbed four assists, while guard-forward Maurice Evans came off the bench with 16 points in the defeat.
John Wall, who scored a career-high 32 points against the Los Angeles Clippers in the previous match, was not up to the mark this time. Rookie Wall could only contribute 13 points, six assists and two rebounds for Washington. However, he blocked three shots.
Centre JaVale McGee also added 13 points and pulled down a game-high 13 rebounds for the Wizards, who lost their third straight game. Forward Trevor Booker ended with 10 points and as many rebounds for Washington, who had lost nine of their last ten contests.
Match Analysis
Kenyon Martin found his touch early and scored 6 points in the opening quarter to give the Nuggets a 30-16 lead going into the second.
The Wizards were able to keep the game close throughout the second quarter but Denver extended their lead to 64-45 at half time. Leading by 19 points at the half, the Nuggets continued their hot shooting throughout the third quarter to carry an 82-67 advantage
into the final stanza.
Denver outplayed the Wizards 32-27 in the fourth quarter to seal their 44th victory of the 2010-11 season.
Nuggets forward-guard Smith praised the performance of his side’s bench. He said, "People don't expect much from the bench guys. We have a great bench and whenever we get out there play loose and free."
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