Denver Nuggets trounce the Portland Trail Blazers 95-77
The Denver Nuggets had 15 turnovers compared to the Portland Trail Blazers 14, but they took advantage of a clumsy conversion rate from the Trail Blazers in the first three quarters to pull off a
95-77 victory at the Pepsi Center.
High-Flying Players
The Nuggets were led by a balanced attack, as seven players scored in double-figures. Chauncey Billups contributed 18 points and nine assists, while J.R. Smith and Nene scored 17 points apiece for
Denver, who ended a three-game losing streak. Arron Afflalo finished with 15 points, two assists and four rebounds.
LaMarcus Aldridge had a team-high 18 points and 13 rebounds in the defeat. Nicolas Batum had 14 points and Rudy Fernandez added 11 for Portland, who lost their fifth straight game.
Game Story
With some heavy legs, shots clanging and the Nuggets clawing its way back, the Portland Trail Blazers appeared to be in deep trouble.
"We just never really got going. It was just one of those nights where it was tough for us to get in a good a rhythm. It is a tough back-to-back. No excuses, but I think last night took a lot to
win in Utah, which a lot of teams do not ever do. We just tried to use what we had left to try to get this win today and it wasn't enough," said Aldridge who also had a career-high seven blocks.
Both teams started sluggishly, but Denver managed to make it to the free throw line early to help build a quick 25-21 lead heading into the second quarter. After scoring
five points in the final 1.8 seconds of the second quarter, the Nuggets led 48-41 at half time.
Nuggets coach George Karl said, "I thought it was a psychological hit for them. They were staying with us, they were doing some good things, and all of a sudden they were down seven going into halftime."
The Nuggets opened the third quarter with a 19-8 run that carried Denver to a 67-49 lead with five and a half minutes left in the period. By the start of the
fourth, the Nuggets stretched their lead to 78-58 on the way to their biggest win since a 22-point victory against Utah in the season opener.
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