Los Angeles Clippers vs. Denver Nuggets
15,559 basketball fans witnessed the incredible victory of a deep and talented Nuggets squad over Clippers by 111–104 at Pepsi Center, Denver. Nuggets have won over 50 games in the past three seasons.
Playing the Nuggets in Denver was a perfect opportunity for Clippers to improve themselves but they ended up with another disappointing match. The Clippers hit 50 percent from the field.
Nuggets’ Top Performers
Carmelo Anthony nicknamed "Melo" rolled the dice, scored 30 points, and dished out six assists to place the Denver over the Clippers.
Reserve Al Harrington added 18 points comprising with single assist and 8 rebounds.
Afflalo accompanied them with 16 points, with five assists along with five rebounds.
Clippers’ Top Performers
Blake Griffin made an attractive investment at the Clippers end with 26 points, 10 rebounds, and 3 assists.
Eric Gordon scored 21 points for the Clippers.
The under dog
Chauncey Billups had a tough time making shots all night, but he keyed the run and proved himself in right manner with five points and two assists.
Inactive Players
Both teams were coping with injuries to their key players.
The Nuggets' frontcourt was lacking confidence due to absentees of key players because of injuries. Nuggets’ center Nene missed his second consecutive game because of the strained groin. Forwards Chris Andersen and Kenyon Martin were still recovering from
offseason knee surgeries.
The Clippers were in the court without point guard Baron Davis for a third game because of a aching left knee.
Play by play
Clippers took the initial lead of four points in the first session of the game by 28 – 24.
The Clippers were leading the game by 54-53 at halftime, and then they fought back within 93-87 when Gordon made one of two free throws The Clippers, who led 54-53 at halftime, fought back within 93-87 when Gordon made one of two free throws with 6:42 remaining
around the clock. Nevertheless, the Nuggets scored the next six points to go back in front by 12 points with 5:15 left. Nuggets’, Al Harrington was at his best in the fourth quarter and added nine points in the final period. Beside the eight point’s margin,
Clippers got no closer to Nuggets.
Quotable
Nuggets coach George Karl, "I thought Melo's passing was first class. He found a lot of easy baskets for us tonight".
"They got to the rim and got easy baskets late in the third and in the fourth as well. We will be all right. We've just got to knock down shots and really concentrate defensively", Griffin said.
Turning point of the game
Trailing 56-53 in the first minute of the second half, the Nuggets went on a 13-2 run to take the lead for good.
Shining star
Eric Gordon had 21 points and five assists to continue his strong start this season. He is averaging 23.7 points and 6.7 assists in his last three games.
Move to watch
Nugget’s coach Karl dropped down Nene and opted to start veteran Melvin Ely at power forward. Melvin is a player who kept on sitting out of the entire session of 2009 – 2010 and he provided with sixteen minutes in the first four games. However, he did not
bothered about anything, he came through with strong defense in the low post, and had eight rebounds.
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