Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets, first half report
When and where?
21st January, Friday
The game is being played at the Pepsi Centre, Denver, CO.
Start of game
The ball was jumped by starters from both teams, Nene Hilario (Nuggets) and Andrew Bynum (Lakers). Pau Gasol jumped ahead to gain possession of the ball for the Lakers.
First Quarter
The Denver Nuggets entered the game with hopes of thrashing the two-time NBA defending champions.
Carmelo Anthony dunked the first shot of the game to earn two points initially.
The Nuggets kept the defence high, overpowering the Lakers from the very start of the game as they clinched a three pointer to go 6-0 over the opposition that had missed a variety of shots.
The Lakers made their first shot as Ron Artest clinched a layup shot assisted by Derek Fisher to smooth a 2-6 closer to the Nuggets.
Anthony committed a shooting foul and Artest missed the free throw provided. Anthony missed a number of shots after the foul and after he grabbed a rebound, his teammates did the same.
The Lakers surged after Fisher drained a 3-pointer at 8 minutes in the second quarter that flared up the Nuggets to go for more. The flux continued and the Lakers ended the first quarter with a 25-22 lead.
Second Quarter
Gasol clinched a tip shot to begin the second quarter and soon after Lamar Odom followed with a jump shot to take the lead over Denver, 26-25.
Blake shot a 3-pointer that was assisted by Luke Walton that gave the Lakers a four point lead over the opposition, 29-25.
The Denver Nuggets reconciled in offence at this sudden disposition and Arron Afflalo shot a number of shots that included a 3-pointer as well, to get close to the Lakers, 40-41.
Soon after that Anthony made a fade away jumper from the court that gave Denver a lead over Los Angeles, 42-41. Odom’s shot, however, took the lead back and it continued until the scores were tied at 47-all.
Moments later, Odom committed a shooting foul and Nene missed the free throw provided.
Anthony had a layup shot ready after that to get the lead away until the end of first half. The scores were tied once again at 49-all but Afflalo trounced a 3-pointer and the Denver Nuggets once again led the Lakers, 52-49.
(End of first half...to be continued...)
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