NBA Playoffs 2012: Denver Nuggets keep series alive with 102 – 99 win over Los Angeles Lakers – Recap - Part 2
The Los Angeles Lakers were more into it at the start of the second quarter and levelled the score at 29 apiece. Denver Nuggets responded though with back to back 3-pointers from Andre Miller and Arron Afflalo, taking the score to 35 – 29. The Lakers remained at their heels for the rest of the period but weren’t able to chase them down, trailing at the end by 49 – 43.
A 10 – 0 burst early in the third segment put the Nuggets ahead by double digits; 59 – 47. Los Angeles were able to cut it down to single figures and a Kobe Bryant effort from downtown got them within 3 points, the score 66 – 63. Denver however ended with a flourish, regaining a hefty lead at 76 – 65.
Los Angeles looked out of it for the majority of the final frame as Denver maintained a healthy distance. However, towards the end the Lakers picked up, a stunning run, which included 3 Kobe Bryant strikes from long range, got them to within 2 points, 98 – 96.
Ty Lawson and Andre Miller though sank their free throws at the death, while Bryant missed a 3 that would have tied the game, handing Denver the 102 – 99 victory.
Nuggets coach George Karl was pleased with his side’s effort after the game, as he was with the fact that for once Kobe missed at the death.
"I didn't expect us to win by double digits. I thought it would be close. Thank God he missed."
Despite his late miss, Bryant was on fire, especially in the final 12 minutes. Kobe ended with a game high 43 points to go along with his 5 assists and 6 rebounds. Support though was lacking, especially from Los Angeles’ big men.
The towering duo of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum only managed 25 points between them, and head coach Mike Brown complained about the uneven returns inside the paint.
"Our paint protection on the defensive end of the floor is not good right now. [The Nuggets] don't have many post-up threats, big, strong guys that can back you down ... and they outscore us in paint points, 58-44. Our weak side did not do a good job of having awareness, nor did we do a good job as team protecting that paint."
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