Nuggets 105, Lakers 79

How do you return back home from a six-game east coast road trip in style? Just as the Nuggets, who returned back to Denver to man-handle the defending champs by 26 in a rematch of last year’s Western Conference final.

Before coasting to victory, the Nuggets had to overcome a sluggish 8-0 deficit to snap out of a funk, which is very tough after a long road trip. Although, the Nuggets pushed ahead for a two-point halftime lead. Once the second half started, the rout was on after a 29-8 third quarter advantage.

Carmelo Anthony led the push with 25 points in 30 minutes. Chris Andersen included 8 points and 11 rebounds off the bench for the hustling Nuggets. Meanwhile, the Lakers were led by Andrew Bynum’s 19 points, 15 rebounds. Although, they only went as far as Kobe Bryant’s 7-17 shooting and 19 points.

Stat of the Game: Bench Points
Nuggets – 43
Lakers – 16

Kings 109, Rockets 100

The last time the Sacramento Kings were over .500 was 3 years ago. The last time they won four games in a row was almost 2 years ago. I guess this all explains why I’m still shocked that the Kings were able to beat the Rockets on Friday night.

Kings PF Jason Thompson had his best game of his young career with 27 points and 11 boards. The Rockets just couldn’t provide an answer for Thompson and the Kings when it mattered most. Houston was able to cut the margin to two points many times in the fourth quarter, but the Kings looked more like a veteran team than one of the youngest in the league by responding each time.

I know this team can’t make the playoffs, but are they young and naïve enough to make a run at the final spot?

Shooter of the Game: Beno Udrih. The scrappy point guard was more of a shooting guard on Friday night, if you know what I’m sayin. The Bean was 9-15 from the field and 4-6 from 3 point range.

Magic 88, Nets 72

In a matchup of the league’s defending conference champions and the remaining winless team, things became a little predictable. 

The Nets, playing with only 9 men, hung tough for two quarters to keep the score tied at the half with the Magic in Orlando. However, the second half was another story. The Nets only managed to score 30 total points in the half and just had no answers in the scoring column or for Dwight Howard.

Howard had his second dominating game against the Nets this season with 26 points, 12 rebounds, and 5 blocks. Also, as he did two weeks ago, he held Brook Lopez down on defense. Lopez was atrocious after going 1-12 from the field with only 4 points and 5 rebounds. It is really disturbing to watch Lopez struggle and look so frustrated. He’s got to step it up against the best defenders in the league.

Shooter of the Game: Vince Carter. VC has only played a few games this year due to injury, but it was his second game against the Nets and second time he lit them up. Carter was 3-6 from 3 point range to pick up the majority of his 14 points.

Raptors 104, Clippers 89

I know you won’t believe me unless you watched this game, but the Clippers led by 22 points at one point. With that being said, the Clippers also allowed a 16-0 run to end the game and permit the Raptors to come into LA and steal the first game of a four-game west coast trip.

Chris Bosh pushed the Raptors back with 21 points and 14 rebounds. Andrea Bargnani had 19 and Jose Calderon added 18 in the win as well. In a trip that includes stops in Phoenix, Denver, and Salt Lake City, this was a must in for the Raptors – and they provided.

Chris Kaman was a beast at the start of the game for the Clips, but he got in foul trouble towards the end of the second quarter which let the Raptors back in the game. Kaman finished with 25 points and 7 rebounds.

Shooter of the Game: Marco Belinelli. The shooting guard went 6-10 field goals and 3-5 from three. What more could you ask for off the bench on the road?

-Shooter