As I’ve found myself covering more of the west coast games than anything, two teams I’ve had the pleasure of covering tonight were Denver and Utah. Both of these teams continue to impress me night in and night out. Lets get to the action:

Nuggets 112, Kings 109

One would have easily argued this was a statement game. Sacramento has had Denver’s number all year, already winning both games at the Arco Arena this year. Denver wanted payback in the worst way.

It took two massive comebacks and an extra period for Denver to get what they wanted.

Aaron Afflalo hit a jumper to break a 109-109 tie with less than a minute remaining. After Kevin Martin missed the game-tying shot, Chauncey Billups came down with the rebound and was fouled. He sank another free throw and it was all over from there.

Denver had 6 players in double figures, with Kenyon Martin leading the way with 24 points and 12 rebounds. Chauncey Billups added 23 points, but an ankle injury hampered his shot and he only shot 6-25 during the game. Ty Lawson also contributed nicely with 15 points off the bench.

For the Kings, their Kevin Martin (22 points) and Beno Udrih (23 points) led the Kings in the loss. Kings are still missing Tyreke Evans, who is sidelined with a hip injury.

Jazz 104, Mavericks 92

This game was only a one point difference at the end of the third quarter. Utah, however, turned up the heat on defense to get the victory at home.

Between AK-47′s steals and Paul Millsap’s blocks, Dallas was held to 16 points in the fourth quarter. Somehow, Dallas could not keep up with the speedy Deron Williams in transition, and would end up in several “and-one” situations. I admired the Jazz for their hustle and defensive domination as they shut down a prolific Maverick offense.

Paul Milsap led the charge for Utah with 25 points and 9 rebounds. Deron Williams, who is slowly becoming one of my favorite players to watch in the NBA, scored 18, dropped 15 assists, and collected 7 rebounds. CJ Miles contributed nicely off the bench with 17. The Jazz were also without Carlos Boozer tonight, who was sidelined with an injury.

For the Mavs, Dirk Nowitzki (28 points) and Jason Terry (19 points) led the attack, but could not find an answer in the fourth quarter.

Elsewhere in late-night action:

Blazers 98, Bobcats 79

I don’t have a ton to speak to about this game, but I’ll drive home a couple of points:

- Andre Miller came back to earth from his 52 point performance the other night. He finished with 8 points and 10 assists, much more customary for the aging point guard. It was nice to know he can turn it on when needed.

- Gerald Wallace had a nice all-star caliber outing – he finished with 17 points and 10 rebounds. You could tell by watching the highlights he was much to powerful for the Blazers to contain in the post.

- Portland’s bench came through. Rudy Fernandez (11 points), Nicolas Batum (15), and Dante Cunningham (10) all were in double figures for the Blazers tonight. That includes Fernandez’s massive dunk off a rebound late in the game. Goodness! I will make this a posterized moment.

Till next time,
-Duts

INCRBL – The Mariano Riveras of the NBA – Jazz are 24-1 and 16-0 when leading at the start of the fourth quarter. Guess they know how to close games.