It took the Nuggets a couple of games and some home cooking to hit their stride, but they now have a chance to level this series with another victory on their home floor tonight.
In game 3, Ty Lawson led the way for the Nugs with 25 points and seven assists. Faried chipped in12 points and 15 rebounds and JaVale McGee broke out for 16 points and 15 rebounds. The Nuggets played with more cohesion on the offensive end, but their biggest improvements came on the other side of the floor, holding the Lakers to 37.2 percent shooting, and forcing 15 turnovers to their 6.
In an ugly night for the Lakers Andrew Bynum was held scoreless until the second half, although he dropped 18, and also grabbed 12 rebounds. Kobe also had an off game, shooting 7 for 23 with 22 points. What might have been a larger issue, though, was the Lakers bench, scoring just 9 points to the Nuggets 39.
In Game 3 the Nuggets came out hot, flying to an early of as many as 24 points before the Lakers slowly but surely worked their way to back within 4. It's easy to make coulda/woulda/shoulda statements, but if it weren’t for such a cold start from Bryant and Bynum AS WELL AS a very subpar performance by the Laker bench, the rest of the series could already be a formality.
As it stands, the Nuggets are a win away from evening the series, but my feeling is that the surprise factor played a big factor in game three and won’t be there for game four. I expect a bounce back game from Kobe and better play from Bynum and the Laker bench. With OKC completing the sweep of the Mavs, the Lakers also realize how important it will be for them to finish off this series as quickly as possible. They will be fully focused and ready to roll in Denver.
I'm most likely playing Los Angeles Lakers +2.5 -105 for 8 units ($420 to win $400) but am waiting until closer to tip to place it.
What do you all think about how this game will play out? I'd like to get some discussion going. I am pretty pumped up for this game.