Denver Wins Series Finale Against Golden State

Role player J.R. Smith came off the bench hot scoring 24 points in 26 minutes

Monta Ellis had 29 for the Warriors, and Baron Davis and Al Harrington had 20 apiece in a losing effort.

The game started fast pace as expected, with either team playing much defense. Golden State began to take off with an 18-8 run capped off by a series of three pointers by Al Harrington. The Warriors led by as much as 15 when the 1^st quarter ended 37-22.

The 2^nd quarter began with Denver going on a 22-1 run to take their first lead of the game highlighted by Allen Iverson’s seven points during the spree. J.R. Smith’s jumper with 7:33 in the 2nd gave the Nuggets’ their first lead 39-38; since 2-0 in the first quarter. Denver’s lead grew as much to six (46-40).

The W’s took back the lead back lost it again. However, Golden State outscored the Nuggets 20-15 to end the half with Denver leading 61-60.

The teams came out of the locker rooms evenly matched as the lead went back and forth. Denver gained the upper hand and began to pull away with a 13-4 run that put the score at 80-74 with 3:35 remaining in the 3^rd.  Golden State battled back going on a 6-0 run to close the deficit to 83-80 with 1:13 in the 3rd.

The third quarter ended with Denver leading 89-82. 

The 4^th quarter was all Denver’s. They outscored the Warriors 15-9 to open the period, and never looked back. The run widened the lead to Denver 107-90 Warriors. J.R. Smith had 10 points in the 4^th including a 3 pointer to start the 4^th and a dunk to seal the deal for Denver. The W’s would not go down quietly though.

They managed to cut the margin to under double figures twice within the final minutes and got it to as close as 6, but Allen Iverson’s 3 pointer with 2:05 proved to be the dagger.

Stephen Jackson got into foul trouble early and it plagued Don Nelson's team and cut off the three point shooting.

With the win Denver takes the season series 3-1, and a game over the Golden State Warriors as the eight seed in the Western Conference playoff race. The Nuggets and Golden State only have three games remaining apiece.

Denver – Utah, Houston, Memphis
GSW – Phoenix, LAC, Seattle