Lakers reach Finals with overpowering Game 6 victory
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony had reason to feel extremely disappointed as their season's clock ticked down. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Nuggets flamboyant, explosive guard J.R. Smith crossed over Los Angeles Lakers defender Sasha Vujacic, sped into the lane, and glided to the rim for the layup. The crowd rose and cheered as one, applauding Smith’s attack that sparked the Nuggets into contention in a game they had to win.
The crowd cheered again as the clocked ticked down in the fourth quarter, but it was for a different reason. The packed arena gave their team a standing ovation, congratulating them on a very successful season that was about to come to an end.
The Lakers were dominant, on a mission. They shot 58 percent from the field, made all 24 free-throws, 9 of 16 three-pointers, and dished 28 assists. Aside from eleven first half turnovers, Los Angeles played as well as possible given the circumstances–on the road in a hostile environment.
Lakers guard Kobe Bryant was spectacular once again. He scored 35 points and dished 10 assists, and thwarted a Denver rally midway through the fourth quarter with a flashy dunk and a heavily contested three-pointer only he, seemingly, can make. Because Bryant received tremendous contributions from center Pau Gasol, forward Lamar Odom, and guard Trevor Ariza, a threesome that combined to tally 57 points on a blistering 22-33 shooting from the field, Los Angeles was able to control the tempo, and thereby force the Nuggets to fight from behind.
Bryant said in his post-game press conference that Denver was a “problem” for his Lakers. The Nuggets fell flat in Game 6, losing on their home court by 27 points, but though the way they exited was disappointing, there was a reason Bryant gave them high praise. They deserved to be in this position, with a chance to make their franchise’s NBA Finals appearance. They boasted a talented cast of characters, a wild, free-spirited bunch that meshed perfectly.
Point guard Chauncey Billups, who came over in perhaps the best mid-season trade ever that sent Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons, flourished as soon as he stepped on the floor with his hometown team. His turned a team that had the looks of the Portland Jailblazers of old into a respected, into a respected, if a tad egotistical, playoff contender. In 2008, the Nuggets were laughable. Many of their players, like Smith, Anderson, and Carmelo Anthony, had their troubles with the law, while other’s gained similar, unwarranted or not, reputations as thugs. These players cleaned up their acts, maturing into professionals as soon as Billups flight landed at Denver International Airport on November 4.
I despised the Nuggets throughout the season, mainly because they were a division foe of my Portland Trail Blazers. Yet, even though I was a little disturbed by a few of their players–Anderson and Smith, in particular–I recognized their talent, and how the presence of Billups changed the team’s mindset. I quickly came to the conclusion that, with Billups in the fold, they suddenly morphed from an immature pretender into a championship contender.
After playing no defense whatsoever during the short Iverson era, Denver figured out that their play on this side of the ball was just as important, if not more so, than offense. This newfound intensity, led by the shot-blocking ability of Anderson and the improved perimeter defense of Smith and Anthony, combated a well-oiled offensive machine.
Anthony was an integral part of their success, specifically on offense. He, in a matter of weeks, morphed into a physical, all-around scorer. Prior to Billups arrival, the forward relied heavily on his perimeter shooting, rarely using his strength to his advantage. Like many other things, he changed overnight, becoming a dominant scorer inside and out.
With a good defense, an even better offense, and a point guard with championship experience, a second title for Billups was a distinct possibility. They locked up the second seed in the conference and, after disposing of the New Orleans Hornets in the first round, and the Dallas Mavericks in the second, they were the problem the Lakers had to contend with. This was not the same team Los Angeles swept in the first round of the 2008 playoffs. A lot of the same players remained, but the difference in mindset and confidence level made them a serious problem for the Lakers to undertake.
The loss was crushing for Nuggets fans as the clock wound down on their season. Yet, even though they were dejected, they had reason to muster an applause and thank their team. A team that can only improve upon a successful, prolonged season.
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