Denver Nuggets vs. LA Lakers Preview: Lakers in LA a True Test for New Nuggets
This is why we watch.
Today's nationally televised game (ABC) features two NBA heavyweights going toe to toe in LA.
The Lakers, led by arguably the greatest coach of all time in Phil Jackson and arguably the best LA player ever in Kobe Bryant, are the hottest team in basketball.
After going an astounding 12-1 in the month of March, Jackson was named the coach of the month as the reigning world champions reminded everyone the games matter more down the stretch than early in the season.
Right on the Lakers' heels for best in basketball are the Denver Nuggets, who are 14-4 since their tremendous trade, currently a mile high on their five-game winning streak.
And the Nuggets are not simply winning, they are dominating opponents.
On their current win streak, the Nuggets prevailed by an average of 13.8 points per game by playing team basketball.
These Nuggets share the rock (21 APG), a variety of players are allowed to score at will (at least six players have scored double digits in every game on this streak) and most importantly, Denver's defensive effort is outstanding.
The new Nuggets only allow 95.1 PPG, nearly 10 points per contest less than before the trade, and Denver's D keeps them in games against better teams (see: LA today).
And while the old Nuggets always seemed to fade in the fourth quarter, these new Nuggets finish with ferocity.
In their two most recent games, a home-and-home against the Kings, the Nuggets outscored Sacramento 64-36 in the third quarter, 114-78 in the second half.
The superb second half play is a trend too; on their five-game win streak, Denver's dominated by an average of 14.4 points (56.8-42.4) in their second halves, imposing their will to win.
The Nuggets will likely need another second half stacked with superlative play today as LA put a 54-37 half together in their latest drubbing of the Jazz and the Lakers are known for pummeling opponents after halftime.
Unfortunately for Denver, they will be without Arron Afflalo, Chris "Birdman" Andersen and Al Harrington for today's game. Afflalo, who returned after 10 days off, re-aggravated his injured hamstring, Andersen landed wrong on his ankle (x-rays were negative) and Harrington is fighting achilles tendinitis that has plagued him his entire career.
Still, if the Nuggets can compete in this game, without a starter and a couple big time bench performers, it will be a statement. If Denver can somehow find a way to win, as they have since the trade, this will be a marquee win heading into the playoffs.
Here's a look at how the two teams match up stats wise:
Denver LA
Points for 107.49 (1) 101.99
Points against 102.75 95.07 (5)
FG percentage 47.6 (3) 46.5
Rebounds per 41.9 42.2
Tip off is set for 1:30 MDT on ABC and this will be a great game so make sure to tune in!
Rich Kurtzman is a freelance journalist actively seeking a career in journalism. Along with being the CSU Rams Examiner, Kurtzman is a Denver Nuggets and NBA Featured Columnist for bleacherreport.com, the Colorado/Utah Regional Correspondent for stadiumjourney.com, a weekly contributor to milehighhoops.com and a contributor to milehighreport.com writing on the Denver Broncos.
Rich also heads up PR for K-Biz and Beezy, a Colorado-based rap group.
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