Artest Steps Up As Lakers Defeat Nuggets

[JesRey]

Lakers (32-13) vs. Nuggets (24-18)

Horrible shooting by the Lakers and Nuggets to start off the game. Both teams started off 3-for-15 from the field combined.

Ron Artest got the offense going, scoring nine points in the first nine minutes. But Denver finished the quarter leading 25-22. Both teams shot under 41% in the quarter.

Lakers' bench started off the 2nd quarter with a nice 7-0 run to take a quick four-point lead. They continued to play well, which allowed Kobe to sit for the first seven minutes of the second quarter. Lakers couldn't hold onto the lead and went into the half trailing 52-49.

Gasol had nine points and nine rebounds at the half. He was around the basket tonight, something that was missing in the past couple of games.

Kobe took over the 3rd quarter. Diving on the ground for loose balls, getting his teammates involved and scoring on difficult shots. Kobe played like he was 25 years old again. Lakers finished the third quarter leading 82-72.

The Lakers big men dominated the entire game. In the 4th quarter, Nene gave Andrew Bynum an extra shove after fouling him. Bynum quickly stood up and they stared each other in the face. No techinal fouls were given out. Lakers lead by 16 points after Bynum hit both free throws.

Lakers controlled the entire 4th quarter. Their second win on the road against teams with winning records above .500.

Key Numbers:
19 points for Ron Artest
13 rebounds for Pau Gasol
5 Lakers with 17 or more points
2 double-doubles (Gasol/Odom)

Box Score: Lakers 107 Nuggets 97


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