NBA – Nuggets hammer Hornets to take command in play-off showdown
NEW ORLEANS (NBA) - The Denver Nuggets destroyed the New Orleans Hornets by 58 points on Monday night to claim a 3-1 lead in their first-round play-off series. In a Western Conference best known for its parity this season, there was nothing equal about the Nuggets and Hornets in this one as Denver won on the road 121-63. The margin of ...
NEW ORLEANS (NBA) - The Denver Nuggets destroyed the New Orleans Hornets by 58 points on Monday night to claim a 3-1 lead in their first-round play-off series.
In a Western Conference best known for its parity this season, there was nothing equal about the Nuggets and Hornets in this one as Denver won on the road 121-63.
The margin of victory was the largest in the play-offs since 1956 when the Minneapolis Lakers thrashed the St Louis Hawks 133-75.
Team USA's Carmelo Anthony needed just three quarters to score his 26 points.
Chris Paul, a leading man for the United States' gold-medal winning side at the Beijing Olympics, had just four points and six assists for the Hornets.
"I don't think I've ever had a team play defense like that," Denver coach George Karl said of his side. "Defensively, when you play this well, offense just happens."
The Nuggets will now return home to Colorado looking to finish off the Hornets in Game 5 on Wednesday.
The Los Angeles Lakers advanced to the Western Conference Semi-Finals after prevailing at home over the Utah Jazz 107-96.
The triumph gave Kobe Bryant and Co a 4-1 series victory.
Team USA star Bryant, who will lead the Americans at the 2010 FIBA World Championship and has already said he wants to play at the London Olympics, scored 31 points for LA.
Lamar Odom also continued his fine play in the post-season with 25 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers while Spain's Pau Gasol contributed 17 points and 11 boards.
LA await the winner of the series between Houston and Portland. The Rockets lead that tie 3-1.
In the Eastern Conference, the Atlanta Hawks hit back to level their first-round series with Miami at 2-2 by winning 81-71 on Monday.
The Hawks held USA international Dwyane Wade to nine of 26 shooting from the floor and 22 points on the night.
Mike Bibby had 15 points and Joe Johnson 14 for the Hawks.
FIBA