NBA – Nuggets seize 2-0 lead with second big win over Mavs

DENVER (NBA) - The Dallas Mavericks pushed Denver hard for three quarters on Tuesday but the Nuggets blew them away in the fourth to win Game 2 of their NBA Western Conference Semi-Final series 117-105.

Team USA’s Carmelo Anthony poured in 15 of his 25 points in the final quarter for Denver.

Ten of his points came in a 16-2 run at the beginning of the final frame that served as the knockout blow for the Nuggets.

Germany international Dirk Nowitzki, who had 35 points for Dallas, said: "They're so explosive. I think we kept the turnovers down but right there in that phase where they made their run, we had two or three costly ones and took two bad shots.

"The next thing you know, from a four-point lead it's 14. That's how explosive that team is. We've got to look at some stuff."

The good news for the Mavs is that they are now returning home where they were 17-1 after the All-Star break.

The bad news is that Denver was the team to beat them.

In fact, Dallas haven't beaten the Nuggets all season.

Brazil international center Nene also had 25 points and eight rebounds for Denver, who out-rebounded the Mavs 42-35.

Chris Andersen came off the bench and had a game-high nine boards to go with his eight points for Denver.

LeBron James celebrated claiming his first NBA MVP award by leading Cleveland past Atlanta in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference Semi-Final series.

James finished with 34 points, 10 rebounds and four steals in the 99-72 win.

FIBA