Denver Denies Grizzlies in Nailbiter
Instant classic played between Nuggets & Grizzlies
Memphis 95, Denver 96
Hakim Warrick looks on in his disbelief as Memphis falls
Denver, CO -- Early on, the Nuggets absolutely could not miss, and the Grizzlies were unable to buy a bucket. J.R. Smith was the primary offensive threat for Denver in the first half, hitting four three-pointers early on in the contest. Carmelo Anthony chipped in as well, contributing thirteen points in the first two quarters.
Hakim Warrick played great from the opening tip for Memphis, but his help was very few and far between. The starting power forward for the Grizz put up eight points in the first half, leading his team. In addition, the lanky big man grabbed five rebounds.
Throughout the first two quarters, the Nuggets held momentum, but found the lead dwindling here and there when Memphis decided to go on a run. However, at the intermission, the home team held a seven point lead.
This second half was much of the same, but Rudy Gay came alive as another scoring threat for Memphis. The Grizzlies were able to actually take a five-point lead at a few times in the second half, but Anthony would not let the margin get out of hand. The superstar swingman hit big shots one after another to keep his team in the game.
Late in the fourth, the two teams swapped baskets at an alarming rate. The atmosphere was very tense, but the visiting Grizzlies were able to build a three-point lead. Anthony hit a jumper with 11 seconds left in the game to cut the deficit to one, then the Nuggets immediately fouled Warrick after the inbound pass. Warrick was unable to hit either free throw, and Denver quickly called a timeout. With five seconds left on the game clock, Anthony was able to strike again with a great jumper. The Grizzlies called their final timeout and drew up their final play. With barely any time left on the clock, Memphis fed the ball to the reigning Player of the Week, O.J. Mayo. Mayo stutter stepped, then pulled up for a quick jumper behind the free-throw line... CLANK! The Nuggets were able to hold on behind Anthony's strong performance, earning the 96-95 victory.
Player of the Game
Carmelo Anthony (DEN) - 29 Points, 13-25 FG, 1-5 3PT, 6 Rebounds, 7 Assists
50% FG
6-14 3PT (42%)
5-8 FT
27 Assists
11 Turnovers
35 Rebounds
64 PitP
23 Bench Points
Hakim Warrick - 26 Points, 13-18 FG, 9 Rebounds, 2 Steals
Rudy Gay - 25 Points, 10-19 FG, 5-8 3PT, 2 Assists
Marc Gasol - 11 Points, 5-7 FG, 2 Rebounds, 3 Blocks
Darko Milicic - 11 Points, 5-12 FG, 7 Rebounds
Marko Jaric - 8 Points, 3-5 FG, 4 Rebounds, 3 Assists
O.J. Mayo - 7 Points, 3-16 FG, 1-3 3PT, 6 Rebounds, 10 Assists
Mike Conley - 3 Points, 1-3 FG, 4 Rebounds, 8 Assists
49% FG
6-19 3PT (31%)
8-9 FT
32 Assists
8 Turnovers
38 Rebounds
48 PitP
19 Bench Points
J.R. Smith - 28 Points, 11-19 FG, 4-9 3PT, 4 Rebounds, 4 Assists
Linas Kleiza - 9 Points, 4-6 FG, 5 Rebounds, 2 Assists
Nene - 8 Points, 3-9 FG, 11 Rebounds, 6 Assists, 2 Steals, 2 Blocks
Kenyon Martin - 6 Points, 2-8 FG, 4 Rebounds
Allen Iverson - 6 Points, 3-9 FG, 3 Rebounds, 12 Assists, 5 Steals
Record: 3-4