2012 NBA Free Agency: Andre Miller Will Only Be A Backup For A 'Championship-Caliber Team'

Veteran point guard Andre Miller was a big asset for the Denver Nuggets in the 2011-12 NBA season, but when he hits unrestricted free agency this summer, Denver is going to have a tough time keeping him around. It won't be for lack of trying. Head coach George Karl explained during that playoffs that he just wants Miller to give the team "a chance to communicate how much we would like to get him back this summer." However, young PG Ty Lawson is eligible for an extension this summer, and Miller warned back in January that "I don't see myself as a backup...This is a short season, so I'll deal with it. But I don't see myself as a backup at this point in my career. I don't see that."

In other words, if the team makes a lucrative extension offer to Lawson, Miller could easily be on another team next season. As he told Christopher Dempsey of the Denver Post after the team was eliminated from the 2012 NBA Playoffs: "I'll keep my options open. At this point in my career, if I'm going to be a backup, I'm going to be a backup on a championship-caliber team." Miller did say the Nuggets are a team that can compete and get out of the first round, but reiterated that he sees himself as an NBA starter and if the free agent market leaves him searching for a backup role he wants to join "a team that's going to compete for a championship, and not use youth as a crutch or inexperience as a crutch."

Miller may be a bit on the decline -- the 36-year-old posted a career-low in PER (14.8), a career-high in turnover rate and his lowest TS% since the 2002-03 season -- but the Nuggets were a better team with him on the floor in terms of point-differential, shooting percentage and percentage of field goals assisted.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

JaVale McGee Injury: Nuggets C Had Dislocated Shoulder At End Of Game 7

Denver Nuggets center JaVale McGee had a dislocated shoulder in the final seconds of Game 7 against the Los Angeles Lakers after Andrew Bynum fouled him. However, it did pop back into place, reports Nuggets.com writer Aaron Lopez.

This isn't expected to lead to any problems as he enters into restricted free agency this summer. The Nuggets will be able to match any offer sheet McGee might sign this summer, but, as always, the question is how high the Nuggets will go until they won't match a deal.

McGee averaged 8.6 points, 9.6 rebounds and 3.1 blocks during the first round of the playoffs, including a games of 21 points and 14 rebounds and 16 points and 15 rebounds.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Final Score: L.A. Picks Up Game 7 Victory, Eliminates Denver

The Denver Nuggets played the Los Angeles Lakers close on Saturday evening, but they emerged on the wrong end of a 96-87 loss in Game 7 of the 2012 NBA Western Conference Playoffs. The Nuggets have failed to advance out of the first round of the playoffs in eight of the last nine seasons.

The Nuggets failed to break the 20-point barrier in the second and fourth quarters, putting up 18 and 19 points, respectively. Unlike previous games in this series, the Nuggets won the third quarter, 26-21. Ty Lawson and Al Harrington each scored 24 points, tied for the team lead, but Arron Afflalo was the only other scorer to reach double-digit points with 15. The team shot 39.3 percent from the field.

The Lakers received big games all around. Pau Gasol led the way with 23 points, 17 rebounds and four blocks. Metta World Peace returned from his seven-game suspension to score 15 points, grab five rebounds, steal the ball four times and make two blocks. Andrew Bynum joined in with 16 points, 18 rebounds and six blocks. Kobe Bryant had a quiet game, of sorts, with 17 points and eight assists. Steve Blake was strong off the bench with 19 points, hitting 5-of-6 threes.

The Lakers will play the Oklahoma City Thunder in the next round of the playoffs.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update: Denver Narrows Deficit To 69-68

With the series tied 3-3, the Los Angeles Lakers lead the Denver Nuggets by only one point heading into the fourth quarter. After a furious comeback late in the third quarter, the Nuggets managed to narrow their deficit to 69-68.

Midway through the third period, the Lakers had opened a 62-46 lead, but the 16-point deficit began to edge away as PG Ty Lawson (24 pts, 4 ast) caught fire and personally led an 8-2 Nuggets run to bring Denver within 7 points.

SG Kobe Bryant, meanwhile, has gone cold, missing on free throws and showing what may well be signs of fatigue following his earlier illness. Bryant has scored only 14 after scoring 31 and 43 point in the previous two matchups.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

GIF: Kobe Bryant Unties Danilo Gallinari's Shoes

With the Los Angeles Lakers currently leading the Denver Nuggets by double digits in the decisive Game 7 of the First Round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs, SG Kobe Bryant added insult to injury.

In the third period, with the Lakers starting to pull away, Bryant drove to the net and feigned SF Danilo Gallinari into a massive misdirection -- a moment captured by the SB Nation GIF crew:

With a pump-fake pass to his left, Bryant pulled Gallinari out of the lane and into the history books:

With time expiring in the third quarter, the Nuggets have reduced the double-digit deficit to just 5 points, led primarily by PG Ty Lawson who sports an impressive 24 points and 4 assists on the day.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update: Los Angeles Leads Denver 48-42 At Half

The Denver Nuggets are narrowly trailing the Los Angeles Lakers 48-42 at halftime in the decisive Game 7 of the 7-game series.

PF Pau Gasol has thus far led the Lakers' attack, leading both teams with 13 points -- including a last-minute tip-in before halftime -- and 7 rebounds. Gasol scored only 3 and 9 points in the Lakers' two previous games, both Nuggets wins.

The Nuggets offense, meanwhile, has leaned on the play from PF Al Harrington who managed to score 8 points in only 10 minutes of play. Unfortunately, Harrington -- who refused to wear a mask to protect his broken nose -- took a hit to that sore spot and found himself on the bench with an ice pack:

C JaVale McGee, shooting 0-for-4 from the floor with 5 rebounds and only 2 points, clearly did not enjoy the fast-paced direction the game had turned:

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Could Mike Brown's Job Be In Jeopardy?

After winning the past two games to force a Game 7 in their series against the Los Angeles Lakers, the Denver Nuggets head to Staples Center knowing that all the pressure is on their opponent. Even though the last thing they needed was a distraction away from the court, that is exactly what the Lakers have received in the past 24 hours, with Magic Johnson saying on ESPN that Mike Brown won't return next year if they fail to advance:

"They're going to run Mike Brown first out of town," Johnson said as an ESPN NBA analyst Friday. "Then second will be [Andrew] Bynum. Then third will be [Pau] Gasol."

"His job will go," Johnson said. "The Lakers are about championships. That's what the Lakers are about. If they lose this game, Mike Brown, I bet you, will not be sitting there."

It should be noted that Johnson no longer has any ownership stake in the Lakers, but remains a Vice-President with the organization. If the Nuggets can pull off the remarkable upset it could lead to a fascinating offseason in Southern California.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 7: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Denver Nuggets are one game away from advancing to Western Conference semifinals -- or they are just one game away from being out of the 2012 NBA Playoffs all together. On Saturday night at the Staples Center, the Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers tip-off for the right to face the Oklahoma City Thunder.

The Nuggets have won the last two games, one away and one home. In the former, the Nuggets held off a Kobe Bryant 43-point assault. In the latter, the Nuggets came out blazing with a 13-0 run to start the game and contained a sick Kobe Bryant.

The Lakers, though, will receive reinforcement for this game with the return of Metta World Peace. His seven-game suspension for elbowing has ended, giving much soothing comfort to Kobe Bryant. Will Andrew Bynum finally have that close-out game he talked about earlier in the series?

Watch out for Kenneth Faried, who played at full intensity in Game 6. George Karl will certainly turn to him for that kind of play once again.

Game time/date: 8:30 p.m. MT, Saturday, May 12, 2012

Location: Staples Center, Los Angeles, CA

TV: TNT

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers, 2012 NBA Playoffs: Kobe Bryant Welcomes Return Of Metta World Peace From Suspension

When the Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers take the court on Saturday evening for the decisive Game 7 in this playoff series, Metta World Peace, suspended for the last seven games for throwing an elbow, will be able to play once again. And Kobe Bryant is sure happy to have that happen (via ESPN Los Angeles):

"He's the one guy that I can rely on night in and night out to compete and play hard and play with that sense of urgency and no fear," Bryant said of World Peace. "I'm looking forward to having that by my side again."

Might well have asked Kobe how he felt about his teammates. I mean, Andrew Bynum's comments about close-out games being easy came back to haunt him these last two games. But we'll just need to see how much time World Peace plays. Never know when he might throw another elbow.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Ty Lawson's 32 Points Are Too Much For Kobe Bryant And Company

The Denver Nuggets started hot, stayed hot and left the Los Angeles Lakers in a smoldering rubble as they destroyed LA 113-96 at the Pepsi Center to force a Game 7. Point guard Ty Lawson has been working well in tandem with veteran PG Andre Miller for most of the series, but on Thursday night he turned in the best playoff performance of his young career. His ability to push the pace and get the Nuggets into transition helped create an early 13-0 lead that left the Lakers on their heels, and his game-high 32 points on a sparkling 13-18 shooting helped Denver seal the deal.

Over at SB Nation's Nuggets blog, Denver Stiffs, Nate Timmons broke down the impressive win from a multitude of angles. Danilo Gallinari and Kenneth Faried received plenty of praise for their efforts, and Kobe Bryant certainly did his best to keep the Lakers in the game with 31 points on 13-23 shooting, but Andrew Bynum and Ty Lawson were at the center of all the most important action of the night. Here's what Timmons had to say, in part:

Andrew Bynum put up another meaningless double-double with 11 points and 16 rebounds (and 4 blocks). His 4-11 performance really shined through with his zombie like bench performance where he failed to even enter the team huddle during the game ... what a great teammate!

Lawson - wow. Just wow. I don't think we can expect another shooting night like this from Lawson, but he was doing all of his damage from the perimeter tonight ... well most of it. Lawson was 5-6 from deep and just had his way with the Lakers. He showed why being a duel threat is important in the NBA ... he can play at the rim and is getting more and more confidence on the perimeter.

The winner-takes-all Game 7 is set for Saturday at Staples Center in Los Angeles. If the Nuggets play anything like they did on Thursday night, the Lakers will be watching the rest of the 2012 NBA Playoffs from home.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 6 Final Score: Denver Ties Series, 3-3, With 113-96 Victory

The Denver Nuggets moved one game closer to escaping the opening round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs following Thursday night's 113-96 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, tying the series at three games apiece. From the opening tip-off to the final buzzer, there were few moments of doubt that the nuggets would lose the game. From the 13-0 opening run to Corey Brewer's strong play off the bench, this had a Nuggets victory written all over it.

Ty Lawson led the team with 32 points, six assists and five rebounds. He was 13-of-18 from the field, including a solid 5-of-6 from beyond the arc. The team was 10-of-20 overall from three-point land, a step above the last few games for the team.

Rookie forward Kenneth Faried played with everlasting intensity, scoring 15 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. He recovered from Kobe Bryant blow to the back of the head, not skipping a bet. Arron Afflalo and Danilo Gallinari combined for 18 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds.

Corey Brewer came up with 18 points off the bench, making numerous mid-range jumpers for an 8-of-12 performance from the floor. Andre Miller added 12 points.

Kobe Bryant battled the stomach flu, coming up with 31 points, but that wasn't enough to lead the Lakers to victory. He made 13-of-23 shots, but the team shot 41.7 percent overall from the field, 10 percentage points below the Nuggets' performance. Andrew Bynum scored 11 points, grabbed 16 rebounds and blocked four shots.

The decisive Game 7 will take place on Saturday at the Staples Center.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Extends Lead To 90-68 After Three Quarters

The Denver Nuggets have began to pull away from the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6, leading 90-68 through three quarters in a must-win game. With a possible Game 7 in the cards, the Nuggets have played like a team with its season on the brink, dominating the Lakers despite a gutty effort from Kobe Bryant.

After taking a 54-45 lead over the Lakers at halftime, the Nuggets really opened things up with a 36-point third quarter led by the stunning performance of Ty Lawson. Denver's point guard has 32 points on 13-of-18 shooting, five rebounds and six assists while orchestrating the offense with great efficiency, never turning the ball over.

Despite the stomach bug that kept him out of Thursday practice, Bryant continues to put up big numbers for L.A. Through three quarters, Kobe leads the Lakers with 29 points on 12-for-21 shooting, plus Andrew Bynum has 11 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over toNuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets: Kenneth Faried Hit Hard On Head By Kobe Bryant

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant isn't feeling well -- dealing with the stomach will make that happen. However, he also isn't playing good defense. Denver Nuggets rookie forward Kenneth Faried made a drive to the basket with Bryant and Matt Barnes around him. As Faried leaps into the air, Barnes is in front and to the right of his opponent. Bryant, on the other hand, is behind Faried. Let's take a look at what happens after that:

OK, I see Bryant sort of try to swat the ball away from Faried, but that a whole lot of elbow and arm that slams into the back of Faried's head. Faried falls to the floor and all the way into the sidelines. And he doesn't look good at all. He clearly was dazed and confused after that (check out the GIF of that).

Faried got back up, stayed in the game and played with the same intensity he has had all game.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Leads 54-45 At Halftime

The Denver Nuggets are leading 54-45 at halftime against the Los Angeles Lakers as they hope to force a Game 7 on Thursday night at the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets are trailing 3-2 in the seven-game series, but they can send the series back to L.A. by winning this game.

After a hot start that saw Denver leading 13-0, the Nuggets have settled in and maintained a solid lead all half. The Lakers got as close as five points in the second quarter, but the Nuggets have responded to every Lakers run since building their initial lead.

Through one half, the Nuggets are shooting 51 percent from the field. While they're shooting a pathetic 2-for-5 from the free throw line so far, they've made up for it by shooting 8-for-11 from three-point range. The Lakers are shooting 42 percent from the field.

Ty Lawson leads the Nuggets with 19 points, including 4-for-4 shooting from long range. Kobe Bryant, despite dealing with a stomach bug, leads the Lakers with 19 points on 7-for-13 shooting.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Scores First 13 Points, Leads 28-20 After First Quarter

If one of the Denver Nuggets' goals for Game 6 was to get off to a strong start, they certainly met it on Thursday night. Through one quarter, the Nuggets are leading 30-20 against the Los Angeles Lakers after jumping out to a double-digit lead before L.A. could even score a single point.

Over the first three-plus minutes of the game, the Nuggets dominated the Lakers, taking a 13-0 lead following this huge slam dunk from forward Kenneth Faried:

Denver has led by as many as 15 in the period, with the occasionally impressive play of Kobe Bryant basically being the only thing keeping the Lakers in the game at this point. Bryant has ten points on 4-for-8 shooting so far.

Through one quarter, the Nuggets are shooting 12-for-25 from the the field, but what's truly impressive is that they've knocked down 5-of-7 attempts from three-point range. Ty Lawson has been simply stunning, with a 4-for-4 performance from long range leading to 15 first quarter points.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Kobe Bryant Injury: Lakers SG Will Play In Game 6

Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant will play without a minutes restriction against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night, according to Dave McMenamin of ESPN Los Angeles. Bryant missed Thursday practices with a stomach issue but the general expectation has always been that he would play.

Speaking with reporters, Lakers coach Mike Brown suggested that Bryant won't be too limited:

Obviously we'll watch it the best we can, but (Lakers trainer) Gary Vitti said there isn't a minutes restriction or anything like that.

The Lakers are leading 3-2 over the Nuggets in the seven game series with Bryant leading the way. The Lakers guard has averaged 31.2 PPG on 43 percent shooting, 5.8 RPG and 4.6 APG over the first five games of the series.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over toNuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Injury Update: Corey Brewer Needed Stitches Below Left Eye, Will Play In Game 6

The Denver Nuggets will need all hands on deck tonight if they're going to knock off the Los Angeles Lakers and force Game 7 in their opening round series in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. Despite sustaining a cut in Game 5 that required three stitches below his left left eye, swing man Corey Brewer will play for the Nuggets on Thursday night.

#Nuggets F @CoreyBrewer13 needed 3 stitches below left eye after taking elbow in Game 5 but he will play tonight.

— Denver Nuggets (@denvernuggets) May 10, 2012

Brewer played only 15 minutes in Game 5, finishing with just two points on 1-of-5 shooting from the floor. Denver's bench was still a huge part of the team's success in Game 5, outscoring the bench of the Lakers' 50-19.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

NBA Sixth Man Of The Year Award 2012: Al Harrington Finishes 4th In Voting

As expected, third year Oklahoma City Thunder guard James Harden was named the NBA's 2012 Sixth Man of the Year on Thursday afternoon. Harden was the obvious choice for months. The Arizona State product averaged 16.8 points per game for the Thunder this season and posted an impressive PER of 21.13.

Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington finished fourth in the voting.

#Nuggets forward Al Harrington finishes 4th in the NBA 6th Man of the Year voting. He received 9 2nd-place votes and 15 3rds.

— Denver Nuggets (@denvernuggets) May 10, 2012

Harrington finished the 2011-2012 season with averages of 14.2 points per game and 6.1 rebounds per game. Harrington ended the regular season with a 15.39 PER. The Nuggets' bench was a big reason why George Karl's team made the postseason in the always treacherous Western Conference, and Harrington was certainly a vital component.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Kobe Bryant Status Update: Lakers Guard Expected To Play Despite Missing Shootaround

Sure, Kobe Bryant missed shootaround for the Los Angeles Lakers on Thursday morning, but a little thing like gastroenteritis isn't going to stop him from playing in Game 6 against the Denver Nuggets, reports Yahoo! Sports' Adrian Wojnarowski.

Y! Sources: Despite stomach ailment, Kobe Bryant expected to play in Game 6 tonight against Denver. tinyurl.com/d8gxty3

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@WojYahooNBA) May 10, 2012

Bryant has averaged 31.2 points over the first five games, including 43 points in a losing effort against the Nuggets on Tuesday. His two lowest-scoring games -- 22 points each time -- came at the Pepsi Center, though his team won Game 4 there.

Will the Nuggets be able to take advantage of a less than 100 percent Kobe, or will we see a dominant Kobe?

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Kobe Bryant Status Update: Lakers Guard Misses Shootaround On Thursday

The Los Angeles Lakers may be without their star as they take on the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. According to Mike Trudell of Lakers.com, G Kobe Bryant is ailing from the bacterial infection know as gastroenteritis:

Kobe Bryant missed L.A.'s shootaround with gastroenteritis. We'll have an update 90 minutes before the game.

— Mike Trudell (@LakersReporter) May 10, 2012

Bryant currently leads the NBA Playoffs with 31.2 points per game and 156 points overall. In Tuesday's 102-99 Nuggets win, Bryant scored an impressive 43 points with 5 threes and a 10 for 11 night on free throws.

During the regular season, Bryant averaged 27.9 points per game with 4.6 assists and 5.4 rebounds per game. The Lakers currently lead the Nuggets 3-2, but without Bryant, the momentum could potentially shift into the Nuggets' favor.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets VP Says JaVale McGee Contract Extension Is 'One Hundred Percent' A Team Priority This Summer

The NBA is a strange place, and JaVale McGee is a strange player. After being acquired by the Denver Nuggets at the NBA Trade Deadline, the mercurial big man that couldn't quite cut it with the Washington Wizards has come on strong in the 2012 NBA Playoffs against Andrew Bynum and the Los Angeles Lakers. McGee has nearly averaged a double-double through five playoff games, and he's clearly been a handful for Bynum for long stretches of the series, and that has everyone on the Nuggets excited. Here's a look at what McGee has done so far against the Lakers in his first-ever playoff series:

Those numbers aren't eye-popping in many areas -- for a player who gets plenty of dunks the 51.2 percent shooting is a bit low -- but his offensive rebounding prowess and shot-blocking ability on the defensive end have certainly been assets for the Nuggets. George Karl is so enamored with the big man that he compared McGee to former ABA MVP and four-time NBA All-Star Connie Hawkins in a talk with Benjamin Hochman of the Denver Post: "I don't think I've ever coached a guy like this. He has the kind of moves of a 6-6 player. The guy he kind of reminds me of a little bit is (1970s star) Connie Hawkins."

Karl did stress that McGee has a long way to go to reach that potential, but the praise didn't stop there. The Nuggets have to worry about McGee hitting restricted free agency this summer, but team executive VP of basketball operations Masai Ujiri said "our intent was to get JaVale for the future, not just for three months," and that reaching a long-term deal with the high-flyer is "one hundred percent" something the team wants to do.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over toNuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Game 6: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Los Angeles Lakers staged a frightening comeback on their home court, but the Denver Nuggets were able to hold on and score a huge Game 5 victory in L.A. on Tuesday night. Denver's victory pushed the series to 3-2 and forced a Game 6 at the Pepsi Center on Thursday. The story remains the same for the Nuggets: win or go home for an extended summer vacation.

The Nuggets got stellar efforts from a pair of unexpected candidates in Game 5: point guard Andre Miller and center JaVale McGee, both of whom came off the bench. Miller finished with 24 points and eight assists, while McGee ended his night with 21 points and 14 rebounds.

Game Date & Time: Thursday, May 9, 8:30 p.m. MT

Location: Pepsi Center; Denver, CO.

TV: Altitude, TNT

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers, NBA Playoffs 2012: Corey Brewer Probable Following Left Eye Injury

The Denver Nuggets return to the Pepsi Center on Thursday for Game 6 against the Los Angeles Lakers in their opening round 2012 NBA Playoffs. With a 102-99 victory on the road, the Nuggets staved off elimination and are one win away from tying this series. They will have Corey Brewer as probably for the game following his left eye laceration, according to Benjamin Hochman:

Corey Brewer is probable for Game 6 (left eye laceration) #Nuggets

— Benjamin Hochman (@nuggetsnews) May 9, 2012

Brewer, who scored two points in 15 minutes played, received an elbow to his left eye from JaVale McGee near the end of the game. He went to ground on the court and was taken over to the sidelines. He looked woozy and a gash under his left eye soon appeared.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Lakers Vs. Nuggets: Reaction To Denver's First Road Elimination Game Win Ever

The Denver Nuggets pulled out a gusty 102-99 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday night, and the game carried some serious historical significance beyond the immediate truth that the Nuggets are still alive in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. As noted by Andrew Feinstein of SB Nation's Denver Nuggets blog, Denver Stiffs, the Nuggets won an elimination playoff game on the road for the first time in franchise history on Tuesday night.

Most of the praise should go to JaVale McGee and Andre Miller. McGee bothered Andrew Bynum all night long, and shined again with 21 points on 9-12 shooting and a game-high 14 rebounds -- including six big offensive rebounds. As for Miller, the veteran point guard led the Nuggets with 24 points on 8-11 shooting to go with eight assists and came up with some huge buckets down the stretch to protect the lead.

Here what Feinstein has to say in reaction to the unexpected win over at Denver Stiffs:

Karl's victory was delivered largely by McGee. A raw, rangy kid who is having a coming out party of sorts in this series and is making Nuggets' vice president Masai Ujiri look like a wizard for dumping Nene's bad contract on the NBA's Wizards to bring McGee to Denver. McGee was dominant on both ends of the floor throughout the fourth quarter while flustering and frustrating the Lakers' whiny bigs - Andrew Bynum and Pau Gasol - into sub-par games. The only downside to McGee's performance is that he's going to cost the Nuggets a bloody fortune to re-sign him this summer.

Stepping up alongside McGee was the savvy veteran Miller. Karl - as we know all too well here at Denver Stiffs - has been riding Miller all season long. Especially in the fourth quarter. Karl trusts and admires Miller, and Miller rewarded Karl's trust Tuesday night with one of his greatest performances ever as a pro: 24 points on 8-11 shooting and 8 assists ... off the bench! Moreover, Miller's shots were timely daggers that the Lakers couldn't recover from.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

2012 NBA Free Agency: Nuggets PG Andre Miller Is On George Karl's Wishlist For Next Season

Veteran point guard Andre Miller turned in another impactful performance on Tuesday night in Game 5 of the Denver Nuggets' first round series against the Los Angeles Lakers, and head coach George Karl just hopes Denver gets a chance to bring him back next season. Miller turned in a team-high 24 points on 8-11 shooting to go with eight assists in the 102-99 victory on Tuesday, and Karl doesn't want to think about losing him to another team when Miller becomes an unrestricted free agent this summer.

Back in January, the 12-year NBA vet said "I don't see myself as a backup...This is a short season, so I'll deal with it. But I don't see myself as a backup at this point in my career. I don't see that," so if the team makes a lucrative extension offer to starting PG Ty Lawson it could be difficult to convince Miller to return. However, Karl told Nuggets.com reporter Aaron J. Lopez on Tuesday night that he just wants Miller to give the team "a chance to communicate how much we would like to get him back this summer." Here are the tweets Lopez posted on the subject:

#Nuggets coach George Karl says he wants veteran point guard Andre Miller back next season. "My feeling is he’s enjoyed the year."

— Aaron J. Lopez (@Lopez_Nuggets) May 9, 2012

More Karl on Miller: "I hope he gives us a chance to communicate how much we would like to get him back this summer."

— Aaron J. Lopez (@Lopez_Nuggets) May 9, 2012

The Nuggets traded Raymond Felton to the Portland Trail Blazers in exchange for Andre Miller (along with a swap of the No. 21 and No. 22 picks) on the day of the 2011 NBA Draft, which effectively cleared the way for Lawson to take the starting job in Denver.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers, Game 5 Final Score: Denver Holds On For 102-99 Victory

The Denver Nuggets head back to the Pepsi Center on Thursday with one more chance to keep things alive. They did that already on Tuesday with a 102-99 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers, cutting the series deficit to 3-2.

The Nuggets held off Kobe Bryant and his late heroics when he wound up missing three shots after hitting several threes in a row to keep the Lakers within striking distance. Bryant wound up scoring 43 points in the loss.

Denver, on the other hand, received a big performance from JaVale McGee, who put down 21 points and grabbed 14 rebounds. Andre Miller also joined him off the bench for 24 points and eight assists. Arron Afflalo led the team's starters with 19 points. Kenneth Faried narrowly missed a double-double, scoring 10 points and grabbing nine boards.

Will Denver be able to even the series when the final buzzer goes off on Thursday night?

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update, Game 5: Denver Leads 76-65 After 3 Quarters

The Denver Nuggets lead the Los Angeles Lakers 76-65 through three quarters on Tuesday at the Staples Center. Denver trails in the best-of-seven series 3-1 and needs a road win tonight to force at Game 6 at home. L.A. is 23-of-63 from the floor thus far, good for a woeful 36 percent shooting percentage.

Shooting guard Arron Afflalo has 15 points and four rebounds on 7-of-15 shooting to lead the Nuggets. Forward Danilo Gallinari has 14 points and is 6-of-6 from the free throw line. Andre Miller has 14 points on 4-of-5 shooting. JaVale McGee has 13 points and 10 rebounds on 5-of-7 shooting.

Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers with 29 points on 9-of-20 shooting. Andrew Bynum has 11 points and eight rebounds.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update, Game 5: Denver Leads 49-43 At Half

The Denver Nuggets lead the Los Angeles Lakers 49-43 at halftime in Game 5 of their opening round series in the 2012 NBA Playoffs. The Nuggets have held L.A. to just 33 percent shooting from the field.

Arron Afflalo has 13 points and three rebounds for the Nuggets at the half. Small forward Danilo Gallinari has eight points on 2-of-8 shooting. Rookie forward Kenneth Faried has 10 points and six rebounds on 5-of-5 shooting. Andre Miller has seven points off the bench for Denver.

Kobe Bryant has 18 points on 5-of-13 shooting for the Lakers. Matt Barnes has given L.A. a solid lift off the bench, adding eight points and four rebounds on 4-of-9 shooting. Center Andrew Bynum has seven points and seven rebounds at the half.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update, Game 5: Denver Leads 26-23 After 1st Quarter

The Denver Nuggets need a win tonight at the Staples Center to prolong their season. After one quarter in Game 5, Denver leads the Los Angeles Lakers 26-23. Denver's defense has been excellent through the first quarter, holding the Lakers to just 34 percent shooting from the field.

Rookie forward Kenneth Faried has eight points and five rebounds on 4-of-4 shooting already for Denver. Danilo Gallinari has six points. Arron Afflalo ends the first quarter with four points and two rebounds on 2-of-5 shooting. Point guard Andre Miller added four points for Denver.

Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers with seven points and two assists 3-of-10 shooting from the field. Center Andrew Bynum has six points and seven rebounds on 2-of-4 shooting from the field.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 5: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Denver Nuggets return to the Staples Center on Tuesday night with their backs against the wall. Denver enters Game 5 of its opening round series in the 2012 NBA Playoffs down 3-1 to the Los Angeles Lakers. One more defeat and the Nuggets' season is over.

Related: Woman Who Ran Onto Court Wasn't Stalking Kenyon Martin

Denver earned a win in Game 3 at the Pepsi Center by blitzing the Lakers with a 30-14 run in the first quarter. George Karl's team will likely need another hot start to stave off elimination in L.A.

The Nuggets know they can play with the Lakers. This series is very nearly 2-2. The Lakers needed a 47-37 second half run in Game 4 to prevent the series from leaving Denver tied.

Game Date & Time: Tuesday, May 8, 8:30 p.m. MT

Location: Staples Center

TV: Altitude, TNT

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more in-depth coverage, head over to Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs. And for updates from around the league, check out SB Nation's NBA news hub.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Woman Who Ran Onto Court Wasn't Stalking Kenyon Martin

During Game 4 between the Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets on Sunday night, a woman -- now identified as Savannah McMillan-Christmas -- wandered out onto the floor while the ball was live. She was quickly escorted out and later charged with trespassing. Many reports following the incident suggested that McMillan-Christmas had stalked Kenyon Martin in the past. However, Pepsi Center officials say that is not true.

Several media outlets, citing Yahoo Sports, reported that McMillan-Christmas may have previously stalked former Nuggets player Kenyon Martin. The Associated Press quoted a security guard who said she asked "Where's Kenyon?" when she was stopped.

[Pepsi Center chief marketing officer Kurt Schwartzkopf] said today that a report that McMillan-Christmas had been previously banned from the Pepsi Center was "not true."

Related: VIDEO: Woman Wanders Onto Court During Lakers-Nuggets Game

The Lakers-Nuggets series resumes on Tuesday night in L.A.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: George Karl Attributes Loss To Lack Of Rebounding

It was no secret going into the Denver Nuggets' first round playoff series vs. the Los Angeles Lakers that Denver was going to have trouble contending with L.A.' size down low. Though the Nuggets were able to weather that storm in their Game 3 victory, the Lakers' big men exacted revenge in a big way on Sunday night, helping L.A. haul in 19 offensive rebounds, which they turned into 28 second-chance points.

This was certainly not lost on Denver head coach George Karl, who was frank in discussing why he believes his team fell in Game 4.

"I think everybody knows why we lost the game," the coach said. "It was because we didn't rebound."

(via Nuggets.com)

Denver can still win the series and advance to the second round, but in order to do so they'll have to solve their rebounding issue, and quickly. One problem, at least according to center JaVale McGee, might have been effort; the Nuggets big man told reporters after the game that he felt that the team's primary rebounders didn't hit the glass with the same aggression as they did in Game 3.

As for Karl, his outlook, at least publicly, still remains positive. Denver will have to at least partially neutralize L.A.'s size going forward if they want to win three games in a row. The numbers aren't in their favor, but Karl thinks that it can be done.

It's a powerful challenge," he said after the game. "I don't think it's an impossible challenge."

(via Denver Post)

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Final Score: Los Angeles Takes 3-1 Series Lead With 92-88 Win

Game 4 between the Denver Nuggets and Los Angeles Lakers was tightly-contested throughout the night, but in the end, the Lakers got the clutch shots they needed in order to prevail. Ramon Sessions and Steve Blake nailed three-pointers in the final two minutes to give Los Angeles a six-point lead and propel the team to a 92-88 victory. With the win, Los Angeles claimed a 3-1 lead in the series.

Related: VIDEO: Woman Wanders Onto Court During Lakers-Nuggets Game

Danilo Gallinari finished with 20 points to lead the Nuggets, and Andre Miller scored 15. Kobe Bryant led all scorers with 22 points.

Game 5 is scheduled for Tuesday night in Los Angeles.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs: Woman Who Ran Onto Court At Pepsi Center Reportedly Stalked Kenyon Martin

The Denver Nuggets are close to tying their opening round 2012 NBA Playoffs series with the Los Angeles Lakers at two games apiece, but this game will likely be remembered more for the on-court antics of a fan. But the woman who ran onto the court and looked bewildered isn't just any ordinary woman, according to Yahoo! Sports' Marc. J. Spears

Sources tell @YahooSports say they believe the girl that ran on floor in Denver was the same one that stalked Kenyon Martin in his DEN days.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) May 7, 2012

Sources also tell also tell @YahooSports the woman was screaming: "Where is Kenyon?" to @denvernuggets bench before running on floor.

— Marc J. Spears (@SpearsNBAYahoo) May 7, 2012

I guess she hasn't heard the news yet that Kenyon Martin left the Nuggets already and is playing for the Los Angeles Clippers, not the Lakers.

My question is, did she travel to China and try to catch up with Martin over there before he left his team in December?

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Up 71-70 After 3rd Quarter

The Denver Nuggets hold a 71-70 lead over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers after three quarters of play in Game 4 on Sunday night. Neither team has had much luck shooting the ball from three-point range to this point, but both teams are shooting over 50% inside the arc.

Related: Game 4 Lakers Vs Nuggets Second Half Thread ...

Danilo Gallinari -- 8-10 inside the arc -- is a big reason why Denver has had success in the paint, and he leads the team with 16 points. Andre Miller has 13 points, while Ty Lawson has nine to go with five assists.

Kobe Bryant has a game-high 20 points, though he is just 9-20 from the field.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

VIDEO: Woman Wanders Onto Court During Lakers-Nuggets Game

With the Nuggets holding a five-point lead on the Los Angeles Lakers late in the second quarter of Game 4 on Sunday night, a woman meandered out onto the floor while the ball was live. Watch it unfold in the video below.

The officials quickly blew the action dead, and the woman was ushered off. According to a report from Craig Sager during the game, the woman has a history of stalking Nuggets players and has been banned from the arena. That didn't prevent her from causing a bit of a scene during Game 4, though.

Here is video of Sager's report:

The Nuggets went on to finish the half with a 51-45 lead.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Halftime Score: Denver Leads 51-45 At The Break

The Denver Nuggets have played well against the Los Angeles Lakers through 24 minutes of play and hold a 51-45 lead at halftime. While Denver has yet to hit a three-pointer (0-8), they've been very effective inside the arc.

Related: Game 4 Lakers Vs Nuggets First Half Thread ...

Danilo Gallinari leads the Nuggets with 12 points on 6-11 shooting; Andre Miller is also in double figures with 11. The Nuggets shot 51.1% as a team in the first half and finished +4 in the turnover category.

Kobe Bryant leads Los Angeles with 12 points, though he's just 5-13 from the field. Andrew Bynum has 11 points and four rebounds.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Takes 28-26 Lead Into 2nd Quarter

Down 2-1 in the series to the Los Angeles Lakers, Game 4 is a crucial one for the Denver Nuggets, and so far they've played pretty well. After one quarter of play, the Nuggets have a slim 28-26 lead on the visitors from LA.

Related: Game 4 Lakers Vs Nuggets First Half Thread ...

Andre Miller leads Denver with 10 points on perfect 5-5 shooting from the floor. Timofey Mozgov and Danilo Gallinari each have six points for the Nuggets, who are shooting 53.8% overall.

Kobe Bryant has been limited to seven points on just 3-9 shooting for Los Angeles; Andrew Bynum leads the team with nine points. The Lakers are shooting 48%.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Al Harrington Injury: Nuggets Forward To Play In Game 4

Despite having Andrew Bynum break his nose in Game 3, Denver Nuggets reserve forward Al Harrington is going to play in Game 4 despite the injury. It had been unclear whether Harrington would play against the Los Angeles Lakers as the Nuggets try to pull off an upset, but coach George Karl clarified things on Sunday in this tweet from the team's feed:

#Nuggets coach George Karl on Al Harrington playing with a broken nose: "In a sneaky way, I think he’s going to play pretty well."

— Denver Nuggets (@denvernuggets) May 6, 2012

In the third quarter of Game 3, Harrington caught one of Bynum's elbows to the face and never returned to the game. Over the first three playoff games, he averaged 9.3 PPG and 4.3 RPG in 20.3 MPG, but he's only shot 32 percent from the field so far.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Game 4: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Knowing that falling into a 3-0 hole against the Los Angeles Lakers might be a deficit they couldn't overcome, the Denver Nuggets delivered an excellent team effort in a 99-84 victory in Game 3. With the Pepsi Center rocking throughout the game, the frontcourt combo of Kenneth Faried and JaVale McGee dominated the paint to help lead the Nuggets to the win.

After being overshadowed by Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum in the first two games, the Nuggets frontcourt finally showed that it was up for the challenge. McGee came off the bench to score 16 points and grab a team-high 15 rebounds, while Faried scored 12 points and pulled down 13 boards for the double-double. Ty Lawson had his best game of the series, scoring a team-high 25 points and dishing out seven assists in 39 effective minutes.

Game Date & Time: Sunday, May 6, 7:30 p.m. (MT)

TV Coverage: TNT & Altitude

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Reaction To Denver's Solid Performance

The Denver Nuggets finally claimed their first in-game lead during Game 3 of their 2012 NBA Playoffs series against the Los Angeles Lakers, and they turned it into their first win of the series as well on Friday night. JaVale McGee's mom (Pamela) brought some serious intensity in the stands, but more importantly, JaVale put together a spectacular game that helped spark the win. The often-aloof big man came out with energy and focus that helped him amass 16 points on 8-12 shooting, 15 rebounds, four blocks and two steals on his way to a game-high +30 plus-minus differential.

Ty Lawson guided the offense on a 21-2 run in the first quarter that set the tone for the rest of the night, and Colin Neilson of SB Nation's Nuggets blog, Denver Stiffs, thinks the series is far from over:

McGee had a - dare I say it - transcendent - basketball game alongside Kenneth Faried and Ty and showed a level of big man play perhaps not seen in the Mile High City since the era of Mutumbo. Ty was quieted in the second half, but the damage was done as the Nuggets bruised the Lakers in the paint all night, outscoring them under the hoop 52-32.

...I was so pleased to see a Nuggets team playing with purpose tonight. Everyone seemed to be highly focused and full of energy despite the number of Laker fanroaches to come out of the woodwork in the Pepsi Center, seemingly spurred on by an especially raucous Can crowd. If the Nuggets can keep this level of intensity through into game 4, they have a real shot to head back to Los Angeles all tied up at 2-2.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 3: Denver Scores 99-84 Victory Over Los Angeles

The Denver Nuggets picked up a huge 99-84 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night at the Pepsi Center. JaVale McGee was a big factor in the victory with his 16 points and 15 rebounds. He blocked four shots and stole the ball twice. The Nuggets avoided a 3-0 deficit by picking up their first victory of the series.

Ty Lawson also provided a huge life for the Nuggets with his 25 points, seven assists, four rebounds and two steals. Rookie Kenneth Faried continued his strong play with 12 points and 15 rebounds.

Timofey Mozgov started in place of Kosta Koufos, but he played just 14 minutes and didn't score any points. Koufos didn't play at all in the game.

Kobe Bryant put up 22 points on 7-of-23 shooting, including 3-of-10 from beyond the arc. Andrew Bynum, who broke Al Harrington's nose with an elbow, scored 18 points and pulled down 12 rebounds.

Game 4 of this series takes place on Sunday at 7:30 p.m. MT.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Al Harrington Injury: Harrington's Nose Broken By Andrew Bynum

Andrew Bynum has a history of dirty play, and a wayward elbow from the Los Angeles Lakers big man broke Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington's nose in the third quarter of Friday night's Game 3.

GIF: Al Harrington's Nose Says Hello To Andrew Bynum's Elbow

Denver Nuggets forward Al Harrington left Friday's game against the Los Angeles Lakers after his nose took a hit from Andrew Bynum's elbow while the two battled in the paint:

The hit caused Harrington's nose to bleed, prompting a trip to the locker room. He has a fractured nose and will not return to the game.

Good thing that wasn't Metta World Peace there?

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update: Lakers Claw Back, Denver Up 72-65 After Three

If the Denver Nuggets are going to blow out the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 3, it's going to require a major run in the fourth quarter, as the Lakers came back from a 16-point halftime deficit to bring the Nuggets' lead to 72-65 entering the fourth quarter.

Andrew Bynum, who had been held scoreless in the first half, awoke in the third quarter and dropped in 12 points on 5-7 shooting, once again showing that Denver may have no counter for him when the Lakers run their offense through him. Kobe Bryant, who had 14 points at the half, took a step aside in the third, notching only three points, but upping his assist and rebound totals to five for the game.

Ty Lawson continued his stellar game for Denver, tallying five points in the quarter to give him 23 through three on the game. JaVale McGee, who is Denver's second leading scorer, picked up two baskets to bring his total for the game to 12.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update: Denver Up 16 At Half, Lead 55-39

The Los Angeles Lakers fought the Denver Nuggets to a draw in the second quarter of Friday night's Game 3, but that means they were unable to claw back from their 16-point first quarter deficit. Denver exited the first half with a 55-39 lead thanks to a massive first half from Ty Lawson and a huge second quarter from JaVale McGee.

Lawson finally punished a Lakers backcourt that shouldn't be able to keep up with his speed, putting up 18 points in the first on 7-11 shooting from the field. He also added four assists and two rebounds, and was able to escape the half without turning the ball over. McGee, on the other, hand helped out with six points in the quarter, but more importantly, he's tallied nine rebounds in the half. McGee's nine boards along with Kenneth Faried's ten have helped Denver out-rebound the Lakers 31-18.

Kobe Bryant has been just about the only live body for the Lakers so far— his 14 points are almost double that of Pau Gasol, Los Angeles' second leading scorer in the half. Andrew Bynum, who has bene a major match up problem for Denver so far in the series, is 0-3 from the field and has not shot a free throw en route to a -18 plus/minus for the half.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

GIF: JaVale McGee's Mom Wants To Celebrate With You

Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update: Nuggets Jump Out To Early First Quarter Lead, Up 30-14

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Game 3: Timofey Mozgov To Start For Denver

With an eye on improving their halfcourt offense against what has been a tenacious Los Angeles Lakers defense, Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl has decided to give center Timofey Mozgov the start in Game 3 over Kosta Koufos, who had been in the starting line up for the series' first two games. JaVale McGee had been seeing the lion's share of the minutes at center despite both coming off the bench, but Karl decided tonight that he wanted Mozgov in the game early, and presumably, often.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Game 3: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

After losing consecutive games on the road, the Denver Nuggets are hoping that playing a return home will right the ship against the Los Angeles Lakers. The two teams continue their seven-game series on Friday night at the Pepsi Center with Game 3.

Denver played much better in Game 2 than Game 1, but the result was ultimately still the same and now the Nuggets are looking at an essential game on Friday. Trailing 3-0 would put them in an essentially impossible position, but a win could allow them to get back into the series.

Stopping Kobe Bryant (34.5 PPG on 49 percent in first 2 games) and Andrew Bynum (18.5 PPG, 11 RPG) will be key, but improving on offense is also a must. Mike Brown's defense has done an impressive job of limiting Denver's diverse offensive attack so far, limiting it to just 94.0 PPG in the series so far after averaging 104.1 PPG in the regular season.

Game Date & Time: Friday, May 4, 8:30 p.m. MT

TV Coverage: Altitude, ESPN

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Final Score: Denver Falls In 0-2 Series Hole After Tuesday Loss

The Denver Nuggets will be in an 0-2 hole on Friday night when their playoff series with the Los Angeles Lakers moves to the Pepsi Center. The Nuggets lost to the Lakers, 104-100, on Tuesday night.

The Nuggets battled back in the fourth quarter, led by Ty Lawson, but it proved to be too little too late. Lawson finished the game with 25 points (11-of-17 shooting) and seven assists. Kenneth Faried scored 14 points and grabbed 10 rebounds.

Outside of those two, the Nuggets didn't have a good night shooting from its starters. Danilo Gallinari finished the game with 13 points, but he was 5-of-18 from the field. Arron Afflalo missed all five three-point shots he attempted, but the entire team was just 4-of-19 from beyond the arc.

Corey Brewer and Al Harrington combined for 24 points from off the bench.

The Lakers, naturally, were led by Kobe Bryant and his 38 points. Andrew Bynum came up with 27 points and nine rebounds after his triple-double in Game 1. Pau Gasol put in 13 points and 10 rebounds.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Los Angeles Leads By 7 After 3 Quarters

The Los Angeles Lakers and Denver Nuggets each scored 26 points in the third quarter on Tuesday night at Staples Center. That means the Lakers will bring the same seven point they entered the third quarter with into the fourth quarter.

Kobe Bryant has 27 points and three rebounds on 12-of-17 shooting to lead the Lakers. Center Andrew Bynum has 20 points and eight rebounds on 9-of-14 shooting from the field. Pau Gasol has 10 points on 5-of-7 shooting for L.A.

Ty Lawson is 6-of-11 from the field and leads Denver with 15 points and five assists. Rookie forward Kenneth Farried has eight points and six rebounds on 4-of-5 shooting from the field for the Nuggets.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

NBA Playoffs 2012, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: Denver Trails By 7 At Half

The Denver Nuggets trail 55-48 to the Los Angeles Lakers at halftime at the Staples Center. If the Nuggets lose, they'll trail L.A. in the best-of-seven first round series 2-0. Denver has shot just 38 percent from the field (20-of-52), while the Lakers are 24-of-45 (53.3%).

Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers with 21 points on 9-of-12 shooting from the field. Andrew Bynum has scored 16 points and grabbed six rebounds on 7-of-9 shooting for the Lakers.

Point guard Ty Lawson has eight points and five assists at the half for Denver. Al Harrington came off the bench to score eight for the Nuggets. Kenneth Faried and Danilo Gallinari have six points after two quarters.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Score Update: L.A. Leads 32-25 After 1st Quarter

The Denver Nuggets need a victory tonight to avoid falling in an 0-2 hole to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2012 NBA Playoffs. After one quarter in Game 2, Denver is hanging around. The Nuggets trail the Lakers 32-25 at Staples Center.

Shooting guard Kobe Bryant leads the Lakers with 14 points on 6-of-6 shooting. Center Andrew Bynum also got off to a fast start for L.A., ending the first quarter with 10 points and five rebounds on 4-of-6 shooting.

Guard Arron Afflalo leads the Nuggets with five points on 2-of-5 shooting. Ty Lawson added four points on 1-of-4 shooting. Forward Al Harrington added eight points for Denver off the bench.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets: Brown Says Karl Is Trying To 'Work The Officials'

Los Angeles Lakers head coach Mike Brown spoke with the media on Tuesday, suggesting the recent comments from Nuggets coach George Karl were more theatrical than practical:

"[George Karl is] a veteran coach who's been in the playoffs a long time," Brown said. "He's got to try to work the officials in a lot of different ways. He's just trying to work the officials, work the public a little bit, which I applaud him for doing."

The Denver Nuggets lost the first game of the seven-game series against the Lakers in a 103-88 drubbing. After the game, Karl publicly suggested the Lakers had played "nice illegal defense" and estimated there had been "about 30" illegal defense violations during the game.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets: Andrew Bynum Was Playing "Nice Illegal Defense" In Game 1, According To George Karl

The Denver Nuggets didn't exactly start the 2012 NBA playoffs as they would've liked to, and plenty of their early failures had to do with the quality play of Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum in Game 1 of their first-round series. However, Nuggets head coach George Karl thinks Bynum's 10-point, 13-rebound and 10-block triple-double wouldn't of happened if the referees had enforced the legal defense rule more consistently. After Game 1, Karl told Benjamin Hochman of The Denver Post that Bynum "was playing nice illegal defense" and that when the Lakers' big man zoned up in the paint, the refs missed plenty of potential illegal defense violations.

In fact, Karl put some pressure on the officials for Game 2 by estimating there were "about 30" illegal defense violations despite the fact that the Nuggets only received one such call in Game 1. Along the same lines, Nuggets rookie Kenneth Faried spoke with Aaron J. Lopez of Nuggets.com about Game 2 and noted that Bynum got his blocks because he gets in the paint and "posts there like a tree," so Denver's bigs need to move outside of the paint he Bynum has to "move with us and stay connected."

If you need something subtle to watch for in Game 2, try to stay focused on how well the big men for the Nuggets draw Bynum away from the paint, and whether the officials enforce the illegal defense rule more strictly.

For updates, stay tuned to SB Nation Denver. For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 2: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

Game 2 is set for Tuesday night.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 2: F Jordan Hill Charged With Felony Assault

According to CBS Sports, the Los Angeles Lakers may be without bench player F Jordan Hill in their upcoming playoff game against the Denver Nuggets. Hill's status is unknown after his girlfriend filed assault charges on three year veteran. He and his girlfriend allegedly got into a domestic dispute while in Houston: Hill reportedly attacked the woman against a wall after she threw his cell phones on the ground, and then he proceeded to choke her as she attempted to leave. If convicted, Hill could spend a possible 10 years in prison, TMZ reports.

A veteran of three seasons, Hill played in 39 games in the 2011-12 NBA Season, splitting the year between the Houston Rockets and the Lakers. He average 14.1 minutes per game and a strong 12.7 points and 12.2 rebounds per 36 minutes.

For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

Lakers Vs. Nuggets, 2012 NBA Playoffs Game 1: Bynum Leads LA To 103-88 Victory

The frontcourt depth of the Los Angeles Lakers proved to be too much for the Denver Nuggets to handle in the opening game of their playoff series, as the Lakers cruised to a 103-88 victory.

Andrew Bynum was the story of the opening game, as he completely dominated in the paint and recorded a triple-double. Bynum scored 10 points, grabbed 13 rebounds and tied an NBA postseason record with 10 blocked shots. Pau Gasol scored 13 points and grabbed eight rebounds, while Jordan Hill came off the bench to record a double-double with 10 points and 10 boards. Kobe Bryant found his groove in the second half and finished up with a game-high 31 points.

With Bynum dominating the paint, the Nuggets struggled to connect from the perimeter, shooting only 35.6% from the field as a team. Danilo Gallinari was the lone starter to score in double-figures, as he led the way with a team-high 19 points. With Ty Lawson struggling, Andre Miller came off the bench to score 12 points, grab eight rebounds and dish out seven assists.

For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers Score Update: Denver Trails 77-64

It will take a huge fourth quarter performance for the Denver Nuggets to steal the first game of their series against the Los Angeles Lakers, as they trail 77-64 heading into the final 12 minutes.

George Karl has been on the search for a consistent lineup throughout the game, but has had trouble finding five guys that can play well together. Danilo Gallinari is the only starter to score in double-figures so far, netting a team-high 15 points on 5/8 shooting. Corey Brewer has been a pleasant spark off the bench with 11 points, while Andre Miller has eight points, six assists and five rebounds.

The dominance of Andrew Bynum has been the story so far, as the Lakers big man is on his way to a triple-double. In just 29 minutes, Bynum has 10 points, 12 rebounds and eight blocks. Kobe Bryant has struggled with his shot but has managed to score 17 points.

For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Denver Trails 50-40 At Halftime

The Denver Nuggets are trailing 50-40 against the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday afternoon in Game 1 of their seven-game series. The Nuggets bounced back from a brutal first quarter to outscore the Lakers in the second quarter, 26-23, but they're still looking at a double-digit deficit.

The shots simply weren't falling for Denver in the first half, as the team knocked down just 36 percent of its attempts. With the Lakers shooting 47 percent and out-rebounding the Nuggets, it's easy to see why L.A. has been able to build up a solid lead.

Danilo Gallinari leads the Nuggets with 13 points on 4-of-7 shooting, the only Denver player to score in double-digits. Devin Ebanks leads the Lakers with 12 points on 5-of-6 shooting, plus Steve Blake has nine points off the bench thanks to a trio of three-point shots. Kobe Bryant has eight points on 2-of-10 shooting.

For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Nuggets Vs. Lakers: Denver Struggles In 1st Quarter

The Denver Nuggets are going to have a long game against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of this 2012 NBA Playoffs series if the first quarter is any indication. They are losing, 27-14, after the first 12 minutes of play.

Denver is shooting just 25 percent (5-of-20) from the field, but they have received a strong start from Danilo Gallinari. Gallo has nine points on 3-of-6 shooting from the field and 3-of-4 from the free throw line.

The Lakers' starters haven't been heavily involved yet, as Steve Blake leads the team with nine points off the bench, all coming on three-pointers. Andrew Bynum has yet to score, but he has already grabbed five rebounds and blocked three shots.

The Nuggets have a tough road over the next three quarters to bounce back from this.

For more on these teams, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Head over to SB Nation NBA for more news and notes on the 2012 NBA Playoffs.

2012 NBA Playoffs, Lakers Vs. Nuggets Game 1: Game Time, TV Schedule And More

The Denver Nuggets and the Los Angeles Lakers open their 2012 NBA Playoffs matchup at the Staples Center on Sunday afternoon.