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.

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