The new-look Denver Nuggets defeated the Memphis Grizzlies, 120-107, on Tuesday night. With Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups traded to New York and the players the Nuggets acquired not yet in uniform, Denver's starting five was Ty Lawson, Arron Afflalo, J.R. Smith, Kenyon Martin and Nene. The team was filled with excitement and a go-get'em attitude.
The Nuggets dominated this game from beginning to end, though they were outscored in the fourth quarter. J.R. Smith tied for the game-high with 26 points. He pulled down eight boards, distributed the ball five times and made two steals. Though only 9 of 22 from the field, six of his successful shots were 3-pointers. Lawson enjoyed quite the game with 21 points, seven assists, six steals and five boards. Nene added 15 points and six rebounds.
Chris Andersen led the four-man bench 15 points and five rebounds (four offensive). Melvin Ely was the only man on the bench not to enter the game.
All of Memphis' starters scored double-digits points, with Tony Allen leading the way with 26. He grabbed eight rebounds. O.J. Mayo added 21 points from off the bench and Jason Williams dished the ball out nine times.
The Nuggets (33-25, 23-7 home) host the Boston Celtics on Thursday night. TNT will have the coverage at 8:30 p.m. MT, and Danilo Gallinari, Raymond Felton, Wilson Chandler and Timofey Mozgov should all be in uniform.