After a heartbreaking loss at the Staples Center last night, the Denver Nuggets certainly were hoping to exact some revenge in the second half of the back-to-back with the Los Angeles Lakers. If the first quarter was any indication, the Nuggets are prepared to bring the necessary intensity on the defensive end of the court, as they lead 26-21.
As they have done throughout the season, the Nuggets bench has proven to be an invaluable resource. In the opening 12 minutes, the Nuggets bench scored 12 points, with both Chris Andersen and Al Harrington scoring four points. Ty Lawson proved difficult to guard, as he scored six points and dished out three assists.
On the defensive end, the Nuggets limited the Lakers to just 41.2% shooting from the field. However, Denver struggled to slow down the combination of Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, with the two big guys combining to score 12 points and grab eight rebounds. Bynum was particularly effective, scoring six points and pulling down seven boards.
For more on this game, visit Nuggets blog Denver Stiffs and Lakers blog Silver Screen and Roll. Check out SB Nation NBA for more news and notes around the league.