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.