Bests Take that, Odom
Birdman's blocked shots: Chris Andersen had two in the first quarter, but the highlight-reel block came with seconds left in the period. Lamar Odom soared for an attempted dunk, only to be stuffed by the Birdman. Carter's spark: Anthony Carter, a veteran guard, provided some rare scoring help off the Nuggets' bench with seven points (3-of-4 shooting) in the first half.
Melo's finish: Carmelo Anthony, right, tried to keep Denver in the game with 11 of his game-
high 31 points coming in the fourth quarter.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
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Worsts Defense offensive early
Nuggets' early defense: The Lakers hit 52 percent from the field in the first quarter. Every player who played - seven - scored at least two points.
Containing Bynum early: Lakers center Andrew Bynum came out with a spring in his step and moxie to his game, and the Nuggets could do little about it. He scored nine points on 4-of-9 shooting in the first half.
Fourth-quarter techs: Once again, the Nuggets were in a (technical) foul mood in the final period. Techs were handed out to Nene and Chris Andersen.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
