Article originally featured on NBA Dimensions. 
Kobe scored 41 points and was popping bottles in Game Three of the Western Conference Finals. Now Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony are, as they and the Nuggers literally assassinated the Denver Nuggets, 120-101. The Nugs played more like a team than just using 'Melo.
Actually, 'Melo could have died as what I heard. ESPN says:
"They did it with their star hobbled by a sprained ankle and slowed by a stomach virus that had him hugging the commode before tip-off and getting IVs at halftime."
—ESPN
"Even before I twisted my ankle, with my stomach, I didn't have my legs early in the game," Anthony told, you know who, ESPN. "I felt like I didn't have any energy. Those IVs were a must. They helped a little bit. I'll be OK for Wednesday." Let's hope, in sake of the Nugs.
Anthony played tough to, though. No one could have gotten 15 points and go for three-of-16 for shooting with the conditions he was going through. Nobody, and I mean nobody! J.R. Smith, who was in the swearing with Sasha Vujacic in Game Three, and Chauncey Billups had 24 points each and were on fire.
"It was important for everyone to step up," Anthony said. "We had a bunch of guys step up today. I know the past two, three games our bench hasn't been as productive as they have been in the playoffs, but tonight those guys stepped up. J.R. stepped up big, Linas Kleiza came in and hit some big shots, he was just phenomenal out there." Yes he was.
As you see, Gasol is struggling while J.R. Smith is shining! Take that! Jack Dempsey/APThe rebounding was just massive as the Nuggets had 58 rebounds against the municipal L.A.'s comparable 40 boards. Chris "Birdman" Andersen, Nene, and Kenyon "The Thug" Martin all had at least 13 or more rebounds, just owning the Lakers.
So, Andrew Bynum and Lamar Odom, how's it going for you getting owned right there? Pau Gasol, bring out a smile, can't see it!
So we all know what happened. The Lakers got owned. Could it be that the Nuggets actually have a chance at winning this series. No one expected this, but I did. These Nuggets can actually get this. Will they? We'll find out.
But coming up next on NBA Talk, the King looks to get a win for his Cavs so they don't need to fall down to Superman in a 3-1 deficit in the series. It's might be intense, or crappy. What will happen? I don't know, buy a ShamWow to get your sweating stopped because I know you are by reading this (because it's so intense!). Hey, all I can say is WOW! And I have been saying it every time, but not by the product. It's NBA Talk!
And stay tuned for another edition!
Lakers-Nugs Recap (Courtesy of NBA.com)
