Lakers - Denver 2nd game 103-106

	1	2	3	4	T
DEN (9-3)	23	31	26	26	106
LAL (9-5)	31	24	26	22	103

LOS ANGELES -- The Lakers' 24-year playoff dominance of the Denver Nuggets dissipated over the final 29 seconds of the fourth quarter.

That's when Kenyon Martin hit a layup in traffic and Chauncey Billups made 3 of 4 free throws to give Denver a 106-103 victory in Game 2 on Thursday night to even the Western Conference finals.

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It was Denver's first-ever playoff win against Los Angeles, which owned an 11-0 record dating to 1985, the second-longest postseason winning streak against one team in NBA history.Carmelo Anthony had 34 points and 14 rebounds, Billups had 27 points and 16 rebounds and Linas Kleiza added 16 points for the Nuggets. Nene finished with six points, nine rebounds and six assists.Kobe Bryant had 32 points, including making all 10 of his free throws, Trevor Ariza scored a career playoff-high 20 points and Pau Gasol 17 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers, who dropped to 7-2 at Staples Center in the playoffs this season."To get one on the road is always tough. We came in and got it," Anthony said. "We're mentally tough and we showed that in this game coming off the loss that we gave away in Game 1."Game 3 is Saturday in Denver."I think this is going to be a long series," Denver coach George Karl said.The Nuggets recovered from poor free throw shooting in a two-point loss in Game 1 to make 17 consecutive foul shots until Billups missed one with 4 seconds remaining. He hit the second to seal the victory.Derek Fisher launched a 3-pointer from the right corner that missed as time expired.Tied at 101, Martin made the layup off Nene's assist that gave the Nuggets the lead for good.Bryant dribbled upcourt and got into traffic, with Nene tipping the ball away to earn a jump ball with 18 seconds left. Gasol controlled the tip to Ariza, but the ball squirted away and Fisher fouled Billups. He made both for a 105-101 lead.Martin fouled Gasol, who made both before Billups got fouled.The Lakers were shaky on free throws in the fourth, making 9 of 14, while Denver didn't blink at the line.Kleiza's 3-pointer early in the fourth quarter gave the Nuggets an 85-82 lead, their first since the game's opening minutes. Billups followed with two free throws and Anthony hit two baskets in a row to extend Denver's lead to 91-84.Bryant missed a jumper, but he came up big on the Lakers' next possession, hitting a 3-pointer with Anthony's hand in his face. Shannon Brown tossed in a 3 and Lamar Odom made two free throws as part of an 11-2 run that put the Lakers back in front 95-93.Denver regained the lead before Bryant's 3-pointer, again with Anthony guarding closely, tied the game at 99 with 1:59 remaining. Billups made two free throws before Bryant's jumper tied it at 101."We kind of changed our fourth-quarter philosophy on Kobe," Karl said. "We weren't going to jump him, but we didn't want to give him the 3-ball."Ariza briefly gave the Lakers some breathing room in a tight third quarter by scoring seven consecutive points for a 71-64 lead. Bryant hit a streaking Ariza with a long pass for a fastbreak layup. He got fouled and made the free throw.But Denver stepped up its defense and rebounding while outscoring the Lakers 16-10 to trail 81-80 heading into the final 12 minutes. Billups and Anthony had six points each, but the Nuggets missed two free throws in that stretch that could have given them the lead.The Lakers opened a 14-point lead early in the second quarter. Anthony began a run of 14 consecutive points for the Nuggets to get them to 51-40.That was the spark Denver needed. From there, they outscored the Lakers 14-2 to end the half trailing 55-54.Game notes
Anthony became the first Denver player to score 30 or more points in five consecutive playoff games since 1976. He had 39 in the Game 1 loss. ... Faces in the crowd included Tom Cruise and his "Top Gun" co-star Val Kilmer, Will Ferrell, Denzel Washington, Jack Nicholson, Adam Levine and Maria Shriver.

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum, left, fouls Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups during the second half of Game 2 in the NBA Western conference final basketball series in Los Angeles,Thursday, May 21, 2009. The Nuggets won 106-101. (AP Photo/Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant , right, and Pau Gasol, back, react late in the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won the game, 106-103. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith (1) celebrates with teammates Carmelo Anthony, left, and Chauncey Billups, right, late in the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won the game, 106-103. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts late in the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won the game, 106-103. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony smiles late in the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won the game, 106-103. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, right, reacts after Los Angeles Lakers center Pau Gasol, left, of Spain got called for a foul during the second half of Game 2 in their NBA Western conference final basketball series, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Lakers won 106-103. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Denver Nuggets center Nene of Brazil, passes around the defense of Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) and Pau Gasol, far right, during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony smiles during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. The Nuggets won the game, 106-103. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Shannon Brown reacts during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, center, looks angrily at teammate Shannon Brown (12), right, during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets center Nene of Brazil (31), reacts in front of Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol of Spain during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (7) during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant reacts during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Actor Leonardo DiCaprio talks with friends as they watch the action during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) dunks as Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen (11) watches during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol of Spain (16), blocks the shot of Denver Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Tom Cruise and his son Connor watch the action during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals between the Los Angeles Lakers and the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets center Nene of Brazil (31), Kenyon Martin (4) and Carmelo Anthony (15) react during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) reacts as Pau Gasol of Spain (16), looks back at him after a play against the Denver Nuggets during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza lies on the ground after a hard fall during the second half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol of Spain (16) argues a call with referee Dick Bavetta during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson)

Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith (1) loses the ball as he drives against Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant struggles to get past Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, right, and Kenyon Martin, left, during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony tries to shoot against the defense of Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) and Derek Fisher (2) during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl reacts during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Los Angeles Lakers Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups (7) shoots against Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol of Spain (16), during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin, left, ties up Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum during the first half of Game 2 in the NBA Western conference final basketball series, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony shoots against Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, right, puts up a shot as Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin looks on during the first half of Game 2 in the NBA Western conference final basketball series, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin, left, ties up Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum during the first half of Game 2 in the NBA Western conference final basketball series, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant, center, puts up a shot as Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin, second from left, and Carmelo Anthony defends while the Los Angeles Lakers' Pau Gasol, left, of Spain looks on during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers forward Trevor Ariza, right, knocks over Denver Nuggets center Nene Hilario of Brazil as he puts up a shot during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups tries to push past Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant (24) during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets center Nene of Brazil, struggles for control of the ball with Los Angeles Lakers' Andrew Bynum during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups passes around the defense of Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony (15) shoots over Los Angeles Lakers forward Lamar Odom (7) during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill )

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol of Spain (16) and Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen (11) exchange words during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers forward Pau Gasol of Spain, drives past Denver Nuggets center Nene of Brazil during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant shoots against the defense of Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin (4) and Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith (1) during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals on Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson )

Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum dunks the ball during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals against the Denver Nuggets Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Derek Fisher shoots past Denver Nuggets center Nene of Brazil, during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Kobe Bryant shoots over the defense of Denver Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Chris Carlson)

Denver Nuggets guard Dahntay Jones drives to the basket against Los Angeles Lakers center Andrew Bynum during the first half of Game 2 of the NBA basketball Western Conference finals Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/ Mark J. Terrill)

Los Angeles Lakers guard Sun Yue of China dunks the ball during warmups prior to Game 2 in the NBA Western conference final basketball series against the Denver Nuggets, Thursday, May 21, 2009, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

I : I watched this whole match started from 9am till 12pm. Its quite damn bcuz its only a match but longer than football haha but it was a nice match truthfully. Lakers performed well in this match so does Denver~

During the 1st quar n 2nd quar , Lakers was performing marvelously because they keep on pullin the points further n further until 14points but in the end Denvers caught up the point until less 1 point in every quar only. Licik-The-Lakers keep only lettin Denver's player foul too. haha. Pity 2 em'. Things really hard to predict. At first i thought Lakers would make it 2-0 n win this game but...Denver shows em power. lol.

Denver Nuggets is a good team either. They played support well , defense strongly , attack fast n 3-points accurately (billup). Although I'm supporting Lakers supporting Kobe Hero~ lols.

Feel damn-ful that Fisher missed the last 3-points in 4sec that might save Lakers. But its not his fault too its really stressfull when the whole team depending on the last ball u had~

Anyway..let's wait for tomorrow's 9am Orlando Magic vs Cavaliers Cleveland 2nd match! Good job Kobe nice defence and attack Anthony (Denver's)~!! Stay tune!