Nuggets and Lakers are Going the Distance

I wrote extensively about Kobe’s nickname earlier this week; how the Lakers didn’t play like a team and how Denver would win the game because they are a unit. If Wednesday’s game proved anything it’s that the Lakers can’t win this series. Sure they won the game, but Denver fell apart for one reason only. They didn’t self-implode. George Karl didn’t make poor decisions. Surprisingly, it was the refs that took the game out of their hands.

Nene suffered the worst of any Denver player, fouling out with plenty of time left after a horrendous call. Pau Gasol leaned in to Nene, who tried to move laterally with the Spaniard, and then they both fell over. Nene was called for the foul, one of three questionable fouls called on him, effectively eliminated Nene from the game and turned the tide in the fourth quarter for the Lakers.

Can Denver bounce back? Not without some help from those whistle blowing idiots they call refs in the league. The Nuggets have undoubtedly been the better team this series. They’re bigger, stronger, meaner and play as a decisive unit. But even as a unit, nobody can compensate when you know the refs don’t have your back.

Los Angeles Lakers vs. Denver Nuggets

Friday, May 29th — Pepsi Center, Denver — 9:00pm EST

NBA Betting Line: Denver -5.5 (208)

The Lakers are 4-8 ATS in their last 12 games on the road, and Denver is 8-1 ATS in their last 9 home games. To win this game, Denver will need to play with the resolve and resilience of a true champion. They can do that. Chauncey Billups will show them how. I’m not doubting Denver’s ability to win this game. I’m worried whether they can be the first team since March to force the Lakers to lose two back-to-back games…

NBA Furious Free Pick: Denver -5.5 (OVER)