Closeout Games Not So Easy, Huh Bynum?
Kobe Bryant shot 14-32 and had a game high 43 points, 14 of which game during the 4th quarter but that wasn’t enough to win game 5 and closeout Denver on Tuesday night. During Nuggets pregame discussions, head coach George Karl wrote a quote by Andrew Bynum on their bulletin board saying “Closeout games are easy”. With that being said, the Nuggets locker-room used Bynum’s words and Karl’s wisdom as enough motivation to come out determined to win game 5 and extend the series. Los Angeles only led once in the game in the opening seconds when Andrew Bynum scored a layup. Fast-forwarding to the 4th, the Lakers trailed by as many as 15 points with less than 6 minutes remaining. Kobe Bryant responded back with four straight 3-pointers (two of which hit within 30 seconds of each other) to pull L.A. within 2 points of Denver. With 12 seconds left the Lakers were down a 3 and had one last chance to send the game to OT. After the timeout, Kobe Bryant and Ramon Sessions missed back to back three-pointer attempts and the game was over.
Nuggets point guard, Andrew Miller had a team high 24 points and 8 dimes, while JaVele McGee had a playoff career night scoring 21 points and 14 boards dubbed the player of the game. Now game 6 shifts back to the Mile-High City as once again the Nuggets will try to keep their playoff hopes alive and force a game 7. Ron Artest (Metta World Peace), who was suspended 7 games for an elbow to James Harden 3 weeks ago will be eligible after 6 to return to action.
Game 6 is scheduled this Thursday on TNT with a tip-off set for 10:30 pm (ET).
Win Or Go Home.
Lakers Lead 3-2
Game 1 – LA Lakers 103, Denver 88
Game 2 – LA Lakers 104, Denver 100
Game 3 – Denver 99, LA Lakers 84
Game 4 – LA Lakers 92, Denver 88
Game 5 – Denver 102, LA Lakers 99
Game 6 – Thu May 10, LA Lakers at Denver, 10:30 p.m., TNT
Game 7 – Sat. May 12, Denver at LA Lakers, TBD (If Necessary)
Bonus – Metta World Peace Stops By Conan To Speak On James Harden Situation