NBA Playoffs Western Conference Schedule: Denver Nuggets Look to Put New Orleans Hornets in 2-0 Series Hole

Game 1 couldn’t have gone any better for the Denver Nuggets as they pounded the New Orleans Hornets 113-84 on Sunday to grab a 1-0 lead in their best-of-seven Western Conference playoff series. Denver will look to build off that Game 1 outcome and if they play anything like they did in the opener it will be difficult for the Hornets to find an answer.

The Nuggets had dominant performances from Chauncey Billups who finished with 36 points and 8 assists and Nene who had 12 points and 14 rebounds while the bench stepped up as usual and contributed, scoring 41 points compared to just 24 for the Hornets. Denver was dominant in every facet of the game as they shot 50 percent from the floor, sank 11 three-pointers (8 from Billups), grabbed 49 rebounds and blocked 8 shots.

New Orleans failed to match up with Denver in every way and while Chris Paul scored 21 points and had 11 assists he was completely outshined by Billups. The Hornets hit just 37 percent from the floor and had 35 rebounds and if they are to have any chance on Wednesday they’ll need to improve dramatically in both areas.

Tip-off is set for 10:30 p.m. ET.

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