Mozgov’s 23 Points Sparks Nuggs in 111-99 Win Over Lakers

[Photo Courtesy of AP Photo/David Zalubowski]

The Denver Nuggets came away with the win against the Los Angeles Lakers Wednesday Night at the Pepsi Center, as Timofey Mozgov provided a spark off the bench, finishing with 23 points, 9 rebounds, and 4 blocks. Lakers have lost four-straight regular season games to Denver for the first time since 1995.

The Nuggets got off to a rough start as they went 0-for-6 before J.J. Hickson ended the Lakers 8-0 run. Pau Gasol with a left-handed hook put the Los Angeles Lakers up 12-4 early on. Denver would answer back as Faried was dominant early on, as he would hit a jumper and put one off the glass. Nuggs first lead of the game came as Jordan Hamilton was fouled by Nick Young, hitting both free throws, putting Denver up 17-16.

Wilson Chandler checked in at the scorer’s table as he missed the Nuggets first six-games due to a nagging hamstring injury and was received to a standing ovation. Ty Lawson continues to torch defenses with his speed, as he weaved through the Lakers defense with a layup. Wilson Chandler had an opportunity to score his first basket of the season on a fast break, but blew a tire on the way up, missing the easy bucket. Timofey Mozgov hauled down the offensive rebound, finishing the and one, putting Denver up 28-17.

Nick Young ended the first quarter with a three-pointer, reducing the Denver lead to five. After one, Denver led 33-28. Nuggs out-rebounded the Lakers 18-to-10, and killed the Lakers in the paint with 22 points, Lakers with 6.

Timofey Mozgov got the Nuggets started in the 2nd with a tough layup over Pau Gasol, and Andre Miller with a three-point play as Xavier Henry committed the foul. Nuggs took a 38-28 lead, their biggest of the game. A Kenneth Faried alley-oop to J.J. Hickson brought the Pepsi Center to their feet, as the Lakers were forced to take a time-out.

Lakers were in foul trouble early as Denver was in the bonus. Evan Fournier went (1-2) at the line as the Nuggets took a 43-34 lead. Jodie Meeks and Jordan Hill did their best to keep LA in the game, as Meeks hit a three, and a slam dunk by Hill reduced the Denver lead to eight. Wilson Chandler answered back with a three of his own as Hill continued to battle. On two consecutive possessions for LA; Jordan Hill had two offensive rebounds, putting both in the hoop.

Wesley Johnson connected with a three as Denver called a timeout, leading 55-50. Jordan Hill was stuffing the stat sheet for LA with five offensive rebounds in the 2nd quarter. Kaman was fouled and hit both free throws, trailing the Nuggets by three. Wilson Chandler quickly responded with a three, bringing the lead back up to six. Nuggets entered halftime leading the Lakers 60-54, as Denver had 21 second-chance points.

Pau Gasol got things started in the 3rd quarter with a beautiful up and under move on Timofey Mozgov. Denver would answer back as Randy Foye continues to be a reliable shooter, knocking down the three, leading 63-57. Jordan Hill quickly picked up his fourth foul and was forced to sit. Denver wasn’t capitalizing on their free throws, as they shot 20-of-31.

Xavier Henry tried to keep the Lakers in the game as he connected from deep giving the Lakers a spark. Mozgov on back-to-back possessions sunk in two hooks shots as Denver took a 79-73 lead. At the end of the 3rd quarter, Nick Young hit a three and was fouled, as he finished the four point play. Nuggets lead 83-79 entering the fourth.

Timofey Mozgov started off the 4th with a hook shot; as he scored Denver’s last ten points. Evan Fournier got the offensive rebound on the next possession and scored with a floater, giving Denver an 87-79 lead. The Nuggets offense would prove to be too much, as Wilson Chandler put the game out of reach late in the fourth quarter with a three. Denver came away with the home win, 111-99.

Timofey Mozgov matched his career high in points as he scored 23 points off the bench, collecting 9 rebounds and 4 blocks.
Wilson Chandler in his first game of the season went 4-of-11, 4-for-7 from three, as he finished with 12 points and 5 rebounds.
Nuggets out-rebounded the Lakers 58-51.
Nuggets man-handled the Lakers in the paint out-scoring them 60-32.

What’s Up Next: The Denver Nuggets (3-4) host the Minnesota Timberwolves (6-3) on Friday at the Pepsi Center. Tip-off at 7:00 and can be seen on ESPN.