Match Review: NBA: Golden State Warriors survive a tough one vs Denver Nuggets

OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 29: Carl Landry #7 of the Golden State Warriors steals the ball from JaVale McGee #34 of the Denver Nuggets at Oracle Arena on November 29, 2012 in Oakland, California.

This one was one wild ride from start to finish. And the finish was frantic at both ends. The Golden State Warriors and the Denver Nuggets are both teams which could sneak in to the playoffs. The Nuggets came in with a record of 8-7 and the Warriors were 8-6. In their last fourteen matches, the Nuggets have won 11.

These teams have already faced each other twice this season, with the Nuggets winning both contests.The Nuggets were coming off a streak where they won four in a row before dropping their last match to the Jazz. Both teams feature fast pace offenses and rely on ball movement to create rather than relying on one superstar. It was a high scoring affair as the Warriors just sneaked ahead 106-105. They were led by David Lee who had 31 points on a incredible 13-15 shooting. The Warriors shot 51.2 % to the Nuggets’ 45.2%. But the Nuggets made 19 free throws to 10 of the Warriors. Six players from the Nuggets finished with double figures in scoring while the Warriors only had four players n double figures.

Rivalries are the basis of sports. Stephen Curry and Ty Lawson have a good one brewing. Both all star caliber point guards in the Western Conference. Exceptional talent but not in conversation with Paul, Rondo or Williams. Lawson finished with 17 points and 9 assists while Curry had 20 and 10.

OAKLAND, CA – NOVEMBER 29: David Lee #10 of the Golden State Warriors is congratulated by fans as he heads back to the lockerroom after they beat the Denver Nuggets at Oracle Arena on November 29, 2012 in Oakland, California.

“I think Ty and him have a little bit of a rivalry,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “He’s understanding he can be a pest on that end of the court.”

The main story was the frantic ending. The Warriors were down 86-78 at the start of the fourth quarter but Klay Thompson hit a couple of jumpers to kick start the comeback.

Igoudala missed one of three free throws which would have tied the game with 3 seconds left. But the ball went out of bounds off the Warriors’. Then Igoudala got a chance to win it but his buzzer beater was waived off as he got it off after time had expired. That call was controversial to say the least.

“Do we like replay or not? I’m not sure,”  commentator Steve Kerr said after the game. “Boy, that was some crazy stuff.”

See the end for yourself:

Igoudala first got the benefit of a foul on a three pointer but the second shot which he made was ruled as a late on and the Warriors survived this one with a win.

Here are the first half highlights: