Source: Xinhua
05-04-2009 16:47
WASHINGTON, May 3 (Xinhua) -- The Denver Nuggets clinched the second round opener in the NBA playoffs on Sunday with an emphatic 109-95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Denver's Brazilian forward Nene scored 18 of his career playoff-high 24 points in the first half as Denver took a 51-47 halftime lead.
Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points as the Nuggets took a 1-0 lead in the best-of-seven Western Conference semi-final series.
Dirk Nowitzki led Dallas with 28 points and 10 rebounds, while Josh Howard, Jason Kidd and Jason Terry scored 15 points apiece.
The Nuggets host game two on Tuesday, hoping to extend their home winning streak to 14 games, including four in the post-season.
Denver appeared poised to run away with it in the third period, as their defense manufactured several fast break baskets.
