High-scoring Nuggets Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson combined for 61 points in an eye-opening playoff opener against San Antonio, winning 95-89 and stealing home court advantage. The combination of the two ruthless scorers, while difficult to manage earlier in the season, now has Denver peaking at the perfect time.
Consequently, a matchup many had considered one-sided in favor of the veteran, unexcitingly über-competent Spurs now acquires more interest. Last year, the Iverson-less Nuggets fell to the Clippers in five drama-free games in the first round. This year, they may make more of a splash, and arguably have done so already. (More Denver Nuggets stories.)