The 2009 Western Conference Finals-Game 1

The 2009 Western Conference Finals tip off in a few minutes. I have to admit feeling a little apprehension. The Lakers struggled against Houston, a team they were obviously better than. Once again, they face a team that they should just dominate. However, the Nuggets have looked awfully good during the playoffs. So, as a means of therapy in order to get myself through what I hope will only be the next 4 games, I'll attempt to chronicle each game here while it's in progress. Game 1, coming up.
I thought Gasol got all ball on that block. Denver up 5-2 early. Martin threw a Kobe shot outta there. Goodness!
We're looking pretty bad at the 8:20 mark of the 1st. Bynum finally hits inside. But the Nuggets won't miss! 14-6 with 7:08 to go in the 1st.
Dante Jones flops to give Kobe his first bucket. I'll take it! Carmelo comes right down and hits.
Two in a row for Kobe.
Why aren't we pounding this ball inside?!
Finally! Beautiful up-and-under move by Bynum! 20-12, 3:39, 1st quarter.
Timeout, Nuggets. Odom and Walton will on the floor when play resumes. I like this. Lamar Odom gives us great energy off the bench.
Carmelo Anthony looks great! Another turnover for us. Denver makes us pay, now down 12.
Nice baseline jumper, Ariza.
Anthony with a 3 at the 1:50 mark.
Gasol answers with an "and one". He completes the 3 point play, down now 27-17 with 1:26 to go in the 1st.
Sasha and Brown with back to back 3s. We put Billups on the line with 2.2 left. He misses both free throws!
The first quarter ends with Denver leading by 8, 31-23. We have to find a way to stop 'Melo!
The Laker reserves have cut the lead to 4 against the Nugget bench.
Now missing a lot of opportunities on offense. But, dominating on the boards!
Farmar cuts it 4 again. And Nene comes right back.
Big 3 point shot from Luke Walton! Timeout Denver. 35-32 Nuggets with 8:47 to go in the 2nd quarter.
After a Nene dunk, Odom hits a 3 on the other end. 2 point game.
Horrible foul call on Kobe as he blocks Billups' shot.
Oh my goodness! The officials hate us in our own building!
Timeout Nuggets with 5:49 to go in the half. 40-35, Denver.
Lakers going inside now; first Derek, then Ariza. Ariza to the line. He hits one. 2 point game. 'Melo finally misses!
Strong move by Bryant to dunk and pull the Lakers within 1!
Lakers get another Bryant 3.
Lakers take the lead on Josh Powell free throws with 1:09 to go in the half.
Big 3 pointer at the buzzer for D-Fish! After once being down by 13, the Lakers lead 55-54 at halftime. I'm expecting a big second half by Kobe and Gasol. I really feel like we have taken Denver's best punch.
Lakers showing greater patience as this half begins.
Refs getting whistle happy now. The crowd (along with me) is getting nervous. Another 3 for Anthony over Ariza. Good grief!
OH MY GOODNESS! Ariza just got hacked across the arms and got NO call! And of course, Anthony hits ANOTHER 3.
Gasol's offensive board cleaning and score followed by a Laker fast break get us back to within one. Timeout, Denver with 6:15 to play in the 3rd.
Ariza now with 4 fouls guarding Anthony.
Lakers go back up at the 4:57 mark of the 3rd.
After a stop, D-Fish hits another 3! Lakers by 4.
We are getting ZERO calls in our own building. INCREDIBLE.
FINALLY got a call.
The quarter ends with us down by 2, 76-74.
Kenyon Martin goes down at the 11:49 mark. I hope he's okay.
Refs continue to call cheap fouls on the Lakers.
Reach in foul on Anthony. Bryant hits a 3 to pull us back within 2.
Smith wakes up and hits a three, but that's countered by Farmar's triple. Back within 2.
Down 5 again at the 8:40 mark.
We're late in the 4th. Kobe has to take over now. Everyone else is struggling.
Ariza's 3 pulls us within 2 with 4 to play.
D-Fish hits a 3 to put us up at the 2:09 mark, Bryant assist.
Gasol to the free throw line with a 97-96 lead. Missed the first. Missed both.
After a Billups 3, Gasol back to the line, down 99-97 with 1:14 to play. Hits the first one. Gasol ties it at 99.
Players dive on the floor after a loose ball, jump ball call with 57.3 seconds to play. Odom wins the tip.
Lakers will have the ball with 35.5 to play, tied at 99.
Bryant draws the foul. Hits the first. Two free throws for Bryant, Lakers by 2 with 30.5 to play.
STEAL BY ARIZA!
Bryant drives, gets hit. Back to the line. Hits the first. Hits the second. Lakers by 4 with 10 seconds to play. Timeout, Denver.
Billups hits the 3. One point game. Inbound to Bryant, gets fouled.
Kobe knocks down both. 105-102 with 3.2 to play. Lakers put Smith on the line. He hits the first. Smith misses the second on purpose, rebound to Kobe. LAKERS WIN 105-103!
We survive a 39 point performance by Carmelo Anthony to win Game 1. Kobe puts in 40. I'll be worn out if every game of this series is like this one! Whew!