Bests: Rally falls just short
Nuggets’ finish:
The Nuggets nearly climbed out of an 11-point deficit in the final three minutes and had a shot to win the game.
Kleiza sighting:
Linas Kleiza has been in a slump, but he came off the bench to score eight points in the first half. He made 3-of-5 shots, including 2-of-3 from 3-pointers. His fast start earned him minutes in crunch time.
Hip-hop nation:
There was star power in the building, with some of rap music’s power players watching, including Lil Wayne, Trina (also Kenyon Martin’s girlfriend) and Jadakiss. In addition, Saints running back Reggie Bush was on hand.
Worsts: Nene a nonfactor
Nene’s game:
The Nuggets’ big man was in foul trouble all afternoon and could never get going on offense, where he was 1-of-4 from the field before fouling out. He played 32 minutes but spent much of that time complaining to the referees.
Nuggets’ fourth-quarter start:
The Nuggets went on a long dry spell to start the final quarter. They scored just four points in the first seven- plus minutes of the final period.
Bird in house:
No, not The Birdman. A real bird. A random pigeon-looking bird got into the building and flew around the crowd during the game.
