Getting your player ready...
Melo’s start:
The Nuggets’ star forward was cold from the field, going 0-for-8 in the first quarter, with several close-in shots rimming out. He had three points, all free throws, and three assists in the period.
Noncall:
Dahntay Jones tripped Kobe Bryant in the third quarter. Nothing was called, infuriating Bryant, who argued at length with referees during a break in play.
Hot tempers:
J.R. Smith picked up a technical foul in the fourth quarter for throwing an elbow. Carmelo Anthony also got a technical foul, as did Kenyon Martin.
Chris Dempsey, The Denver Post
