Lakers are perfect 3-0 after spoiling Iverson and the Nuggets home opener

Just like last years first round of the NBA Playoffs, Allen Iverson did not have the answer for Kobe Bryant and the Lakers. Surely, Denver wanted revenge on the Lakers after getting swept and embarrassed by them last year and eliminated from the playoffs.

For the Lakers, this was their first true road game of the season. The game the other day against the Clippers was officially a road game but we all know that it was really a home game in the Lakers minds since it was at Staples Center.

There was some talk that the Denver Nuggets might be a little tired after a recent road trip and it may have took a little affect on Allen Iverson who had only 13 points on 3-8 shooting and 7 assist. Maybe a little fatigue but don't ever think that Allen Iverson has slowed down a bit. Even at age 33 Iverson is just as quick as he was ten years ago. It kind of makes me curious when nature is going to make this guy slow down a little. Carmelo Anthony (minus the corn rolls), the other star in Denver was well rested after missing the first two games due to a suspension from a DUI he got in the off-season.

Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and the Los Angeles Lakers nearly became the first team in three years to hold Anthony to single digits in a 104-97 victory over the Denver Nuggets. Anthony, who declared last month, "You will see a different me," this season thanks to a focus on defense, finally found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, but that's when Bryant scored 14 points to fend off the fatigued Nuggets. Anthony, who ditched his trademark cornrows for a close-cropped cut, was held to a single bucket until sinking consecutive baskets to help the Nuggets slice it to 93-91 with four minutes left. He fired up an airball from beyond the arc on Denver's next possession, and Bryant responded with a basket at the other end to make it 95-91.

Denver (1-2) never got closer as the Lakers, who trailed most of the game before taking control in the fourth quarter, improved to 3-0.

Anthony Carter scored 20 points to lead the Nuggets, who also got 18 points from Kenyon Martin before he departed in the second half with a pulled left hamstring.

Carmelo Anthony hasn't been held below 10 points since Nov. 28, 2005, when he played just 1½ minutes against New Jersey before leaving with a sprained ankle after scoring just two points. His franchise-record streak makes him the most consistent offensive player in the NBA since 2005, and it's 90 games longer than second-place LeBron James' 118-game streak.

Besides Kobe's 33 points many other Lakers had decent games. Gasol had 16 points, Radmanovic scored 11 points and hit some clutch three pointers but it was Fisher, who had 11 points also, that hit the three pointer late in the fourth to put the dagger in the Nuggets hearts to give the Lakers the sure win.