Denver, CO (My Sportsbook) - Nene achieved a playoff career-high in leading Denver with 24 points, and the Nuggets overwhelmed the Mavericks down the stretch in a dominating fourth quarter, posting a 109-95 final in Game 1 of their Western Conference semifinal series from the Pepsi Center.
Carmelo Anthony was solid with 23 points for Denver, which dismantled New Orleans in five games during the quarterfinals with point guard Chauncey Billups serving as catalyst.
Billups' presence this season helped second-seeded Denver earn home-court advantage in the playoffs for the first time since 1988, tie a franchise record for regular season wins with 54 and propel the club past the first round of the playoffs for the first time in 15 years.
Billups ended with six points on just 2-of-8 shooting with six assists in the win. It was the bench that provided the extra spark in Game 1. J.R. Smith had 15 points, Anthony Carter 12 and Chris Andersen 11, tying a playoff career- high off the bench. The trio combined to log crucial minutes down the stretch.
Dirk Nowitzki scored 28 points for the sixth-seeded Mavs, who dispatched of San Antonio in five games in their first-round matchup. Jason Kidd, Jason Terry and Josh Howard each chipped in 15 points in the setback.
Dallas drew within two, 82-80, on Terry's three-pointer and a Nowitzki jumper to open the fourth quarter but the Nuggets quickly doused any chance of the Mavs stealing a game in Denver to open this set.
Denver ripped off a 19-4 run with Dallas hitting just 1-of-7 shots from the floor and committing eight turnovers over the bleak stretch. Anthony provided nine points over the Nuggets' surge and Smith brought the crowd to its feet with a slam off a turnover, giving the hosts a comfortable 101-84 lead just past the five-minute mark.
A demoralized Dallas squad never recovered. Ryan Hollins' dunk ended a nearly six-minute stretch without a field goal and the Mavs subbed out their starters moments later after an Anthony three-pointer made it 106-89 with 2:51 to play.
The Nuggets shot 54.8 percent from the field and forced a staggering 20 turnovers from Dallas, which ended 48.8 percent shooting but got to the line just 13 times, making nine. The Nuggets were 25-of-36 at the foul line.
