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Iverson, Nuggets Move Closer to Playoff Berth

Denver controls own destiny, just needs a win Wednesday

By Mike Buss,  Newser Staff

Posted Apr 14, 2008 12:55 AM CDT
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(Newser) – Allen Iverson scored 33 points and J.R. Smith sparked the Nuggets out of their early doldrums with a 23-point performance in Denver's 111-94 rout of the Houston Rockets on Sunday night, putting the Nuggets on the cusp of the NBA playoffs. All Denver has to do now to get in is beat lowly Memphis on Wednesday night at home.

Denver (49-32) moved a half-game ahead of Golden State for the eighth and final playoff spot with their rout of the Rockets. It was a surprisingly easy win for the Nuggets, who pulled away with a 10-0 run sparked by consecutive 3-pointers from Smith spanning the first and second quarters. Luther Head lead Houston with 19 points and Tracy McGrady scored 16.

Houston Rockets head coach Rick Adelman argues a call against his team in the first quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 111-94 victory over the Rockets in an NBA game in Denver on Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Houston Rockets head coach Rick Adelman argues a call against his team in the first quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 111-94 victory over the Rockets in an NBA game in Denver on Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Houston Rockets guard Aaron Brooks, left, looks to move past Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 111-94 victory in Denver on Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Houston Rockets guard Aaron Brooks, left, looks to move past Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson during the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 111-94 victory in Denver on Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson, front, works against Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston in the first quarter of an NBA game in Denver on Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson, front, works against Houston Rockets guard Rafer Alston in the first quarter of an NBA game in Denver on Sunday, April 13, 2008.   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
Houston Rockets guard Luther Head, left, is fouled as he drives with the ball by Denver Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera, of Mexico, in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 111-94 victory in an NBA basketball game in Denver on Sunday, April 13, 2008.
Houston Rockets guard Luther Head, left, is fouled as he drives with the ball by Denver Nuggets forward Eduardo Najera, of Mexico, in the fourth quarter of the Nuggets' 111-94 victory in an NBA basketball...   (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)
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NBA • Golden State Warriors • basketball • Denver Nuggets • Houston Rockets • Allen Iverson • Tracy McGrady • J.R. Smith • Luther Head

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