Mile High Stoppers!

Kobe Again. Who's surprised, because I'm not.

Game 3 was no different from game 2 except the Lakers won this time. Everybody felt by taking one in LA, the Nuggets would definitely take the series. I know you guys have to be hurting rite now. Kobe and company showed why they are the best road team in the NBA, because they entered last night's game against a team who hasn't lost at home this post-season.

However, as LA's offense was clicking, their defense is what led them to the victory. Melo had 18 points in their first half, and was held to only three in the second half. With Melo as a non-factor on offense, Denver had no chance.

Gasol emergence helped as well because Denver is scared of LA's bigs. Their quick, versatile, and if double-teamed can make the perfect pass to an open shooter.

Once again, late in the game Denver got scared of the atmosphere of a close playoff game which caused them to make careless mistakes.

Trevor Ariza has to be sixth-man of the playoffs. This kid is doing everything he can, and is a perfect compliment for Kobe, and Gasol. Just like in game 1, Ariza stole another inbound pass with 36 seconds left which was the deciding factor.

Ariza then stated on ESPN.com that, "It was kind of funny." "It was pretty much the same thing, different players. But we got the steal. We got a win, that's the most important thing."

If that's not enough, he was also a dominating factor on the offensive end. He finished with 16 points, 12 coming in the 4th quarter. Some of that clutch-ness that Kobe has shown so much, has worn off on Ariza. Box Score.

Denver's confidence has to be low because they keep making the same mistakes each game.

Can you blame them though, their playing the best team in the NBA, with the best player. On that note, their still putting shorter defenders on Kobe who is averaging 37.6 ppg so far.

I know it isn't rocket science.

If you were surprised that LA won this game, then your just another jealous fan. This team has won at least one road game in each of the series, so you knew it was bound to come. A game 4 victory wouldn't be a shock as well, because LA knows they have Denver right where they want them.

Prediction: LA by 8, to take a 3-1 series lead.