On Friday night, the Nuggets lost by 10, 99-89, on the road vs. the completely banged up New Orleans/Oklahoma City Hornets, who have four of their best 5 players injured right now. No Chris Paul, no David West, no Peja Stojakovic, and no Bobby Jackson, yet they still run away with a victory over the Nuggets tonight.

For the Hornets, Devin Brown was the real star. He came off the bench and had a huge impact with 19 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Rasual Butler scored 20 points for the Hornets, as high-flying Desmond Mason chipped in 17. Tyson Chandler scored 10 points, grabbed 9 rebounds, and blocked 4 shots. Rookie big man Cedric Simmons even had a big impact, posting a near double-double with 10 points and 9 rebounds.

Allen Iverson really struggled tonight for the Nuggets. He did end up with 21 points, but he shot a horrible 6-22, and only dished 3 assists, as well as had 5 turnovers. The star for Denver tonight was Earl Boykins, who once again had a great game off the bench, going for 26 points. Rookie Yakhouba Diawara scored 14 points, DerMarr Johnson scored 10 as well as grabbed 6 boards, and Jamal Sampson (who is starting at center in place of injured Marcus Camby and Nene) grabbed 6 rebounds in just 15 minutes. Reggie Evans and Eduardo Najera each grabbed 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, but it wasn’t enough.

Player of the Game: Earl Boykins

26 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists

Next Game: Sunday (12/31/06) at home vs. Dallas at 7:00 pm MST. Note that this will be the last game the Nuggets play with the “new” ball.

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