One streak ends at 15

Every start has its finish and unfortunately for the Denver Nuggets, their finish came Monday at the hands of the New Orleans Hornets. The Nuggets entered the game against the 25-46, underhanded Hornets on a 15-game winning streak that few thought would end in New Orleans. The Hornets, though, had other plans.

Riding on the moment of rookie Brian Roberts career-high 18 assists, the New Orleans Hornets thrashed the Denver Nuggets 110-86. Roberts was in the starting line up for only the second time when he doubled his previous career high for assists. Along with Robert’s stellar pay, Ryan Anderson chipped in 23 points, and went five for 11 from behind the arc. Darius Miller, who was starting in place of Eric Gordon, hit four of five three-point shots, and scored 16 points for the team. The Hornets had seven players total in double digits.

On the Nuggets' side, Danilo Gallinari scored a team-high of 24 points. The Nuggets were playing once again without starting point guard Ty Lawson, who has missed three games with an injured right heel. Andrew Miller had nine points and six assists in the loss. Of the game, he said, “We played a bad game and they played a great game…They out played us and outworked us at both ends.”

Though a victory would have been preferred, the Nuggets run was a statement for their high hopes for the post-season. With their recent play, the Nuggets have upped their chances for home court advantage during the playoffs, and also jumped up to number two in the weekly ESPN Power Rankings, only behind the Miami Heat.

The Hornets now find themselves on a three-game winning streak as they go on to face the Clippers and the Heat at home in their next two games. The Nuggets head out to face the Spurs in San Antonio before returning home to take on the Brooklyn Nets.

Photo courtesy of Zimbio