Denver showed who was the better team tonight with a convincing 109-91 win over LA Lakers. Although not exactly a blowout, Denver coach Bob and his players outplayed LA Lakers from start to end. "I was hoping for a better outcome," said LA Lakers coach Andreas Helmle during a post-game interview. "But they just overpowered us, and there was nothing we could do to adjust. Bob's team was more talented and better-prepared, and it would have taken quite a bit of luck for us to overcome that."

The loss was tough on LA Lakers fans, who had expected great things from their team after some offseason moves. "I think reality is starting to sink in," said one team. "We didn't expect to see other teams outplaying us this badly, but Denver sure made their point."

Denver was led by Davis (25 points, 14 boards, 2 assists, a steal), White (17 points, 7 boards, 2 assists, a steal, 4 blocks), Banks (15 points, 5 assists, a block). LA Lakers was led by Monroe (11 points, 21 boards, 1 assists), Washington (7 points, 8 assists, 2 steals), Sanchez (16 points, a steal, 2 blocks).

Denver stand at 11-8 and 9-2 at home. They improve to #3 in the Northwest and move up to #7 overall in the Western Conference. LA Lakers fall to 6-13 after the defeat. They stay at #4 in the Pacific and remain at #14 overall in the Western Conference.

box score Denver roster LA Lakers* roster