NBA Playoffs 2025: Conference FinalsGame 1: Nuggets Sting Hornets in 4thThe Nuggets shut down the Hornets in the final quarter to win game one by 106-94. The Nuggets were led by veteran centre Dwight Howard, who dominated with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Dennis Anderson also boosted the Nuggets with 21 points, while Denver's two top scorers Taylor MacKenzie (20) and James Palmer (18) weren't too far behind. Borislav Perko registered yet another playoff triple-double with 10 points, 12 rebounds and 16 assists.
New Orleans were led by former Nuggets point guard Steven Hunt, who had 32 points and 13 assists against his old team. He was well supported by superstars Hobbes MacDonald and Caleb Vick, who both scored 21, while Marty Snow added 12.
The Hornets' were up by 9 to begin the fourth, but they faded against the rampant Denver team, and were outscored 32-15.
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NOH@DEN
DEN: 106 (Howard 22, Anderson 21, MacKenzie 20)
NOH: 94 (Hunt 32, MacDonald 21, Vick 21)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Dwight Howard 22 points 13 rebounds 1 assist 3 blocks
Rebounds
DEN: Howard 13
NOH: Meyer 9
Assists
DEN: Perko 16
NOH: Hunt 13
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Game 2: Nuggets' Scoring Brigade Too Much For HornetsDenver had eight double-digit scorers in their 110-77 win against the Hornets. Taylor MacKenzie topped their list with 13, while James Palmer (10 assists) and Vince MacMahon scored 12 and 11 respectively. Stan Griffiths, Dwight Howard, Julian Chandler, Derrick Rose and Jim Simon all added 10 each, while Borislav Perko (9 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists) was one point shy of another triple-double.
The Hornets' night was contrast to the Nuggets, as Steven Hunt (30 points, 7 assists) and Hobbes MacDonald (21 points) did the majority of scoring. Caleb Vick was the only other double-digit scorer for New Orleans with 10 points.
Denver's team play has been a highlight of the playoffs, with the majority of the team getting involved at one stage or another. The series now heads to New Orleans, where the Hornets will look to resurrect their playoffs campaign.
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NOH@DEN
DEN: 110 (MacKenzie 13, Palmer 12, MacMahon 11)
NOH: 77 (Hunt 30, MacDonald 21, Vick 10)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Borislav Perko 9 points 13 rebounds 13 assists 6 blocks 2 steals
Rebounds
DEN: Perko 13
NOH: Snow 10
Assists
DEN: Perko 13
NOH: Hunt, Vick 7
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Game 3: Nuggets Win Big... EasyDenver once again had power in numbers, routing the Hornets by 111-85. Six players scored in double figures for the Mile High City, as they were led by Taylor MacKenzie (27). Dwight Howard proved once again that age is no barrier, scoring 26 points, while Dennis Anderson continued his impressive post-season for, with 15. James Palmer played a more distributive role, with 14 points and 12 assists. Stan Griffiths scored 12, while Borislav Perko (10 points, 13 rebounds, 13 assists) was judged to be the Performer of the Game once again with his overall stat-line.
The story for New Orleans once again was their lack of options on the offensive end. Hobbes MacDonald stepped up with 28, and Steven Hunt had another great game (16 points, 10 assists), but they had little help, as Rasheed Meyer (13) was the only other notable contributor on the scorecard.
New Orleans will have one more chance to extend the series at home in game 4.
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DEN@NOH
DEN: 111 (MacKenzie 27, Howard 26, Anderson 15)
NOH: 85 (MacDonald 28, Hunt 16, Meyer 13)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Borislav Perko 10 points 13 rebounds 13 assists
Rebounds
DEN: Perko 13
NOH: Snow 7
Assists
DEN: Perko 13
NOH: Hunt 10
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Game 4: Nuggets Sweep West for Finals SpotDespite encountering a more determined Hornets squad, the Denver Nuggets completed their sweep of the West, winning game four by 104-96. At one stage the Denver Nuggets were down by 22 in the second quarter. New Orleans even held a 9 point lead going into the fourth, but they were once again run down by Denver's potent offense.
The Nuggets were led from the wings, with Taylor MacKenzie (30) and Dennis Anderson (27) both having huge games. Dwight Howard also enjoyed his retro form, scoring 18 off the bench. Stan Griffiths (12 points, 9 rebounds) and James Palmer (11 points, 11 assists) also had meaningful contributions in Denver's resurgence.
Steven Hunt (29) and Hobbes MacDonald (22) led the Hornets fight back with strong games, while Rasheed Meyer and Caleb Vick both scored 15.
The Hornets showed signs of resilience, but no team ever looked likely to upset Denver's perfect run through the West. The Nuggets will face the winner of the Bulls/Heat series in the NBA Finals, which Miami leads 3-0.
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DEN@NOH
DEN: 104 (MacKenzie 30, Anderson 27, Howard 18)
NOH: 96 (Hunt 29, MacDonald 22, Meyer 15)
Sprite Performer of the Game: Taylor MacKenzie 30 points 2 rebounds 4 steals
Rebounds
DEN: S Griffiths, Perko 9
NOH: Meyer, Morgan 7
Assists
DEN: Perko 15
NOH: Hunt, MacDonald 6