Actor Jack Nicholson greets Head Coach George Karl of the Denver Nuggets before a game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center on Feb. 28, 2010 in Los Angeles, California. (credit: Andrew D. Bernstein/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES (AP) — Even after nearly a quarter-century on NBA benches, Denver coach George Karl can’t remember the last time he was this nervous for a big game.
With a third straight victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Saturday night, his Nuggets would become just the ninth team to escape a 3-1 series deficit.
Game 7 is on Karl’s 61st birthday, too.
While the Nuggets are rolling, the Lakers are reeling. Denver blew out Los Angeles in Game 6 after taking a huge lead in Game 5. Kobe Bryant was unable to save the Lakers either time.
At least the third-seeded Lakers will be at home. They also might get help from Metta World Peace, who will return from suspension to lead the physical play necessary to slow the Nuggets.
