The Denver Nuggets saved themselves from elimination with a 116-102 victory over the Utah Jazz in Game 5 of the Western Conference NBA playoffs.  The Jazz still have the series 3-2 advantage as they head back to Utah for Game 6.  The Nuggets will try to get a game there, to keep their playoff hopes alive, and to send the series back to Denver for the decisiveness Game 7.

The Nuggets, who for the past few days have done nothing but run their mouths and thrown around insults, came together pretty well, and it was a solid team victory.  Carmelo Anthony led the way with 26 points and 11 rebounds, Chauncey Billups chipped in 21 points, Kenyon Martin exploded for 18 points, and J.R. Smith found his range to contribute 17 points.  Their defense, however, continues to be an issue, as Deron Williams continued to dominate with 34 points and 10 assists, and Carlos Boozer did his part with 25 points and 16 rebounds.

The Nuggets will have to play with the same intensity and figure out a way to handle Williams and Boozer in Utah if they want a chance to win Game 6.  It should be a battle.  Game 6 is in Utah, Friday night.  Win, and get another chance to play in Denver; lose, and the offseason will start earlier than anyone expected.