Nuggets expect to return to Los Angeles to face Lakers in Game 7

Perhaps it was just a joke, but the Nuggets were laughing Wednesday about leaving behind some luggage at their Marina del Rey hotel. They sound confident that they can win Game 6 tonight in Denver against the Lakers, thus guaranteeing a return trip to Los Angeles for Game 7 Sunday.

This from the Denver Post:

Heading into tonight's Game 6, the Nuggets know they must space the floor better to get more open looks from long range. As coach George Karl explained, that comes from "executing screening a little better."

In the loss Wednesday, Karl said, "we didn't get in the open court as much; we didn't have those good gaps that we normally have. But we're close to scoring. I mean, 94 points is low for us. But we're capable of scoring on their defense, and we'll figure it out."

-- Randy Harvey

Photo: Denver Nuggets head coach George Karl wouldn't mind another thoughtful conversation with Lakers superfan Jack Nicholson if it means a Game 7 back in Los Angeles. Credit: Mark J. Terrill / Associated Press