--C Nene has been bothered by foul trouble battling the Lakers' big frontline in the West final. Nene has averaged 5.3 fouls in the three games. He fouled out in Game 1 before picking up five in Games 2 and 3. Saddled with foul trouble, Nene played just 31 minutes in Game 3 and he must stay out of foul trouble if the Nuggets hope to come back and beat the Lakers.

--G Chauncey Billups always provides great leadership for the Nuggets. Still, his shot has been off in the West final against the Lakers. Billups has shot just 16-of-43 (37.2 percent) from the field in the series. Also, Billups has shot 25-of-32 (81.3 percent) from the foul line. That would be great for most players but not for Billups, who shot 91.3 percent during the regular season.

--C Chris Andersen has been nothing special during the playoffs on the road but often has come up big at home, where he feeds off the energy of the crowd. Saturday's Game 3 at the Pepsi Center of the West final against the Lakers was no exception. In 24 minutes, Andersen totaled 15 points, seven rebounds and three blocks. His play was much needed since Denver's two starting post players were in foul trouble. Kenyon Martin fouled out in the final minute and Nene finished with five fouls.

--G J.R. Smith has been playing despite a calf injury suffered in the waning seconds of Game 1 of the West final against the Lakers. Smith hasn't been his normal self since getting hurt. Over the last two games, he has shot just 5-of-21, including 3-of-14 from three-point range. In Saturday's Game 3, Smith was just 4-of-15, including 2-of-10 from long distance. While Smith perhaps took too many shots for Nuggets coach George Karl's liking, he did do one thing well: He handed out six assists while committing just one turnover.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--C Steven Hunter (Nov. 14 right knee surgery) hasn't played since the first preseason game. He is ready to play but has yet to get into a game, although he was activated for Game 2 of the West final against the Lakers.