One by one, the 2009 Nuggets slipped past heartbroken fans into the Pepsi Center tunnel, disappearing from view until October, leaving behind wonderful images for the fans' memories, and what-ifs for their imaginations.
The Los Angeles Lakers hammered the Nuggets 119-92 on Friday night, winning the Western Conference finals 4-2 in the Nuggets' first appearance on this stage since 1985. For so much of the season, the Nuggets played tenacious defense, but in the biggest game - against the defending conference champs - Denver's defense was deplorable. The Lakers shot 60 percent from the field in the first half and got open looks all game.
Los Angeles started strong, put on a 9-1 run to end the first half for a 53-40 lead and expanded that to 83-67 after three quarters.
Friday felt like the last game of the 2007 World Series at Coors Field for local sports fans, a huge disappointment after so much hope.
That said, it was just one heck of a season. The Nuggets won 54 games, finished second in the power-packed Western Conference, and breezed past New Orleans and Dallas to reach the conference finals.
And it was a season-long homecoming celebration for Chauncey Billups, the homegrown star who rejuvenated his hometown team.
On Friday morning, Billups said, "You really, really, honestly can't put into words how much fun it's been to be home and play these meaningful games."
The Lakers' Kobe Bryant, Denver's nemesis, once again was sensational, lifting his team at every critical juncture and playing a nearly flawless floor game.
He set the tone for his team with his tenacity. As he said Friday morning, about the opportunities of close-out games, "These are the moments you'll miss when you leave the game."
Bryant's 35 points and 10 assists led Los Angeles. His 3-pointer with 6:13 left boosted L.A. to a 101-82 lead and dimmed any thoughts of a Nuggets' comeback.
Denver forward Carmelo Anthony, meanwhile, struggled again. Hammered by a right ankle injury, he couldn't get into a rhythm, clanking jumpers and missing layups and sitting out much of the third quarter.
And unlike previous games, Nuggets Nation couldn't complain about the officiating. After three quarters, Denver had 21 free throws and the Laker
The Lakers' Trevor Ariza, the X-factor for much of the series, scored 13 points in the first half when he was was left wide open on several possessions.
As for the Nuggets , they were as flat, sloppy and sluggish, a disappointing end to a magical season.
