2012 NBA Playoffs Western Conference First Round Game 7: Los Angeles Lakers 96, Denver Nuggets 87

The 2012 NBA Playoffs First Round is almost in the books as the Los Angeles Lakers knock off the Denver Nuggets in Game 7 at the Staples Center. The Los Angeles Lakers blew a 16 point lead in the second half, but in the end mustered up the shots and big plays to eliminate the Denver Nuggets. This game became the eleventh straight win for the Los Angeles Lakers in Game Sevens in Los Angeles.

The biggest story entering tonight’s Game 7 was the return of Metta World Peace. Metta World Peace had missed the first six games of this series because of his seven-game suspension for elbowing James Harden of the Oklahoma City Thunder. Metta World Peace had 15 points in his return, but he was not the only player for the Los Angeles Lakers to show up. Pau Gasol did have 23 points, 17 rebounds, and six assists.

Kobe Bryant had a nice Game 7 performance with 17 points and eight assists. That is right, Kobe Bryant had eight assists! The Los Angeles Lakers also had a huge bench performance out of Steve Blake. Steve Blake went 7-for-11 from the field and 5-for-6 from the three-point line. He finished the game with 19 points and three assists. Andrew Bynum had 16 points and a career playoff-high 18 rebounds as the Los Angeles Lakers avoid becoming the ninth NBA team in NBA history to lose a series after being up 3-1.

The Los Angeles Lakers will move on to the Western Conference semifinals as they will play the 2nd-seed Oklahoma City Thunder. Game 1 of this series will be Monday night at Oklahoma City.

Ty Lawson went 11-for-19 and had 24 points in Game 7. Al Harrington also finished the game with 24 points.

For more 2012 NBA Playoffs coverage, check out my podcast The Onside Kick. The Onside Kick covers all the biggest stories in the NBA, NCAA Basketball, NFL, NCAA Football, and MLB.

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