Andre manuevers around Olowokandi and Cassell in first half action at the 2004-2005 home opener.

ESPN Boxscore

Web: Boykins hits game-winner (via ESPN.com)

Next game: Utah in Denver, Sat @ 7:00MT

Gutty first win of season

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The tension that started during last year's playoff series during these two teams is still there.

Denver welcomed the T-Wolves back to their house with a hard-fought overtime win.

It wasn't pretty, with the Nuggets shooting just 38% as a team, including Melo's 5-25. Carmelo Anthony did hit 8-10 free throws, grab a team-hight 14 rebounds, and dished four assists though to tie Andre Miller for team-high scoring honors at 19.

This was the first game (of many) without Voshon Lenard after he tore his Achilles' tendon the night before against the Lakers, ending his season.

Several familiar foes from last year's playoffs got re-acquainted. Franciso Elson gave Kevin Garnett a hard foul under the basket and picked up a tech. After getting tangled up again with Garnett early in the 4th quarter, he received a second tech and was tossed.

Later on in the 4th, Boykins got by Sam Cassell on a drive to the basket and was called for a foul. Sam gave Boykins a clear extra shove in the back after the foul. Kevin Martin came over and gave Cassell a shove in the chest just as Sam was being t'd up. Sam lost his cool and threw a ball at Martin's head and was tossed. The best part of the incident was that Martin showed he's willing to stand up for and defend his teammates. He went over and picked up Boykins, and from my seats, it looked like he said to him... "I got your back".

Back and forth they battled, and the Nuggets were up by 2, 88-86 with 10 seconds to go. Mr MVP ended that by hitting a two point shot in the lane. Carmelo missed an 18 footer as regulation expired.

In the overtime, Kenyon Martin hit two quick buckets to give the Nuggets a 4 point lead. Minnesota clawed back to another tie while the Denver offense sputtered. With just 6 seconds left, Earl had a chance to be the hero after he hit a 19 foot jumper. Everyone in the building knew Garnett would get the last look and he did. In close, Garnett just missed a short turn-around shot that would have sent the game into a second overtime.

Round 1 goes to Denver! Fans will have to wait awhile til Round 2 - January 14th again in Denver.

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Til next game,

Alan