The Nuggets managed to beat the tanking Minnesota Timberwolves by nearly 30 while getting excellent performances from most of their starting five. Along the way we got to see players such as Julyan Stone and Jordan Hamilton … players who we haven’t seen for awhile.

Now, bring on the Lakers! Series starts on Sunday at 1:30 pm MT at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. Prepare yourselves Nuggets fans.

So the Nuggets made quick work of the Timberwolves tonight. It's a good thing too, because most of the starters got to sit out the fourth quarter. Speaking of the starters, all of them did a great job tonight. While the opponent may have been looking to next year already (or their summer vacations) you really had to hand it to the Nuggets for putting their foot down and destroying an inferior opponent. Here is the points, rebounds and assists rundown

Ty Lawson – 15 points 4 rebounds 4 assists
Arron Afflalo – 18 points 4 rebounds
Danilo Gallinari – 17 points 3 rebounds 4 assists
Kenneth Faried – 15 points 7 rebounds
Kosta Koufos – 7 points 11 rebounds
JaVale McGee – 19 points 5 rebounds
Timofey Mozgov – 15 points 4 rebounds

That kinda tells the story right there. Solid, balanced effort by everyone let George Karl empty the bench (all but the forgotten Chris Andersen) and enjoy a nice blowout win on the last game of the regular season. It was very nice to see the offensive flow so crisp and the Nuggets continue their winning ways heading in to the playoffs against the dreaded Lakers.

Speaking of which. One thing worse than facing the actual Lakers are their myopic "fans". Uhg, another series full of "count the ringzzzzzzz". Full previews are coming from Nate Timmons, Andrew Feinstein and myself so we will have our fill of that special kind of myopia very soon. Look at it this way Nuggets fans, that will make a Nuggets victory in this series even sweeter. If you would have pinned me down prior to the seeds being set, I'd tell you that this was my preferred match up for this reason among many.

The Nuggets have decided, for a change, to head in to these playoffs on a roll. Tonight's win was even sweeter just so they can continue the roll they are on. Maybe this is the team we saw at the beginning of the season? I'm excited for this first-round … win or lose. This team is a fun one to watch and I can't wait to see them test their mettle against the always tough and intimidating Lakers of Los Angeles.

Go Nuggets!