NBA: Denver 120, LA Lakers 101

DENVER, May 26 (UPI) -- Denver, handicapped by Carmelo Anthony's injury and illness, relied on their role players Monday to extract a 120-101 win from the LA Lakers.

While Anthony, hobbling on a bad ankle and suffering from a stomach virus, managed just 15 points on 3-for-16 shooting, Chauncey Billups and J.R. Smith produced 24 points apiece to even the best-of-seven Western Conference final series going into Game 5 Wednesday in Los Angeles.

Linas Kleiza added in 10 points and Chris Andersen had 14 rebounds as the Nuggets out-rebounded LA 58-40. Kenyon Martin and Nene each recorded double-doubles, as well, and Denver shot 37-for-49 from the free-throw line.

Kobe Bryant scored a game-high 34 points for the Lakers but was just 10-of-26 from the field. Pau Gasol contributed 21 points and 10 rebound.