The Denver Nuggets are still alive in the NBA playoffs. The Nuggets withstood a furious rally by Kobe Bryant to top the Los Angeles Lakers 102-99 in Los Angeles to force a Game Six in their first round series. The Nuggets led by as many as ten in the first half and claimed a 49-43 lead at the break. A 10-2 run to close the third quarter gave the Nuggets a 76-65 lead heading into the final twelve minutes. The Nuggets led by as many as 15 in the fourth quarter, but Bryant erupted late to pull the Lakers within three in the final seconds. Bryant and Ramon Sessions missed tying threes as the buzzer sounded. The Nuggets were led by Andre Miller’s 24 points and 8 assists, and Javale McGee’s 21 points and 14 rebounds. Kobe had 43 for the Lakers in the loss. Game Six is set for Thursday night at Pepsi Center in Denver.