Without defensive specialist Andrei Kirilenko, who is sidelined for the series with a calf injury, the Utah Jazz had no hope of containing Carmelo Anthony.

The All-Star set a franchise high for points socred in a play0ff game – he had 42 on 18-25 shooting – to help the Denver Nuggets get past the Jazz in Game 1 of their first-round series, 126-113.

 Anthony also contributed five assists and had no turnovers in 38 minutes of action.  His effort was supported by five others Nuggets who scored in double figures, including J.R. Smith (20 points) and Nene Hilario (19 points).  Forward Kenyon Martin gave Denver a big boost defensively, controlling the boards by pulling down 12 rebounds.

Utah was competitive throughout most of this game – and had the score tied at 90 – when Smith connected on three consecutive three-pointers to break the game open a bit for Denver.  The Jazz were led by point guard Deron Williams’ 26 points and 11 assists.  The Jazz placed five players in double figures, and were aided by power forward Carlos Boozer.  Although he has been riddled by injuries, Boozer forced himself to play in Game 1 and contributed 19 points, 8 rebounds and 5 assists.

After a short stint in Game 1, Okur may be out for Game 2.

Utah center Mehmet Okur got off to a good start in the game (2-2 FG, 2-2 FT, 1-1 3FG).  He played 11 minutes before aggravating an Achilles injury during the first half.  Okur described the feeling by saying that he “felt something pop,” which would be a scary proposition for the Jazz.  Losing two key players would put Utah in a tough situation.

But in the end, Anthony dominated the game and no one could stop him:

”It’s the playoffs. Tonight, shots were falling. I was patient, taking advantage of what they were doing. When they played me straight up, I took advantage of that, I made shots. When they double-teamed, I passed the ball, made my teammates better.”

Anthony has forced Jerry Sloan’s hand.  His performance in the opener has let Sloan know that the Jazz will have to implement a game plan specifically intent on slowing him down.  The Jazz are not strangers to giving up a lot of points, but Carmelo displayed a complete offensive game and Utah took it on the chin.

And with more Utah players getting hurt, it might not take the Nuggets long to deliver the knockout blow.