Lake Show Game One

So not a bad way to start the Western Conference Finals... Very competitive game, right down to the last 30 seconds or so. But a few things stand out to me:

First off, why did the Nuggets have 6-2 Anthony Carter inbounding the ball with 30 seconds left? You can't get somebody a few inches taller--say 6'6 Dahntay Jones or 6'10 Chris Anderson? Neither are big offensive threats but both still belong on the floor (especially with Nene fouled out).
Secondly, shouldn't Carter have used the last timeout instead of trying to force the inbounds pass? Maybe he couldn't see past Lamar Odom (who, again, is significantly taller than Carter), and I don't want to take away from Trevor Ariza, because that anticipation was fantastic. I was just a little surprised. Kind of like how Ariza, who left UCLA ostensibly because he didn't want to play grind-it-out defense under Ben Howland, has suddenly become an excellent defender. Puzzling, and a little frustrating that he left Westwood so early.

Another note from the game-- closely officiated, except for Melo and Kobe. They were shoving, trading elbows, you name it... no call. But then Jones goes straight up on Kobe, doesn't even flinch--and Kobe gets the and one. I'm sure there were some generous calls for Melo too, but I like it when they let teams play physical, though-- it is, after all, the playoffs. I just don't want to see it get out of hand.

But kudos to the Lakers for controlling the glass (46-37, including a +10 edge on offensive rebounds). Can't believe I'm saying this, but bring on game two!