Nuggets G Smith leaves game

Jan 29, 2008 - 2:21 AM NEW ORLEANS (Ticker) - Denver Nuggets shooting guard J.R. Smith left Monday night's contest against the New Orleans Hornets in the second quarter with a lower back contusion.

Smith, whose return is questionable, sustained the injury when he fell to the court after getting fouled while making a slam dunk. He returned briefly to complete the 3-point play but left soon after.

The Nuggets are already shorthanded with Carmelo Anthony out with sprained left ankle and Nene out indefinitely with a malignant tumor.