DENVER (AP) -- Denver Nuggets coach George Karl said a few weeks ago he wanted to match up with the Dallas Mavericks in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs.

On the brink of being swept by Oklahoma City in the first round, his feelings are understandable.

Denver's 97-94 loss on Saturday night put the Nuggets a game from losing in the first round for the seventh time in eight years.

Injuries, player meltdowns and Karl's battle with throat and neck cancer have been factors in previous early exits.

This time, Denver might just be dealing with a bad matchup.

(Copyright ©2011 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)