Playing the first game in 13 years without Kevin Garnett, the Timberwolves raced to an early lead, but Anthony and the Nuggets rode an overwhelming advantage at the free throw line to the win.
Rashad McCants led the Wolves with 23 points.
76ers 96, Bulls 85
In Chicago, Andre Miller scored 25 points and Philadelphia hung on to beat winless Chicago.
Andre Iguodala added 11 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter.
It was a disappointing home opener for the Bulls, who played like a team that could use star power, even if general manager John Paxson put to rest the Kobe Bryant trade rumors the previous day. Some fans made it clear they would like to see Bryant in a Chicago uniform, chanting "Kobe! Kobe!" in the closing seconds.
Ben Gordon led Chicago with 25 points.
Hornets 113, Trail Blazers 93
In New Orleans, Chris Paul scored 19 points as sharp-shooting New Orleans beat Portland.
Peja Stojakovic added 18 for the Hornets, who drained 11 three-pointers in a victory that was not in doubt from midway through the third quarter on.
After scoring only seven points in Portland's opening loss at San Antonio, Brandon Roy led the Blazers with 23.
Lakers 119, Suns 98
In Phoenix, Vladimir Radmanovic made all four of his three-pointers and scored 19 points to lead the Los Angeles Lakers to a stunning rout of listless Phoenix.
Kobe Bryant added 16 points and 11 rebounds for the Lakers, who shot 57 percent, 8-of-13 from three-point range.
Phoenix, the three-time defending Pacific Division champion, fell behind by 17 in the second quarter, 29 in the third and an embarrassing 33 in the fourth, giving up a seemingly endless series of layups, dunks and open jumpers.
Leandro Barbosa led the Suns with 23, 17 in the fourth quarter.
Clippers 120, Warriors 114
In Los Angeles, Chris Kaman had 26 points and 18 rebounds and the Los Angeles Clippers opened their season by beating Golden State.
Cuttino Mobley hit a pair of fadeaway jumpers in the final 76 seconds. Mobley, who finished with 21 points, made a 16-footer for a 115-112 lead with 1 minute, 16 seconds left, then added a 15-footer off the glass for a five point lead with 48 seconds to go.
Kelenna Azibuike had 33 points and eight rebounds for the Warriors.
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