Carmelo Anthony recorded 26 points and a career-high 18 rebounds to propel the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 on Thursday for their eighth win in nine games.
The Nuggets (47-22) established a 25-point lead at halftime and were never seriously threatened as they took over sole possession of second place in the Western Conference, moving one-half game in front of the Dallas Mavericks.
The Hornets (33-37) lost for the second time to Denver inside a week and suffered their fifth defeat in six games overall.
Rookie Darren Collison had 15 points and helped New Orleans fight back to within nine points midway through the fourth quarter, but with the Hornets threatening a comeback, Anthony scored eight points in the final 5 minutes, 13 seconds to clinch the contest.
“We got a little sloppy and started settling for jump shots, and they got some confidence,” Anthony told reporters. “I could not let my team go down like that. We want to get the No. 1 seed [in the West]. We need some Lakers losses for that, but we want home court.”
During their recent hot stretch the Nuggets have overcome injuries to point guard Ty Lawson (shoulder) and forward Kenyon Martin (knee).
Reserve Chris Anderson returned to the team from an ankle ailment and contributed five points and 13 rebounds, while Nene produced 20 points.
Denver head coach George Karl was once again absent as he receives treatment for throat and neck cancer.
He spoke to the team during the pregame shootaround, but was not present for tip-off.
The struggling Hornets have physical problems of their own, with Peja Stojakovic out because of his groin and All-Star Chris Paul still sidelined after knee surgery.
“I’m getting better. I’m having good days,” Paul said. “I’ve been working out before the game and hopefully I’ll be back soon. I’m not full speed, but I’m getting there.”
■MAGIC 108, HEAT 102
AFP, MIAMI, FLORIDA
Rashard Lewis sank the game-clinching three-pointer with 28.4 seconds left in overtime as the Orlando Magic rallied to beat the Miami Heat at American Airlines Arena on Thursday.
Lewis finished with 24 points and 11 rebounds for the Magic, who remain the NBA’s hottest team with their 10th win in 11 games.
Vince Carter led five Magic players in double figures with 27 points and teammate Jameer Nelson had 15. Giant center Dwight Howard had 10 points and 11 rebounds.
The Heat loss spoiled a brilliant performance by Dwyane Wade, who finished with 36 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists.
Miami suffered only their third loss in nine games.
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