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Anthony returns as Nuggets rout Mavs

Tue 9th, February 2010

Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points in 30 minutes in his return to the court, and the Denver Nuggets crushed the Dallas Mavericks, 127-91, at Pepsi Center.

Anthony had missed the last eight games with a sprained ankle and had previously sat out five consecutive games at the beginning of January with a bruised knee. He went 8-of-16 from the field, including 3-of-5 from three- point range, in Denver's fourth win in six games.

"The team was playing so well, you don't want to step in and try to overshadow anything, just try to get everybody involved," Anthony said.

Nene led the Nuggets with 21 points, as seven players in total scored in double-figures. Chauncey Billups had 16, and Chris Andersen had 14 points with 10 rebounds. Johan Petro and Ty Lawson added 13 apiece in the resounding victory. J.R. Smith scored 12 for Denver.

Dirk Nowitzki went 5-of-17 from the field in a 17-point game for Dallas, which has lost five of seven. Jason Terry had 16 points, Josh Howard contributed 14 points, and James Singleton had 11 in defeat.

"They didn't let us hang around," Terry said. "If they let us hang around it's a different story, but we're fighting an uphill battle from the jump."

Denver never trailed in the game and jumped on Dallas right away, as a Nene turnaround shot gave the hosts an early 18-9 cushion.

Dallas was able to score the next eight points, but the Nuggets finished the quarter on a 14-4 burst to grab a 32-21 advantage after 12 minutes.

Midway through the second quarter, Denver scored 11 consecutive points, including seven from Smith. Lawson had the other four, and his driving layup with 6:14 until halftime provided a commanding 48-27 lead.

The lead expanded to 65-39 at halftime.

Denver's lead never dipped below 23 in the third, and the Nuggets were ahead by a 103-70 margin heading into the fourth. The hosts led by as many as 39 in the final 12 minutes.

Game Notes

It was the largest margin of victory for the Nuggets this season, as well as the most lopsided defeat for Dallas...The season series is tied, 1-1...Denver is 23-4 at home in 2009-10.