In the News

Bickerstaff named Blazers assistant (AP)
Longtime coaching veteran Bernie Bickerstaff has been named an assistant on Trail Blazers coach Nate McMillan's staff. McMillan also named Bob Ociepka and former Blazer Buck Williams as assistants. Bickerstaff's coaching career started in 1973 and has included stints as a head coach in Seattle, Denver, Washington and Charlotte.

Raptors sign F Kleiza to multiyear deal (AP)
Toronto has signed free agent Linas Kleiza to a multiyear contract. The Raptors acquired the rights to Kleiza nine days ago when the Denver Nuggets opted not to match Toronto's offer sheet. Kleiza played with Greek club Olympiakos last year after four seasons in Denver. The 6-foot-8 forward from Lithuania -- who attended high school in Maryland -- averaged 8.3 points with the Nuggets.

Al Harrington passes physical to seal Denver Nuggets' deal
Forward Al Harrington took a physical exam and met for an hour Tuesday with coach George Karl in his first visit to Denver since signing as a free agent with the Nuggets.

Nuggets sign Carter, Williams
Anthony Carter has signed a one-year league-minimum deal to stay with the Denver Nuggets, who also signed Shelden Williams.

Nuggets sign Carter, Shelden Williams (AP)
Anthony Carter has signed a one-year league-minimum deal to stay with the Denver Nuggets, who also signed Shelden Williams. Carter, who has played his last four seasons in Denver, averaged 3.3 points and 3.0 rebounds in 54 games last season, spelling Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson. Williams, a 6-foot-9, 250-pound forward/center, played sparingly for the Boston Celtics last season, averaging 3.7...

Sources: Denver Nuggets reach agreement with Al Harrington
The Denver Nuggets have reached an agreement in principle on a five-year, $34 million contract with free-agent forward Al Harrington, according to sources with knowledge of the deal.

Harrington says he's off to Denver
Free agent power forward Al Harrington says he's headed to the Denver Nuggets, who are in dire need of frontcourt help with Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen and Nene coming off leg injuries.

Harrington says he's headed to Nuggets (AP)
Free agent power forward Al Harrington says he's headed to the Denver Nuggets, who are in dire need of frontcourt help with Kenyon Martin, Chris Andersen and Nene coming off leg injuries. The former New York Knicks backup tweeted: "I'm taking my Talents to the MILE HIGH." ESPN first reported Harrington had chosen Denver over Dallas.

Heat F Haslem signs 5-year, $20M deal (AP)
Udonis Haslem is staying with the Miami Heat. Terms were not immediately revealed, although Haslem says he turned down offers from Dallas and Denver that would have paid more. The Heat were expected to announce the signing later Monday. Haslem has been teammates with Dwyane Wade for each of their previous seven NBA seasons, and Wade wanted that relationship to continue.

Haslem agrees to $20M deal with Heat
Udonis Haslem is staying with the Miami Heat. Haslem signed a five-year deal Monday worth around $20 million, more than $10 million less than he could have gotten had he accepted offers from the Dallas Mavericks and Denver Nuggets.

2010 NBA Free Agents: Denver Nuggets make Udonis Haslem offer, sources say
Add the Nuggets to the list of teams making a strong push for Miami's Udonis Haslem.

Anthony weds actress Vazquez in New York (AP)
Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and actress LaLa Vazquez have tied the knot in New York City. Michael Gagliardo, a publicist for Vazquez, confirms that the wedding took place Saturday night at the Manhattan restaurant Cipriani. He provided no details. Us Magazine first reported the nuptials on its website.

Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony gets married in New York City on Saturday
Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony and actress LaLa Vazquez have tied the knot in New York City.

Agent Bill Duffy: Toronto Raptors sign Linas Kleiza to 4-year offer sheet
Denver Nuggets restricted free agent Linas Kleiza signed a four-year, $18.8 million offer sheet with the Toronto Raptors on Thursday, his agent, Bill Duffy, told ESPN The Magazine's Ric Bucher.

Jermaine O'Neal to sign with Dallas Mavericks, Denver Nuggets or Boston Celtics
Free-agent center Jermaine O'Neal said Wednesday that he expects to sign with one of the three following teams in coming days: Dallas, Denver or Boston.

No timetable for return for ailing Denver Nugget Kenyon Martin
Kenyon Martin says he has no timetable for his return from his latest knee operation.

Denver Nuggets won't trade Carmelo Anthony, team official says
Carmelo Anthony will be a member of the Nuggets next season -- whether he accepts the team's offer of a contract extension or not.

Denver Nuggets offer Carmelo Anthony three-year, $65M contract extension
The NBA's much-anticipated free agency period tipped off Thursday and the Denver Nuggets had one eye on a year from now when All-Star Carmelo Anthony would be the headliner.

Jazz make offers to Matthews, Fesenko (AP)
The Utah Jazz have made qualifying offers to Ukrainian center Kyrylo Fesenko and guard Wesley Matthews. The Jazz had until Wednesday to make the offers and keep the right to match offers from other teams for the restricted free agents. Utah made the offers Monday. Terms were not disclosed. Fesenko became a starter when Mehmet Okur tore his Achilles' tendon in the playoff opener at Denver.

Phil Jackson: Karl's illness to influence return
Phil Jackson says seeing Denver Nuggets coach George Karl sidelined last season with throat cancer will influence his upcoming decision on whether to return as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Jackson: Karl illness affecting decision (AP)
Phil Jackson says seeing Denver Nuggets coach George Karl sidelined last season with throat cancer will influence his upcoming decision on whether to return as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers. Jackson was the headline speaker Sunday at a meeting of Western governors in Whitefish, Mont. The legendary coach has a lakeside home near Glacier National Park.

Phil Jackson: George Karl's experience last season influencing his decision on whether to return
Phil Jackson says seeing Denver Nuggets coach George Karl sidelined last season with throat cancer will influence his upcoming decision on whether to return as coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Report: Anthony mulls Nuggets extension (AP)
Carmelo Anthony doesn't hit the free agent market for another year but could land a big contract extension from the Denver Nuggets this summer. Anthony told Yahoo Sports on Wednesday that he is mulling a three-year extension from the Nuggets worth about $65 million. Anthony is under contract for 2010-11 and would be the prize of next year's free agent class if he doesn't sign a new deal...

Report: Nuggets offer 'Melo $65M extension
Carmelo Anthony doesn't hit the free agent market for another year but could land a big contract extension from the Denver Nuggets this summer.

Sources: Carmelo Anthony extension talks progressing
The Denver Nuggets and Carmelo Anthony are making significant progress on a contract extension that would result in Anthony landing a new contract this offseason, according to sources with knowledge of the discussions.

Nuggets make offer to forward Kleiza
The Denver Nuggets have made a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Linas Kleiza, who spent the past season in Greece.

Nuggets make qualifying offer to Kleiza (AP)
The Denver Nuggets have made a qualifying offer to restricted free agent Linas Kleiza, who spent the past season in Greece. Nuggets officials didn't release the terms of the offer Monday. The 6-foot-8, 245-pounds Kleiza averaged 8.3 points per game and 3.5 rebounds in 301 games over four seasons with the Nuggets from 2005-09.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl shows up for predraft workouts
With his health steadily improving, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl said Monday he fully expects to be back on the bench next season -- health permitting, of course.

Coby Karl expects father George Karl's return to Denver Nuggets bench
Denver Nuggets guard Coby Karl said he thinks his father George Karl will be back on the bench for the start of next season after missing the Nuggets' playoff run as he recovered from an intense six-week regimen of chemotherapy.

Kroenkes' goal: Own St. Louis Rams and Colorado Avalanche, Denver Nuggets
Stan Kroenke says he plans to keep ownership of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and NBA's Denver Nuggets in his family if he gains full control of the NFL's St. Louis Rams.

Report: Kroenkes may try to keep 3 teams (AP)
Stan Kroenke says he plans to keep ownership of the NHL's Colorado Avalanche and NBA's Denver Nuggets in his family if he gains full control of the NFL's St. Louis Rams. The Missouri billionaire owns 40 percent of the Rams and is trying to acquire the rest, but NFL rules prohibit owners from also owning clubs in the NBA, NHL or Major League Baseball.

Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen has surgery on right knee
Nuggets forward Chris Andersen recently underwent surgery to fix a partially torn patella tendon in his right knee.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl getting better
Nuggets coach George Karl has started showing up at work on occasion and getting out more as he slowly recovers from throat cancer and its complications.

Report: George Karl expects to coach Denver Nuggets next season
George Karl, who has survived cancer and blood clots this spring, said Thursday he's feeling better and plans to return to the Denver Nuggets as coach next season, the Denver Post reported on Thursday

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl still in hospital with complications
Nuggets coach George Karl remains hospitalized with complications from his battle with throat cancer.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl hospitalized again for blood clot
Nuggets coach George Karl has been hospitalized for a blood clot in his leg amid a six-week regimen of chemotherapy and radiation for throat and neck cancer diagnosed in February, his life partner says.

Jazz put away Nuggets, get Lakers in Round 2
Carlos Boozer had 22 points and 20 rebounds, rookie Wesley Matthews scored 23 and made a key block, and Utah pulled away late in the fourth quarter and beat the Denver Nuggets 112-104 on Friday night, winning the playoff series in six games.

Boozer's 22 and 20 help Jazz oust Denver (AP)
Carlos Boozer had 22 points and 20 rebounds, rookie Wesley Matthews scored 23 and made a key block, and Utah pulled away late in the fourth quarter and beat the Denver Nuggets 112-104 on Friday night, winning the playoff series in six games. Deron Williams added 14 points and 10 assists for the Jazz, who went on an 11-0 run after Carmelo Anthony had tied the game at 95-all midway through the final...

Jazz F Kirilenko hopes to play by Game 3 (AP)
Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko says he hopes to return to the Jazz by Game 3 of their second-round series against the Los Angeles Lakers. Kirilenko sat out Utah's first-round win over Denver and missed most of the last month of the regular season with a strained left calf. Kirilenko said Saturday that his calf has been feeling better and Game 2 on Tuesday in Los Angeles is a slight possibility,...

Nuggets hold on to extend series against Jazz
The Denver Nuggets avoided elimination with a 116-102 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Nuggets stay alive, beat Jazz in Game 5 (AP)
Carmelo Anthony got the help he was begging for, J.R. Smith found his long-range touch and the Denver Nuggets avoided elimination with a 116-102 victory over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. The Nuggets, trying to become the first team in four years to overcome a 3-1 deficit in the playoffs, sent the series back to Salt Lake City for Game 6 on Friday night despite losing center Nene to a sprained...

Denver Nuggets center Nene undergiong tests on injured left knee amid concerns of torn ACL
Nene is undergoing medical tests on his injured left knee amid concerns that he tore his ACL in the first half of Denver's Game 5 win over Utah.

Denver Nuggets' Nene out after spraining knee vs. Utah Jazz
Denver Nuggets forward Nene sprained his left knee in the first half of Game 5 against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Nuggets F Nene out with sprained knee (AP)
Denver Nuggets forward Nene sprained his left knee in the first half of Game 5 against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night and the team said he will not return to the game. He will be re-evaluated Thursday. Nene stayed on the court for several minutes after Jazz forward Carlos Boozer banged his left leg into Nene's knee.

2010 NBA Playoffs: Denver Nuggets turn to Chauncey Billups to stop Deron Williams of Utah Jazz
The Denver Nuggets will have Chauncey Billups guard Deron Williams from the start of Game 5 against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Billups to defend Williams in Game 5 (AP)
The Denver Nuggets will have Chauncey Billups guard Deron Williams from the start of Game 5 against the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Williams said after shootaround that he considers himself the best point guard in the NBA right now, and he won't get any argument from the Nuggets. Williams has joined Oscar Robertson (1965), Kevin Johnson (1989) and Magic Johnson (1990) as the only players in...

Denver Nuggets say they're done fighting, ready to salvage season
After all the infighting and insults, the Nuggets insist they're back to being buddies and are ready to salvage their season.

Jazz hold off Nuggets after squandering lead
Carlos Boozer had 31 points and 13 rebounds, Deron Williams added 24 points and 13 assists, and the Utah Jazz held off a late charge to beat the Denver Nuggets 117-106 on Sunday night for a 3-1 lead in the Western Conference playoff series.

Jazz hold off Nuggets, take 3-1 lead (AP)
The Utah Jazz slowed down the rest of the Denver Nuggets enough for the first three quarters that they could withstand Carmelo Anthony's surge in the fourth. The Jazz held off the Nuggets 117-106 on Sunday night, surviving the late scare when Anthony scored 12 of his 39 points in the fourth quarter, as Utah took a 3-1 series lead in the Western Conference playoffs.

'Better ambassador:' Denver Nuggets' George Karl talks future amid cancer therapy
Nuggets coach George Karl, out since March as he fights neck and throat cancer, vowed to return to the NBA as a "better ambassador to the game," saying the treatment was harder than he thought it would be.

Utah takes big series lead vs. Denver
Boozer leads Jazz to 3-1 series lead over Nuggets.

Millsap's double-double rallies Jazz past Nuggets
Paul Millsap had career-highs of 22 points and 19 rebounds, rallying the Utah Jazz from a disastrous start in a 105-93 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series Friday night.

Millsap's 22 and 19 lift Jazz by Nuggets (AP)
Paul Millsap had career-highs of 22 points and 19 rebounds, rallying the Utah Jazz from a disastrous start in a 105-93 win over the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 of their Western Conference playoff series Friday night. The Jazz lead Denver 2-1 in the series with Game 4 on Sunday in Utah, where the loud and rowdy fans lived up to their reputation Friday and added to the Nuggets' miseries with...

Millsap gives Jazz a boost off the bench
Paul Millsap had 22 points and 19 boards in Utah's Game 3 win over Denver. "We kind of exposed their defense today," he said.

NBA Playoffs: Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin a game-time decision for Game 3 against Utah Jazz
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin missed Thursday's practice due to a sore knee and will be a game-time decision for Game 3 of the team's first-round matchup with Utah.

Utah Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko hopeful for early return vs. Denver Nuggets
Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko says there is a slight chance he could play if Utah's playoff series against the Nuggets goes to six or seven games.

Jazz F Kirilenko hoping for early return (AP)
Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko says there is a slight chance he could play if Utah's playoff series against Denver goes to six or seven games. Kirilenko said Wednesday that it's unlikely, but he's holding out hope that his strained left calf will be ready for him to play if the series goes the distance.

Jazz C Okur undergoes Achilles' surgery (AP)
Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur will begin active rehabilitation in two weeks after undergoing surgery Tuesday to repair his ruptured left Achilles' tendon. Okur ruptured the tendon during the Jazz's loss at Denver on Saturday. The injury will force Okur to miss the remainder of the playoffs. Okur just finished his eighth NBA season and sixth with the Jazz.

Deron helps short-handed Jazz tie series (AP)
With Utah running out of big bodies, Deron Williams carried an even bigger load in leading the Jazz to a 114-111 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoffs. Williams had 33 points and 14 assists and Carlos Boozer added 20 points and 15 rebounds as the injury-riddled Jazz tied the series at a win each with the series shifting to Salt Lake City for...

Williams dazzles as Jazz get even with Nuggets
With Utah running out of big bodies, Deron Williams carried an even bigger load in leading the Jazz to a 114-111 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoffs.

Shorthanded Jazz surprise Nuggets
With Utah running out of big bodies, Deron Williams carried an even bigger load in leading the Jazz to a 114-111 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night in Game 2 of their Western Conference playoffs.

NBA playoffs: Jazz turn to Fesenko in Game 2
Running out of big bodies, the Utah Jazz are going to start Kyrylo Fesenko at center in Game 2 of their playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Jazz to start C Fesenko for injured Okur (AP)
Running out of big bodies, the Utah Jazz are going to start Kyrylo Fesenko at center in Game 2 of their playoff series against the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. The second-year player out of Ukraine, who averaged 2.6 points and 1.8 rebounds this season, replaces center Mehmet Okur. Okur is out for the rest of the playoffs after tearing his left Achilles' tendon in the first half of Utah's...

Anthony drops 42 as Nuggets cruise past Jazz
Carmelo Anthony scored a playoff career-high 42 points and J.R. Smith's fourth-quarter flurry of 3-pointers helped the Denver Nuggets beat the Utah Jazz 126-113 on Saturday night in Game 1 of the playoff series.

Anthony scores 42 as Nuggets beat Jazz (AP)
Carmelo Anthony scored a playoff career-high 42 points and J.R. Smith's fourth-quarter flurry of 3-pointers helped the Denver Nuggets beat the Utah Jazz 126-113 on Saturday night in Game 1 of the playoff series. Anthony, whose previous playoff high was 41 points against Dallas in the second round last year, benefited from the absence of Jazz forward Andrei Kirilenko, who re-injured his strained...

utah Jazz's Mehmet Okur reinjures Achilles tendon; set to have MRI on Sunday
Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur was helped off the court after reinjuring his left Achilles tendon in the second quarter of Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

Jazz C Okur reinjures Achilles' (AP)
Utah Jazz center Mehmet Okur was helped off the court after reinjuring his left Achilles' in the second quarter of Game 1 against the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. He will have an MRI on Sunday. Okur was driving to the hoop when he planted on his left foot and tumbled to the floor with eight minutes left in the quarter.

Boozer game-time decision for Jazz (AP)
The Utah Jazz say Carlos Boozer will be a game-time decision in Saturday's playoff opener at Denver. Boozer has a strained muscle in his rib cage and did not play Wednesday when the Jazz closed out the regular season with a loss to the Phoenix Suns. Coach Jerry Sloan said before practice Friday that the Jazz hoped Boozer would be ready to play in Denver, but his status is still uncertain.

Suns carry momentum into postseason (AP)
If momentum means anything going into the postseason, the Phoenix Suns surely have it. Disregarded at the beginning of the season as a borderline playoff contender at best, the Suns won 14 of their last 16 games, a run punctuated by back-to-back blowout wins at home over Denver and at Utah. The victories earned the Suns the No.

Denver Nuggets get Kenyon Martin back, still without coach George Karl
The Denver Nuggets won't have coach George Karl back for the opening round of the playoffs. They will have the services of another key member of their team who also missed 19 games down the stretch: defensive stalwart Kenyon Martin.

Nuggets hope Martin can help vs. Jazz (AP)
The Denver Nuggets won't have coach George Karl back for the opening round of the playoffs. They will have the services of another key member of their team who also missed 19 games down the stretch: defensive stalwart Kenyon Martin. The question is: how much will Martin be able to play when the series against the Utah Jazz begins Saturday night at the Pepsi Center?

Boozer will be game-time decision for Jazz playoff opener
The Utah Jazz say Carlos Boozer will be a game-time decision in Saturday's playoff opener at Denver.

Carlos Boozer to be game-time decision for Utah Jazz's playoff opener vs. Phoenix Suns
Carlos Boozer will be a game-time decision in the Jazz's playoff opener at Denver.

Jazz on road again to start playoffs (AP)
Instead of opening the playoffs at home, the Jazz are headed east over the Rocky Mountains for a series against division rival Denver. The Nuggets were the Jazz's nemesis this season, winning the first three meetings before Utah avoided a sweep by winning in Salt Lake City on Feb. 6. The Nuggets even won once without stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups -- in Utah -- and their 3-1 record...

Suns torch Nuggets for home court in first round
The Phoenix reserves completed a 123-101 rout of the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night that gave the Suns homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Suns clinch home court for 1st round (AP)
The overachieving Phoenix Suns have home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Suns, considered a borderline playoff contender when the season began, used the dominating power of Amare Stoudemire, the virtuoso playmaking of Steve Nash and an array of long-range shooters to rout the Denver Nuggets 123-101 on Tuesday night.

Suns secure home court in 1st round
Amare Stoudemire scored 26 points and Steve Nash had 18 points and 10 assists before sitting out the fourth quarter while the Phoenix reserves completed a 123-101 rout of the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night that gave the Suns homecourt advantage in the first round of the playoffs.

Report: Denver Nuggets coach George Karl's doctor optimistic coach will return
George Karl's doctor said Monday put the chances of the coach returning for the second round of the NBA playoffs at "two-thirds," according to a report.

Nuggets win ahead of showdown with Suns (AP)
J.R. Smith scored 26 points and the Denver Nuggets broke out of their offensive funk with a 123-101 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night. With their biggest output in a month, the Nuggets also got 21 points from Carmelo Anthony and 20 from Nene, both of whom sat out the fourth quarter while watching Smith and Aaron Afflalo, who scored 22 points and pulled down a career-best 13 rebounds.

Coby joins Nuggets amid dad's cancer battle
Coby Karl wants his chance with the Denver Nuggets to be more than a heartwarming tale. The son of Nuggets coach George Karl, who is battling throat and neck cancer, was signed Sunday by Denver.

Denver Nuggets sign coach George Karl's son Coby Karl
The Denver Nuggets have signed Coby Karl, the son of coach George Karl.

Mavericks roll, now alone in 2nd in West (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki scored 39 points to help the Dallas Mavericks rout the struggling Sacramento Kings 126-108 on Saturday night. The lopsided victory, combined with Denver's loss to San Antonio, moved the Mavericks into sole possession of second place in the Western Conference playoff race. Dallas is one game ahead of Denver with two games remaining for both teams.

Acting coach Adrian Dantley: Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin will return vs. San Antonio Spurs
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin will play against San Antonio after missing 18 games with patellar tendinitis in his left knee.

Melo's 31, late block push Nuggets past Lakers
Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points and had a game-saving block at the buzzer, helping the Denver Nuggets hold on for a 98-96 win over a Los Angeles Lakers team playing without Kobe Bryant on Thursday night.

Melo's late block gets Nuggets by Lakers (AP)
Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points and had a game-saving block at the buzzer, helping the Denver Nuggets hold on for a 98-96 win over a Los Angeles Lakers team playing without Kobe Bryant on Thursday night. With time winding down, Anthony stuffed Derek Fisher's shot as Denver won its fourth straight.

Lakers give Bryant night off vs. Nuggets (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers gave Kobe Bryant the night off against Denver on Thursday, allowing the All-Star guard to rest his legs and aching right index finger. Bryant is averaging 27.1 points a game this season, but has been bothered by the finger. He was a combined 13 of 47 from the floor in his last two games.

Los Angeles Lakers' Kobe Bryant will not play against the Denver Nuggets
Kobe Bryant sits out the Lakers-Nuggets game to rest his ailing legs

Mavs run home streak over Grizzlies to 9 (AP)
Caron Butler scored 23 points, Dirk Nowitzki added 22 points and nine rebounds, and the Dallas Mavericks stopped a two-game skid with a 110-84 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Jason Terry contributed 16 points, J.J. Barea had 14, and Jason Kidd had 12 points and 10 assists for Dallas, which is battling Utah, Denver, Phoenix and Oklahoma City for the No.

Down 13 in 4th, Nuggets rally by Thunder (AP)
Chauncey Billups scored 31 points and Carmelo Anthony added 24 as the Denver Nuggets charged back from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter to beat the Oklahoma City Thunder 98-94 on Wednesday night. The Nuggets held Oklahoma City without a basket for the final 9 minutes while finishing the game on a 22-5 run to pick up a crucial road win in their chase for the No.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl completes final chemotherapy treatments
Nuggets coach George Karl has finished up his last round of chemotherapy and issued a thank-you to all his well-wishers.

Acting head coach Adrian Dantley misses Denver Nuggets practice with kidney stone
The Nuggets, already dealing with the absence of ailing coach George Karl, were faced with another issue when acting head coach Adrian Dantley was forced to miss Tuesday's practice because of a kidney stone.

Dantley misses Nuggets practice (AP)
The Denver Nuggets, already dealing with the absence of ailing coach George Karl, were faced with another issue when acting head coach Adrian Dantley was forced to miss Tuesday's practice because of a kidney stone. A group of assistants oversaw the 90-minute workout, the team's last practice before a pivotal back-to-back set that begins Wednesday in Oklahoma City and concludes on Thursday,...

Nuggets sign C Brian Butch for rest of season - Brian Butch (C) Denver Nuggets
The Nuggets signed center Brian Butch out of the D-League on Sunday, inking him for the rest of this season with a non-guaranteed deal for next season.

Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin may return to practice Tuesday
The Denver Nuggets are hoping Kenyon Martin can return to practice after being out for a month with patellar tendinitis in his left knee.

Report: Denver Nuggets coach George Karl likely out for first round of playoffs
George Karl won't coach the Denver Nuggets for the remainder of the regular season and "probably not" the first round of the playoffs, his life partner told the Denver Post.

Roy, Miller lift Blazers over Kings (AP)
Brandon Roy scored 24 points, Andre Miller added 23 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Sacramento Kings 98-87 on Saturday night. Nicolas Batum and LaMarcus Aldridge had 21 points each for the Trail Blazers, and Marcus Camby had 15 rebounds. Portland rebounded from a loss at Denver on Thursday night for its 10th victory in 12 games.

Sources: Denver Nuggets to add D-League center Brian Butch
The Nuggets have reached an agreement to sign center Brian Butch of the Bakersfield Jam to a contract for the rest of this season and a non-guaranteed deal for next season, according to sources close to the situation.

Nuggets coach Karl may miss 1st round (AP)
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl may miss the first round of the playoffs as he recovers from cancer treatments. Karl's life partner, Kim Van Deraa, told The Denver Post that Karl won't return in the regular season and probably will also miss the first round of the playoffs. "To count out all the playoffs, that's up to his body," she said.

Nuggets rally from 21 down, top Clippers (AP)
Down by 21 points in the second quarter, the Denver Nuggets turned what had the earmarks of a lopsided loss into their biggest comeback victory of the season. Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points and the Nuggets rallied past the Los Angeles Clippers, 98-90 on Saturday night. "You learn a lot about your team in those situations," said Chauncey Billups, who chipped in 14 points for the Nuggets.

Anthony, Nuggets overcome 21-point deficit
Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points and the Denver Nuggets overcame a 21-point deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 98-90 on Saturday night.

Denver Nuggets' Chris Andersen day to day with ankle injury
Denver forward Chris Andersen missed the Nuggets' game Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers because of a sprained left ankle.

Nuggets F Andersen out with ankle injury (AP)
Denver forward Chris Andersen missed the Nuggets' game Saturday night against the Los Angeles Clippers because of a sprained left ankle. Andersen twisted his ankle midway through the fourth quarter of a 109-92 win over Portland on Thursday night when he came down awkwardly after trying to block a layup.

Nuggets break slump as Melo makes mark late
Carmelo Anthony scored 13 of his 25 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Denver Nuggets rebound from a tough week to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 109-92 Thursday night.

Grizzlies' Gasol, Brewer out for season (AP)
Grizzlies center Marc Gasol and guard Ronnie Brewer will miss the team's final eight games of the season because of injuries. The Grizzlies announced the injuries Friday. The 7-foot-1 (2.16 meter) Gasol missed five games between March 16-24 after partially tearing a neck muscle March 13 against Denver.

April Fool: Former Nuggets ball boy pull prank on Kenyon Martin
On a night when the Denver Nuggets should have been celebrating a much-needed victory over the Portland Trail Blazers, the franchise continued to struggle with off-the-court issues when an April Fools Day joke sparked anything but laughter.

Nuggets bounce back to beat Blazers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets are trying to put the brakes on a late-season slide that could cost them in the race for playoff position. The Nuggets took an important step Thursday night, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 109-92 behind a strong fourth-quarter effort from Carmelo Anthony, who scored 13 of his 25 points in the final period.

Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin wants to return before playoffs
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin said Thursday he wants to test his injured left knee before the end of the regular season to shake off the rust before the playoffs begin.

Nuggets F Martin hopes to return soon (AP)
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin said Thursday he wants to test his injured left knee before the end of the regular season to shake off the rust before the playoffs begin. Martin has missed 14 straight games with patellar tendinitis. He underwent platelet-rich plasma therapy on the knee in Vail, Colo., on March 8.

Nowitzki's triple-double keeps Mavs as 2 seed
Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double, and the Dallas Mavericks maintained the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 109-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Nowitzki's triple-double powers Mavs (AP)
Dirk Nowitzki had 34 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his second career triple-double, and the Dallas Mavericks maintained the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference with a 109-93 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Shawn Marion added 21 points and Jason Terry contributed 15 for Dallas, which increased its conference lead over Denver to 1 1-2 games.

Clippers PG Davis to miss 3-game trip (AP)
Point guard Baron Davis will miss the Los Angeles Clippers' upcoming three-game road trip because of back spasms. The team says Davis didn't make the trip that begins with a game in Milwaukee on Tuesday night and continues with games against Toronto and Denver. Davis is averaged 15.2 points and 7.9 assists.

Carter hurts toe but Magic beat Nuggets (AP)
J.J. Redick had 23 points and career highs of eight assists and seven rebounds in place of an injured Vince Carter, helping the Orlando Magic beat the Denver Nuggets 103-97 on Sunday night. Redick was 8-for-15 shooting and played a career-high 46 minutes after Carter sprained his right big toe. The Magic also got a big boost with 19 points from reserve Ryan Anderson for their 13th win in the last 15...

Anthony beats buzzer as Nuggets sink Raptors
Carmelo Anthony buried an 18-foot fadeaway at the buzzer to lead the Denver Nuggets to a come-from-behind 97-96 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night.

'Melo beats buzzer, Nuggets top Raptors (AP)
Carmelo Anthony buried an 18-foot fadeaway at the buzzer to lead the Denver Nuggets to a come-from-behind 97-96 win over the Toronto Raptors on Friday night. After Anthony missed his first attempt, the loose ball was batted to Nene. He swung it to Chauncey Billups, who fed Anthony inside the arc. Anthony dribbled once and hoisted a jumper that dropped through as the horn sounded.

Celtics muscle Nuggets to secure playoff berth
Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett had 20 and the Boston Celtics clinched a playoff berth with a 113-99 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

Celtics top Nuggets, clinch playoff spot (AP)
Paul Pierce scored 27 points, Kevin Garnett had 20 and the Boston Celtics clinched a playoff berth with a 113-99 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. The Celtics dominated inside and the Nuggets, one day after losing to the Knicks in New York, slipped a half-game behind the Dallas Mavericks and into a third-place tie with Utah in the Western Conference with their third consecutive loss.

Cancer treatment may keep Nuggets coach out until playoffs
The Denver Nuggets might not have coach George Karl back on the sideline until the playoffs begin next month.

Source: Denver Nuggets coach Karl unlikely to return before playoffs
It is unlikely that Denver Nuggets coach George Karl will return to coaching before the playoffs, a source told ESPN.com's Chris Sheridan.

Gallinari rallies Knicks by Nuggets (AP)
Danilo Gallinari scored 17 of his 28 points during a spirited duel with Carmelo Anthony in the third quarter, and the New York Knicks beat the Denver Nuggets 109-104 on Tuesday night. Al Harrington added 23 points for the Knicks, who climbed out of an early 12-point hole and took control late in the third period.

Bucks surge past Nuggets with Bogut limited
Even with Andrew Bogut ineffective and in foul trouble, the Milwaukee Bucks secured their signature road victory, beating the Denver Nuggets 102-97 on Saturday night.

Bucks beat Nuggets despite late night (AP)
The fans sure expected a bleary-eyed, weary-legged Milwaukee Bucks team to show up at the Pepsi Center, where the Denver Nuggets were 30-5. Chauncey Billups swears he knew better, even though he and his Denver teammates were powerless to do anything about it in a 102-97 loss Saturday night to the Bucks, who didn't arrive in their hotel rooms until 3 a.m.

Denver Nuggets' George Karl misses seventh game for cancer treatment
Denver coach George Karl is skipping the Nuggets' game against the Milwaukee Bucks on Saturday night as he continues cancer treatment.

Anthony's 26 and 18 power Nuggets (AP)
Carmelo Anthony pulled down a career-best 18 rebounds to go with his 26 points in leading the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 Thursday night. Despite allowing a late run, it was another in a long line of fine performances by the Nuggets while the team awaits the return of defensive stalwart Kenyon Martin, who's undergoing therapy for left knee tendinitis and rookie point...

Anthony grabs defensive slack as Nuggets roll
Carmelo Anthony pulled down a career-best 18 rebounds to go with his 26 points in leading the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 Thursday night.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl will miss Thursday's game
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl is skipping his team's game against the New Orleans Hornets on Thursday night as he continues intensive treatment for neck and throat cancer.

Nuggets ride 4th-quarter wave, Smith by Wiz
J.R. Smith scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Denver Nuggets pull away for a 97-87 victory Tuesday night over the Washington Wizards.

Nuggets pull away in 4th behind Smith (AP)
J.R. Smith scored 13 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter, helping the Denver Nuggets pull away for a 97-87 victory Tuesday night over the Washington Wizards. Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with 29 points and 12 rebounds. Nene added 16 points for Denver, which sent Washington to its ninth consecutive loss.

Brooks, Rockets stun 'Melo, Nuggets
Aaron Brooks swished a jumper with 2.9 seconds left and scored 31 points to help the Houston Rockets rally for a 125-123 victory over Denver on Monday night, snapping the Nuggets' six-game winning streak.

Rockets rally to end Rockets' 6 game win streak
Aaron Brooks swished a jumper with 2.9 seconds left and scored 31 points to help the Houston Rockets rally for a 125-123 victory over Denver on Monday night, snapping the Nuggets' six-game winning streak.

Brooks' jumper gets Rockets past Nuggets (AP)
Aaron Brooks swished a jumper with 2.9 seconds left and scored 31 points to help the Houston Rockets rally for a 125-123 victory over Denver on Monday night, snapping the Nuggets' six-game winning streak. Carmelo Anthony scored 45 points for the Nuggets, but missed a 3-point try at the buzzer. Luis Scola grabbed the final rebound and finished with 23 points and 11 boards.

Nuggets finish strong to top Grizz
The Denver Nuggets' reserves brought the energy, and J.R. Smith led the charge. In what some Nuggets players called their best fourth quarter of the season, Denver outscored Memphis 40-23, rallying to beat the Grizzlies 125-108 Saturday night.

Smith heats up to rally Nuggets to sixth straight
J.R. Smith scored 19 of his 30 points in the second half, rallying the Denver Nuggets to a 125-108 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night.

Nuggets win sixth straight behind Smith (AP)
J.R. Smith scored 19 of his 30 points in the second half, rallying the Denver Nuggets to a 125-108 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday night. Smith was 11 of 16 from the field, including 7 for 10 on 3-pointers, to help the Nuggets win their sixth straight. Carmelo Anthony finished with 24 points and Chauncey Billups added 22 for Denver.

Nuggets coach Karl to miss three more road games
George Karl will skip the last three games on the Denver Nuggets' road trip as he adjusts to a feeding tube that was placed into his stomach as part of his cancer treatment.

George Karl to miss final three games of Denver Nuggets' trip
George Karl will skip the last three games on the Denver Nuggets' road trip as he adjusts to a feeding tube that was placed into his stomach as part of his cancer treatment.

Anthony leads Nuggets to fifth straight (AP)
Carmelo Anthony had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to five with a 102-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night. Chauncey Billups scored 21 points for Denver, which finished with a flourish to break open an 86-all tie with 6:05 to go. Nene added 17 points and 12 rebounds, while Johan Petro had 10 points and 10 rebounds.

Melo powers Nuggets' winning streak to five
Carmelo Anthony had 32 points and 12 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to five with a 102-95 victory over the New Orleans Hornets on Friday night.

Waiver Wire: Birdman set to take flight?
Chris Andersen is filling the Kenyon Martin void in Denver. Can he help you fill a void in your Fantasy lineup? Our Sergio Gonzalez touches on that and the up-and-down values of both T.J. Ford and Delonte West in his Playing the Waiver Wire.




New Orleans Hornets' James Posey out Friday with flulike symptoms
Hornets forward James Posey has been scratched from New Orleans' game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Ailing Hornets F Posey out vs. Nuggets (AP)
Hornets forward James Posey has been scratched from New Orleans' game against the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Team spokesman Dennis Rogers says Posey has flulike symptoms. Posey is one of the Hornets' primary reserves, averaging five points and 4.5 rebounds in 22.7 minutes. He routinely plays in key late-game situations because of his defensive ability.

Billups helps Nuggets rally past Wolves (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 25 points and got a huge lift from role players Chris Andersen, Nene and J.R. Smith in the Denver Nuggets' 110-102 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Andersen had 14 points and 10 rebounds, Nene had 17 points and nine boards and Smith scored 15 to shake the Nuggets out a first-half funk and deliver their fourth straight win.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl misses game to receive cancer treatments
Denver coach George Karl stayed at home to receive treatment for cancer and did not make the trip to Minnesota for the Nuggets' game against the Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Nuggets coach Karl set to have cancer-related surgery
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl will miss Wednesday's game at Minnesota as he undergoes another round of cancer treatment.

Anthony scores 30 as Nuggets top Blazers (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points -- his third consecutive game with at least 30 points -- and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-106 Sunday night for their third straight victory. J.R. Smith added 22 points, Chauncey Billups had 21 points and Nene 14 for the Nuggets, who improved to 28-5 at the Pepsi Center, the third-best home record in the NBA behind Cleveland and the Los...

Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin likely back before end of year
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin will receive therapy on his aching left knee and is expected to return before the end of the season.

'Melo leads Nuggets over Trail Blazers
Carmelo Anthony hurt the Portland Trail Blazers with his shooting -- and passing. Anthony scored 30 points -- his third consecutive game with at least 30 points -- and the Denver Nuggets beat the Trail Blazers 118-106 on Sunday night for their third straight victory.

Anthony stays hot as Nuggets get past Blazers
Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points -- his third consecutive game with at least 30 points -- and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 118-106 Sunday night for their third straight victory.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl slated for surgery Monday
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, who is being treated for throat and neck cancer, will have a surgical procedure on Monday. That will be followed by chemotherapy on Tuesday.

Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin out as pain in left knee worsens
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was ruled out of Sunday night's game against the Portland Trail Blazers because of continuing left knee soreness.

Anthony's 34 carry short-handed Nuggets (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points and the Denver Nuggets overcame the injury-related absences of Kenyon Martin and Ty Lawson to beat the Indiana Pacers 122-114 on Friday night. J.R. Smith added 20 points off the bench and Chauncey Billups had 14 for the Nuggets, who sent the Pacers to their fifth loss in a row on the road.

Durant held to 19 as Nuggets stomp Thunder
Carmelo Anthony outplayed Kevin Durant, scoring 30 points, and the Denver Nuggets took control with a big third quarter to rout the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-90 on Wednesday night.

Anthony outshines Durant in Nuggets' win (AP)

Carmelo Anthony outplayed Kevin Durant, scoring 30 points, and the Denver Nuggets took control with a big third quarter to rout the Oklahoma City Thunder 119-90 on Wednesday night. Nene added 20 points and J.R. Smith had 18 for the Nuggets, who averted a third consecutive loss. Durant, the NBA's second-leading scorer, was held to 19 points after averaging 31 points in two previous games against...

Reserves key as Suns take charge of Nuggets
Amare Stoudemire had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and the reserves keyed a big second quarter for the Phoenix Suns in a 101-85 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night.

Reserves spark Suns' surge past Nuggets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 19 points and 10 rebounds, and the reserves keyed a big second quarter for the Phoenix Suns in a 101-85 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. Goran Dragic scored 10 first-half points off the bench and the reserves had 24 of 33 second-quarter points, when the Suns quickly erased an early double-digit deficit.

Down 11 in 3rd, Lakers rally by Nuggets (AP)

Lamar Odom scored nine of his 20 points in the fourth quarter, Pau Gasol had 15 points and 14 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers overcame an 11-point third-quarter deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 95-89 on Sunday. Kobe Bryant was just 3 for 17 from the field, finishing with 14 points and 12 assists.

Denver Nuggets coach George Karl coaching despite radiation, chemotherapy
Nuggets coach George Karl has undergone five radiation and two chemotherapy treatments since being recently diagnosed for throat cancer, according to his doctor.

Billups fires Nuggets to rare win over Pistons
Chauncey Billups scored 25 points, Carmelo Anthony added 24 and the Denver Nuggets snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Detroit Pistons with a 107-102 victory Friday night.

Nuggets end 7-game skid against Pistons (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 25 points, Carmelo Anthony added 24 and the Denver Nuggets snapped a seven-game losing streak to the Detroit Pistons with a 107-102 victory Friday night. J.R. Smith added 15 points and Arron Afflalo had 14 for the Nuggets, who beat the Pistons for the first time in four years. Joey Graham, who with Malik Allen played in place of the injured Kenyon Martin (knee contusion),...

Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin out with knee contusion
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was ruled out Friday night against the Detroit Pistons because of a left knee contusion.

Nuggets finish off Warriors without coach Karl
Chauncey Billups had 37 points and nine rebounds, Carmelo Anthony added 27 points and Denver beat Golden State 127-112 on Thursday night in the Nuggets' first game without coach George Karl since he revealed he has throat cancer.

Billups' 37 lift Nuggets without Karl (AP)

Denver's Chauncey Billups chatted amicably with an antagonizing fan in the crowd, then casually strolled over to the home team's bench and hugged Golden State trainer Tom Abdenour. That's how easy and relaxed the Nuggets were in their first game without coach George Karl since he revealed he has neck and throat cancer.

'Melo, Nuggets bounce back vs. Celtics
The Denver Nuggets are building an impressive record against the NBA's elite teams.

Smith's 16 in 4th lifts Nuggets by Celts (AP)

J.R. Smith scored 16 of his 19 points in the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets recovered from blowing an early 20-point lead to beat the Boston Celtics 114-105 Sunday. Chauncey Billups had 26 points and Carmelo Anthony had 23 for the Nuggets, who avoided back-to-back losses for the first time since late December with the victory over the NBA's top road team.

Boozer helps Jazz extend road run to 6 (AP)

Carlos Boozer had 30 points and 16 rebounds, Andrei Kirilenko scored 22 points and the Utah Jazz extended their longest road winning streak in eight years with a 100-89 win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night. C.J. Miles added 16 points and Deron Williams had nine points and 11 assists for the Jazz, who won for the 16th time in 18 games and moved within a half-game of first-place Denver...

Thornton's 21 in debut lead Wizards by Nuggets
Al Thornton scored 21 points in his Washington debut and Josh Howard added 20 to lead the Wizards to a 107-97 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Newcomers Thornton, Howard power Wizards (AP)

Al Thornton scored 21 points in his Washington debut and Josh Howard added 20 to lead the Wizards to a 107-97 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Thornton, acquired from the Los Angeles Clippers in the Antawn Jamison deal Wednesday, and Howard, starting for the first time since being acquired on Feb.

Zydrunas Ilgauskas reports, listed as inactive vs. Denver Nuggets
Zydrunas Ilgauskas reported to the Washington Wizards on Friday, two days after being acquired in the trade that sent Antawn Jamison to Cleveland.

Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen (back strain) out vs. Washington Wizards
Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen missed Friday's game against the Washington Wizards with a back strain.

Ilgauskas inactive, could be bought out (AP)
Zydrunas Ilgauskas reported to the Washington Wizards on Friday, two days after being acquired in the trade that sent Antawn Jamison to Cleveland. He did not arrive in time to participate in Washington's shootaround and was inactive for the game Friday night against Denver. His future in Washington is uncertain and there is a possibility he could be bought out.

Nuggets F Anderson sits with back strain (AP)
Denver Nuggets forward Chris Andersen missed Friday's game against the Washington Wizards with a back strain. Andersen was in the fourth quarter of Denver's game in Cleveland on Thursday night. He's averaging 6.1 points and 6.3 rebounds and is ninth in the NBA with 1.8 blocks a game. Forward Renaldo Balkman was also inactive for the sixth straight game, also out with a strained back.

Cavaliers acquire F Jamison from Wizards (AP)
Cleveland's newest star has arrived. Antawn Jamison wore jogging pants, a sweatshirt and a ballcap Thursday as he walked through the halls of Quicken Loans Arena with Cavs general manager Danny Ferry. The Cavaliers acquired Jamison on Wednesday from Washington in a three-team deal. It's not clear yet whether Jamison will play in Cleveland's game Thursday night against Denver -- all...

Melo, Nuggets stop Cavaliers' win streak at 13
Carmelo Anthony scored 40 points, including the winning basket, and the Denver Nuggets overcame LeBron James' triple-double and ended the Cleveland Cavaliers' 13-game streak with a 118-116 victory in overtime Thursday night.

'Melo's shot lifts Nuggets by Cavs in OT (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 40 points, including the winning basket, and the Denver Nuggets overcame LeBron James' triple-double and ended the Cleveland Cavaliers' 13-game streak with a 118-116 victory in overtime Thursday night. James had his triple-double by the end of regulation, finishing with 43 points, 13 rebounds and 15 assists, but Anthony matched him shot for shot, hitting the winner...

George Karl on bench for the Denver Nuggets' game against Cavs
Nuggets coach George Karl was on the bench against Cleveland on Thursday night for his first game since disclosing he has neck and throat cancer.

Cleveland Cavaliers predict 'seamless' transition for Antawn Jamison
Antawn Jamison was walking the halls of Quicken Loans Arena early in the morning, but he is not expected to play in the Cavaliers' game Thursday night against Denver after being acquired from Washington.

Powe, Williams due back soon for Cavs (AP)
Leon Powe is close to returning to the Cavaliers and Mo Williams isn't far behind, meaning reinforcements are on the way even if Cleveland doesn't make a trade before Thursday's deadline. Powe has been recovering from summer knee surgery and participated in a full practice Wednesday. He says the training staff will meet before Thursday's game against Denver to decide whether he can...

Nuggets' Karl diagnosed with cancer
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl says he has been diagnosed with neck and throat cancer but was told it is treatable.

Denver Nuggets' George Karl fighting 'treatable' throat cancer
Nuggets coach George Karl is battling throat cancer.

108,713 watch East top West 141-139 (AP)

The largest crowd to watch a basketball game saw an all too familiar sight. Dwyane Wade did it again in north Texas. Wade had 28 points and won MVP honors, and the Eastern Conference edged the West 141-139 on Sunday night in the NBA All-Star game. The crowd of 108,713 at Cowboys Stadium watched Dallas native Chris Bosh make the winning free throws with 5.0 seconds left.

Hill's 17 spark Spurs' rout of ice-cold Nuggets
George Hill scored 17 points after starting in place of an injured Tony Parker and the San Antonio Spurs never trailed in routing the cold-shooting Denver Nuggets 111-92 on Thursday night.

Source: Denver Nuggets coach George Karl agrees to one-year contract extension
Nuggets coach George Karl has agreed to a one-year, $4.5 million contract extension, according to a league source.

Karl signs new contract through 2010-11 (AP)
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl agreed to a new contract that runs through the 2010-11 NBA season. The team announced the deal Friday but did not disclose the financial terms. Karl has led the Nuggets to a 35-18 record this season and will be coaching the Western Conference All-Start team this Sunday.

Hill helps Parker-less Spurs rip Nuggets (AP)

After a month-long stretch of mediocre play, the San Antonio Spurs broke out with an emphatic victory over a top-notch team. George Hill scored 17 points after starting in place of an injured Tony Parker and the Spurs headed into the All-Star break by routing the Northwest Division-leading Denver Nuggets 111-92 on Thursday night.

Hip injury sidelines the San Antonio Spurs' Tony Parker vs. the Denver Nuggets
San Antonio Spurs guard Tony Parker is being held out of the team's game against the Denver Nuggets because of a strained left hip flexor.

Sources: Dirk Nowitzki to start All-Star Game in Kobe Bryant's place
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl has informed league officials that he plans to start Dirk Nowitzki for the West in place of the injured Kobe Bryant in Sunday's All-Star Game, sources told ESPN.com.

Carmelo returns in Denver rout


Anthony returns, helps Nuggets rout Mavs (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 19 points in his return from an ankle injury and the Denver Nuggets had their biggest win of the season, routing the Dallas Mavericks 127-91 on Tuesday night. Anthony, the NBA's second-leading scorer, returned after missing eight consecutive games with a left ankle sprain. However, the Nuggets were without Kenyon Martin, who missed the game because of tendinitis in his...

Jazz drop Nuggets as 'Melo, Billups sit
The Utah Jazz already blew one chance to gain on Denver when the Nuggets were without their two top players.

Billups sinks Lakers with career-high 39 points
Chauncey Billups tied his career-high with 37 points, including nine 3-pointers, and the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 126-113 Friday night, ending the Lakers' eight-game home winning streak.

Billups' 39 power Nuggets over Lakers (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored a career-high 39 points, including nine 3-pointers, and the Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Lakers 126-113 Friday night, ending the Lakers' eight-game home winning streak. Billups was 12 of 20 from the floor, 9 of 13 from 3-point range and made 6 of 8 free throws to go with eight assists for the Nuggets, who played without Carmelo Anthony for the seventh...

Jazz win eighth straight, down Nuggets (AP)

The Utah Jazz already blew one chance to gain on Denver when the Nuggets were without their two top players. When the Nuggets showed up short-handed again, Utah was able to take advantage. Andrei Kirilenko scored 22 points and Carlos Boozer had 19 points and 13 rebounds as the Jazz increased their winning streak to eight with a 116-106 victory over the Nuggets on Saturday night.

Kirilenko, Jazz slow Nuggets for eighth straight
Andrei Kirilenko had 22 points and five steals and Carlos Boozer finished with 19 points and 13 rebounds in his return to the lineup as the Utah Jazz won their eighth straight, beating the short-handed Denver Nuggets.

Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups sits out vs. Utah Jazz
Denver guard Chauncey Billups missed the Nuggets' game at Utah on Saturday with a sprained ankle, one night after scoring a career-high 39 points.

Billups, Pierce headline 3-point contest field
All-Stars Paul Pierce of Boston and Chauncey Billups of Denver headline the field for the 3-point contest.

Pierce, Billups headline 3-point field (AP)
All-Stars Paul Pierce of Boston and Chauncey Billups of Denver headline the field for the 3-point contest. Also chosen for the field Friday were defending champion Daequan Cook of Miami, Golden State rookie Stephen Curry, New York's Danilo Gallinari and Phoenix center Channing Frye. Cook scored 19 points in an overtime round to beat Orlando's Rashard Lewis last year.

Kobe Bryant to play vs. Denver Nuggets despite injured ankle
Injured ankle one of Bryant's many ailments

Paul Pierce, Chauncey Billups highlight Three-Point Shootout competitors
All-Stars Paul Pierce of the Boston Celtics and Chauncey Billups of the Denver Nuggets headline the field for the NBA Three-Point Shootout.

Suns match season high, grab fourth win in row
Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory over Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday night.

Suns top Nuggets for fourth straight win (AP)

Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory over Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday night. Jason Richardson added 20 points, and Steve Nash had 17 points and 10 assists as the Suns matched a season high with their fourth straight win. This isn't the easiest of arenas to win in, either.

Scoring binge puts Durant in MVP company (AP)

One by one, Kevin Durant has been taking the NBA's biggest names and scoring his way right on past them. First Kobe. Then LeBron. Next up, Carmelo. With a spree that began just before Christmas, Durant has climbed into a virtual tie with Denver's Carmelo Anthony for first place in the NBA scoring race.

Stoudemire, Suns blast Nuggets on road
Amare Stoudemire had 20 points and 17 rebounds, leading the Phoenix Suns to a 109-97 victory over Denver squad missing Carmelo Anthony on Wednesday night.

Denver Nuggets injuries: Chauncey Billups toplay, Carmelo Anthony questionable vs. Phoenix Suns
Chauncey Billups will be in the Denver Nuggets' lineup against the Phoenix Suns but Carmelo Anthony's status is a game-time decision.

Afflalo's jumper caps Nuggets' rally past Kings
Arron Afflalo hit a 21-foot baseline jumper with 18.4 seconds left in overtime, and the Denver Nuggets, down by 17 points in the third quarter, rallied to beat the Sacramento Kings 112-109 Monday night.

Afflalo's jumper lifts Nuggets in OT (AP)

Arron Afflalo hit a 21-foot baseline jumper with 18.4 seconds left in overtime, and the Denver Nuggets, down by 17 points in the third quarter, rallied to beat the Sacramento Kings 112-109 Monday night. Kenyon Martin had 24 points and 12 rebounds and Chauncey Billups had 23 points for the Nuggets, who improved to 3-0 in overtime this season and averted being swept in their three-game season series...

Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony misses fifth straight with sprained ankle
Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony missed his fifth consecutive game on Monday night against the Sacramento Kings because of a sprained left ankle.

Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony misses fourth straight game
Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony missed his fourth consecutive game with a sprained left ankle Sunday against the Spurs.

Nuggets run over Spurs with Anthony sitting out
Kenyon Martin scored 27 points and the Denver Nuggets won again without Carmelo Anthony, beating the San Antonio Spurs 103-89 on Sunday.

'Melo sits out, but Nuggets still top Spurs
After revealing that Carmelo Anthony would miss a fourth straight game Sunday, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl joked he would beg the NBA's leading scorer one last time to play.

Martin leads 'Melo-less Nuggets by Spurs (AP)
Kenyon Martin scored 27 points and the Denver Nuggets won again without Carmelo Anthony, beating the San Antonio Spurs 103-89 on Sunday. The NBA's leading scorer missed his fourth consecutive game with a sprained ankle but the Nuggets still bounced back after Oklahoma City pummeled them Friday, ending Denver's eight-game win streak.

Nuggets' Karl to coach West All-Stars (AP)
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl will direct the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star game next month at Cowboys Stadium. With Dallas' loss at Phoenix on Thursday night and the Lakers' Phil Jackson ineligible to coach the team, the Nuggets clinched at least a tie with the Mavericks for the second-best record in the conference through this Sunday's games.

Durant, Thunder snap Nuggets' win streak (AP)

Kevin Durant scored 30 points and the Oklahoma City Thunder snapped Denver's nine-game winning streak with a 101-84 victory Friday night, limiting the Nuggets to their lowest scoring output of the season. Playing without NBA scoring leader Carmelo Anthony for the third straight game, the Nuggets scored the first five points after halftime to cut their deficit to one but then got outscored...

Ankle sidelines Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony for third straight game
NBA scoring leader Carmelo Anthony missed his third straight game with a sprained left ankle Friday night when the Denver Nuggets played at Oklahoma City.

Denver Nuggets' George Karl to coach West squad at All-Star Game
Denver Nuggets coach George Karl will direct the Western Conference in the NBA All-Star Game next month at Cowboys Stadium.

Nuggets pick off Rockets, extend win streak to 8
J.R. Smith scored 22 points, Kenyon Martin added 12 points and 15 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 97-92 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night.

'Melo sits, Nuggets win eighth straight (AP)

J.R. Smith scored 22 points, Kenyon Martin added 12 points and 15 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets extended their winning streak to eight games with a 97-92 win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. The Nuggets won for the second straight time without Carmelo Anthony, the NBA's second-leading scorer, who sat out with a sprained left ankle.

Lawyer calls off lawsuit against Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith
Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith made a last-minute payment to a Houston attorney before Wednesday's game against the Rockets to stall a lawsuit filed against him.

Carmelo Anthony sits out against Rockets to rest ankle
Denver star Carmelo Anthony is sitting out Wednesday's game in Houston to rest a sprained left ankle.

Ejection vs. Charlotte Bobcats costs Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin $35,000
Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin has been fined $35,000 for being ejected from Denver's game against Charlotte.

Nuggets overcome missing Melo to stop Bobcats
Chauncey Billups scored 27 points, Aaron Afflalo matched his career high with 24 points and the depleted Denver Nuggets beat the Charlotte Bobcats 104-93 for their season-high seventh straight win.

Depleted Nuggets win seventh straight (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 27 points, Aaron Afflalo matched his career high with 24 points and the depleted Denver Nuggets beat the Charlotte Bobcats 104-93 for their season-high seventh straight win. Stephen Jackson had 22 points and Gerald Wallace added 20 for the Bobcats, who lost their third in a row since a franchise-tying six-game winning streak.

Denver Nuggets won't suspend J.R. Smith for sulking on bench
The Denver Nuggets have decided not to suspend J.R. Smith over his behavior on the bench that rubbed management the wrong way.

Denver Nuggets consider discipline for J.R. Smith's behavior
The Nuggets are considering discipline for J.R. Smith whose behavior has bothered management recently.

Melo, Nuggets stop Hornets for sixth straight win
Carmelo Anthony scored four of his 30 points in overtime and added 11 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Hornets 116-110 on Saturday night for their season-high sixth straight victory.

Anthony leads Nuggets past Hornets in OT (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored four of his 30 points in overtime and added 11 rebounds and the Denver Nuggets beat the New Orleans Hornets 116-110 on Saturday night for their season-high sixth straight victory. Kenyon Martin added 20 points and 14 rebounds, and Chauncey Billups had 20 points and nine assists, and Arron Afflalo had 19 points, hitting two 3-pointers in overtime.

New Orleans Hornets forward David West sidelined with sprained left ankle
New Orleans forward David West missed the Hornets' game against Denver on Saturday night because of a sprained left ankle.

Billups' surge helps Nuggets to big win vs. Clips
Chauncey Billups scored 13 of his 20 points in the third quarter to break open a tight game, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 105-85 on Thursday night for their fifth straight victory.

Nuggets top Clips, push win streak to 5 (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 13 of his 20 points in the third quarter to break open a tight game, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Clippers 105-85 on Thursday night for their fifth straight victory. Carmelo Anthony, selected as a starter for the All-Star game in fan balloting announced earlier Thursday, had 28 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Nuggets, whose winning streak matched a season...

Billups scores 37, lifts Nuggets in OT (AP)

Chauncey Billups matched his career high with 37 points, including 10 in overtime, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Golden State Warriors 123-118 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory. Billups made a pair of 3-pointers in overtime and two free throws with 22 seconds left, but Denver wasn't able to shake the limping Warriors until the final minute.

Los Angeles Clippers without Sebastian Telfair and Eric Gordon vs. the Denver Nuggets
The Los Angeles Clippers will be without guards Eric Gordon and Sebastian Telfair against the Denver Nuggets because of injuries.

Clips Gs Telfair, Gordon sit vs. Nuggets (AP)
The Los Angeles Clippers will be without guards Eric Gordon and Sebastian Telfair against the Denver Nuggets because of injuries. Gordon and Telfair were both hurt during Wednesday's 104-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls at Staples Center and were not available to play Thursday night as the Clippers opened a season-high eight-game road trip against Denver.

Billups matches career high in Nuggets' OT win
Chauncey Billups matched his career high with 37 points, including 10 in overtime, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Golden State Warriors 123-118 on Wednesday night for their fourth straight victory.

Carmelo, Billups power Nuggets past Jazz
The Denver Nuggets unveiled their new two-point guard look Sunday night with Chauncey Billups and rookie Ty Lawson. The results were impressive with Billups scoring 29 points to go with Carmelo Anthony's 37 in a 119-112 win over Utah that snapped the Jazz's winning streak at four.

Anthony's 37 lift Nuggets over Jazz (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points and Chauncey Billups added 29 in the Denver Nuggets' 119-112 win over Utah that snapped a four-game winning streak by the Jazz on Sunday night. Ty Lawson returned to Denver's rotation after missing four games with a sprained ankle and helped steady a sometimes erratic offense, scoring 11 points and dishing out an assist.

Nuggets use defense to take down Magic
The Denver Nuggets knocked Dwight Howard out of his comfort zone with tough, physical defense and by using an array of defenders against the Orlando Magic's star center.

Melo powers streaking Nuggets past Magic
Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points and Chauncey Billups added 24 to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 115-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night.

Anthony, Billups lead Nuggets over Magic (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points and Chauncey Billups added 24 to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 115-97 victory over the Orlando Magic on Wednesday night. It was Denver's fourth win in five games, including victories over fellow division leaders Orlando and Cleveland. Matt Barnes scored a season-high 28 points for Orlando.

Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter still sidelined by shoulder injury
Orlando Magic guard Vince Carter was ruled out of Wednesday night's game against the Denver Nuggets because of continuing problems with a sprained left shoulder.

Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony, La La Vazquez to wed this summer
Denver Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony and actress La La Vazquez plan to wed this summer.

Carmelo looks headed for summer wedding
Denver Nuggets All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony and actress La La Vazquez plan to wed this summer.

Anthony returns in stellar fashion to lift Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points in his return from a knee injury, hitting consecutive 3-pointers midway through the fourth quarter to help quash any chance of another upset by Minnesota as the Denver Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 105-94 Monday night.

Anthony returns with 24 to lift Nuggets (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points in his return from a knee injury, hitting consecutive 3-pointers midway through the fourth quarter to help quash any chance of another upset by Minnesota as the Denver Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 105-94 Monday night. The All-Star forward, who is leading the NBA in scoring, missed the previous five games after suffering a right knee bruise Dec.

Timberwolves C Jefferson to be traded? (AP)
Minnesota Timberwolves center Al Jefferson brushed off rumors of a potential trade on Monday morning. He says trade rumors are just a part of life in the NBA and he will not worry about them. Jefferson spoke in Denver after the team's morning shootaround. He was responding to a report by Yahoo! that cited anonymous sources in saying Timberwolves president David Kahn offered Jefferson to Indiana...

Carmelo Anthony returning to Denver Nuggets lineup from knee bruise
The Denver Nuggets will have All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony back in the lineup against Minnesota.

Evan snaps Kings' five-game losing streak with late jumper
Tyreke Evans made the tiebreaking jumper with 0.7 seconds left and scored 27 points, and the Sacramento Kings beat the Denver Nuggets 102-100 on Saturday night to snap a season-high, five-game losing streak.

Evans gets Kings by Nuggets with .7 left (AP)

This time, Tyreke Evans was determined to start his move earlier and make sure he got a shot off, something he failed to do twice in game-winning situations in late December. Unlike the other two games, losses to Cleveland and the Lakers, this was a game to savor for Sacramento's rookie guard. Evans made the tiebreaking jumper with 0.7 seconds left and scored 27 points, helping the Kings beat...

Nuggets, minus Melo, hold off Cavaliers' rally
Carmelo Anthony had the best seat in the house for the big visit from LeBron James, missing the game but enjoying the result as the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Nuggets edge King James, Cavaliers
Carmelo Anthony had the best seat in the house for the big visit from LeBron James, missing the game but enjoying the result as the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-97 Friday night.

Minus 'Melo, Nuggets hold off Cavs 99-97 (AP)

Carmelo Anthony had the best seat in the house for the big visit from LeBron James, missing the game but enjoying the result as the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets beat the Cleveland Cavaliers 99-97 Friday night. Anthony's much-hyped matchup with James will have to wait until Feb. 18 because of a nagging knee injury that kept him out of his fourth straight game.

Evans' tiebreaking bucket, 27 points lift Kings
Tyreke Evans made the tiebreaking jumper with 0.7 seconds left and scored 27 points, and the Sacramento Kings beat the Denver Nuggets.

Chauncey Billups returns to Denver Nuggets; Carmelo Anthony still doubtful
Chauncey Billups will be back on the court for the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but Carmelo Anthony remains doubtbful.

Cavaliers waive George Karl's son Coby (AP)
The Cleveland Cavaliers have waived guard Coby Karl. The team announced the move on Wednesday. The son of Denver Nuggets coach George Karl appeared in three games with the Cavaliers, grabbing two rebounds in five minutes. He did not attempt a shot. Karl was invited to training camp and made the team's roster on a non-guaranteed contract.

Smith FTs lift Nuggets over road-weary Warriors
J.R. Smith hit two free throws with 0.4 seconds remaining, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a 123-122 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night.

Nuggets win on Smith's last-second FTs (AP)

J.R. Smith hit two free throws with 0.4 seconds remaining, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a 123-122 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night. Smith, one of four Nuggets to finish with at least 20 points, was fouled by Monta Ellis while throwing up a desperation 3-pointer after taking an inbounds pass with just 3 seconds remaining.

Sixers fend off rally from Nuggets for upset win
Allen Iverson scored 17 points, Elton Brand added 16 and the Philadelphia 76ers held off a furious rally to beat the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets 108-105 on Sunday night.

Sixers hold off short-handed Nuggets (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 17 points, Elton Brand added 16 and the Philadelphia 76ers held off a furious rally to beat the injury-riddled Denver Nuggets 108-105 on Sunday night. Nene had 24 points and 15 rebounds, and Ty Lawson scored 23 points for the Nuggets, who have lost six of eight. The Nuggets played their second game in as many nights without their top two scorers.

Denver Nuggets' Chris Andersen leaves with sprained ankle
Nuggets forward Chris Andersen sprained his ankle on Sunday.

Billups, Anthony to sit again vs. 76ers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets will be without their two leading scorers for the second straight night. Chauncey Billups (left groin strain) and Carmelo Anthony (right knee contusion) will miss Sunday night's matchup against the Philadelphia 76ers. Billups injured his left groin against Houston on Dec. 16 and has missed six of the last seven games.

Lawson, Nuggets top Jazz to end 3-game skid
Ty Lawson had 23 points and nine assists and the Denver Nuggets ended a three-game losing streak despite playing without injured stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, beating the Utah Jazz 105-95 on Saturday night

Lawson gets Anthony-less Nuggets by Jazz (AP)

Ty Lawson had 23 points and nine assists and the Denver Nuggets ended a three-game losing streak despite playing without injured stars Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups, beating the Utah Jazz 105-95 on Saturday night The Nuggets compensated for missing such a huge chunk of their offense with gritty defense, forcing Utah into a season-high 26 turnovers.

Denver Nuggets sideline Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups against Jazz
Denver forward Carmelo Anthony missed his first game of the season Saturday with a right knee contusion.

Nuggets' Anthony, Billups to miss game (AP)
Denver forward Carmelo Anthony missed his first game of the season Saturday with a right knee contusion. The Nuggets were also without point guard Chauncey Billups against the Utah Jazz. Billups did not dress and sat out for the fifth time in six games with a left groin strain. Anthony is second in the league in scoring at 30 points per game.

Nocioni's 3-point range dooms faltering Nuggets
Andres Nocioni made four 3-pointers and scored a season-high 21 points, helping the Sacramento Kings beat the struggling Denver Nuggets 106-101 on Monday night.

Nocioni leads Kings by slumping Nuggets (AP)

Andres Nocioni made four 3-pointers and scored a season-high 21 points, helping the Sacramento Kings beat the struggling Denver Nuggets 106-101 on Monday night. Omri Casspi made a 3-pointer from the corner to put the Kings ahead for good at 97-96. Following a missed shot by Carmelo Anthony, Beno Udrih converted on a fastbreak for a three-point play to give Sacramento a 100-96 lead with 1:41...

Mavs get by Billups-less Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets bumped and bullied Dallas right out of the playoffs last season.

Mavericks defeat Billups-less Nuggets (AP)

Drew Gooden scored 19 points and Dirk Nowitzki hit a clutch 3-pointer late in the game, lifting the Mavericks to a 104-96 win Sunday night over a Denver Nuggets squad missing All-Star guard Chauncey Billups. Dallas handed the league's best home team a rare loss as the Nuggets fell to 13-2 at the Pepsi Center.

Denver Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups to sit 2 games with groin injury
Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups will miss two games to give his strained left groin time to heal.

Blazers drop Nuggets behind Roy
Brandon Roy had 41 points while wearing a thin brace to protect his sore left shoulder and Steve Blake scored 17 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 107-96 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Roy has 41 despite brace as Blazers win (AP)

Brandon Roy had 41 points while wearing a thin brace to protect his sore left shoulder and Steve Blake scored 17 to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 107-96 win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Roy, who missed Wednesday's win at San Antonio, had 25 points in the first half and made a career-high 16 field goals for Portland, which has won four straight and six of seven despite a...

Grizzlies shed Iverson, start winning (AP)
When the Allen Iverson experiment blew up on Memphis, it looked like the Grizzlies had started yet another lottery countdown. Five weeks later, they're playing their best basketball in years. The Grizzlies are 12-7 since a woeful 1-8 start, beating division leaders Dallas, Cleveland and Denver along the way.

Nuggets beat Hawks as Smith nets 41
Trying to win a game for the first time this season while missing an injured starter, the Denver Nuggets got more than enough help from their bench.

Roy, Billups may miss Christmas matchup (AP)
A marquee Christmas matchup between the Portland Trail Blazers and Denver Nuggets may lose some luster if Portland's Brandon Roy and Denver's Chauncey Billups are both out. It's unclear if either guard will be available Friday night when the Northwest Division rivals meet for the second time this season.

Smith has 41 with 10 3s to lift Nuggets (AP)

J.R. Smith came off the bench to score a season-high 41 points, hitting 10 3-pointers, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Atlanta Hawks 124-104 Wednesday night. Carmelo Anthony added 24 points and rookie Ty Lawson, starting in place of the injured Chauncey Billups (groin), had 16, helping Denver win its sixth in a row at home.

Smith comes off bench, nets 41 to lead Nuggets
J.R. Smith came off the bench to score a season-high 41 points, hitting 10 3-pointers, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Atlanta Hawks 124-104 Wednesday night.

Randolph's 32 and 24 lift Grizzlies (AP)

Zach Randolph had 32 points and a career-high 24 rebounds to help the Memphis Grizzlies hold on for a 102-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Randolph's rebound total, including nine on the offensive end, was the highest in the league this season. His work down the stretch allowed Memphis to weather a Denver rally that got the Nuggets within two with 3:22 left when Carmelo Anthony hit...

Paul's 30 and 19 lift Hornets by Nuggets (AP)

Chris Paul had 30 points and a season-high 19 assists, and narrowly missed a triple-double with nine rebounds, to lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 98-92 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night. Paul scored 26 points in the second half, and with his assists combined for 41 of the Hornets' 52 points over the final two quarters.

Paul flirts with triple-double to lift Hornets to win
Chris Paul had 30 points and a season-high 19 assists, and narrowly missed a triple-double with nine rebounds, to lift the New Orleans Hornets to a 98-92 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night.

Denver Nuggets' Chauncey Billups out with groin strain vs. Hornets
Chauncey Billups has been scratched from the Denver Nuggets' game against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left groin strain.

Groin sidelines Billups vs. Hornets (AP)
Chauncey Billups has been scratched from the Denver Nuggets' game against the New Orleans Hornets because of a left groin strain. The injury occurred in the second quarter of Denver's game in Houston on Wednesday. Anthony Carter started at point guard in Billups' place Friday night. Billups is averaging 17.4 points and 5.7 assists this season for the Nuggets.

Billups injures groin in Nuggets' win (AP)

Drawing on their depth and leaning once again on Carmelo Anthony's offense, the Denver Nuggets withstood the loss of Chauncey Billups to a groin injury for a 111-101 victory over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. They may soon face more tests without their star point guard. Anthony scored 38 points, his fifth straight 30-plus point performance, and the Nuggets were able to win despite...

Chauncey Billups of Denver Nuggets questionable for Friday with groin injury
Point guard Chauncey Billups might miss the Denver Nuggets' game at New Orleans on Friday night because of a strained left groin.

Nuggets' Billups questionable for Friday (AP)
Point guard Chauncey Billups might miss the Denver Nuggets' game at New Orleans on Friday night because of a strained left groin. Billups was hurt in the second half of Denver's win over the Houston Rockets on Wednesday night. He underwent a precautionary MRI on Thursday that confirmed a strain of his left adductor muscle, and the team said he was day-to-day.

Anthony's 31 lift Nuggets over Thunder (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points -- his fourth straight game with at least 30 -- and the Denver Nuggets extended their run of success against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 102-93 victory Monday night. J.R. Smith added 19 points and Chris Andersen had 15 for the Nuggets, who beat the Thunder for the fifth consecutive time.

Melo's 31 help Nuggets extend run vs. Thunder
Carmelo Anthony scored 31 points -- his fourth straight game with at least 30 -- and the Denver Nuggets extended their run of success against the Oklahoma City Thunder with a 102-93 victory Monday night.

Adelman rips NBA over Rockets' schedule (AP)
Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman criticized the NBA on Monday for setting up an "utterly ridiculous" schedule for his team that includes four back-to-back games over the next two weeks. The Rockets face Detroit at home on Tuesday, then must fly to Denver to play the first-place Nuggets on Wednesday.

Rockets coach rips NBA for 'ridiculous' schedule
Houston Rockets coach Rick Adelman criticized the NBA on Monday for setting up an "utterly ridiculous" schedule for his team that includes four back-to-back games over the next two weeks. The Rockets face Detroit at home on Tuesday, then must fly to Denver to play the first-place Nuggets on Wednesday. They visit Dallas on Friday and return home to face Oklahoma City on Saturday - then have to play two games on consecutive nights twice more during Christmas week.

Nuggets knock back Suns behind Carmelo's 32
Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points and Chauncey Billups shook off an awful first half to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Phoenix Suns 105-99 Saturday night.

Nuggets erase 17-point deficit, top Suns (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points and Chauncey Billups shook off an awful first half to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Phoenix Suns 105-99 Saturday night. Billups, whose first half included three turnovers and three fouls, scored 24 points and sank five 3-pointers in the second half. His turnover with 30 seconds left and the Nuggets leading 101-99 however gave the Suns a shot at a rare win in...

Pistons prevail vs. Nuggets despite Anthony's 40
Charlie Villanueva scored 27 points, and Rodney Stuckey had 26 to help the banged-up Detroit Pistons hold on for a 101-99 victory over former teammate Chauncey Billups and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Pistons win after Billups' late miss (AP)
Charlie Villanueva scored 27 points, and Rodney Stuckey had 26 to help the banged-up Detroit Pistons hold on for a 101-99 victory over former teammate Chauncey Billups and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Billups missed a layup in the final seconds, allowing the Pistons to run their winning streak to a season-best four games.

Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin, four Detroit Pistons sidelined for game
Kenyon Martin will miss the Denver Nuggets' game at Detroit with a hand injury.

Nuggets F Martin misses another game (AP)
Kenyon Martin will miss the Denver Nuggets' game at Detroit with a hand injury. Martin also missed Tuesday's loss at Charlotte after dislocating his left pinkie in Philadelphia on Monday. Coach George Karl said he expects the forward will return either Saturday or Monday. The Pistons were missing four players: Richard Hamilton (right ankle), Ben Gordon (left ankle), Will Bynum (ankles) and...

Bobcats snap Nuggets' 4-game win streak (AP)

Gerald Wallace had 25 points and 16 rebounds and the Charlotte Bobcats frustrated Carmelo Anthony and Denver in a 107-95 victory Tuesday night that snapped the Nuggets' four-game winning streak. Anthony, the NBA's leading scorer, had 34 points and seven rebounds, but Wallace outplayed him down the stretch and a frustrated Anthony picked up a technical foul with just under a minute left to...

Bobcats close strong to snap Nuggets' streak
Gerald Wallace had 25 points and 16 rebounds and the Charlotte Bobcats frustrated Carmelo Anthony and Denver in a 107-95 victory Tuesday night that snapped the Nuggets' four-game winning streak.

Denver Nuggets' Kenyon Martin (dislocated pinkie) sidelined
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin won't play against the Charlotte Bobcats because of a dislocated left pinkie.

Philadelphia 76ers guard Allen Iverson will start Monday against Denver Nuggets
Allen Iverson will start for the Philadelphia 76ers in their home game against Denver.

Nuggets ruin Iverson's return to Philly (AP)

Chauncey Billups and Denver ruined Allen Iverson's homecoming. Billups scored 31 points and Carmelo Anthony had 14 to help the Nuggets spoil Iverson's return to Philadelphia with a 93-83 win over the 76ers on Monday night. The Nuggets went on a 22-3 run over the third and fourth quarters to rally for their fourth straight win.

76ers' Iverson will start vs. former Denver team
Allen Iverson will start for the Philadelphia 76ers in their home game against Denver. Coach Eddie Jordan said Iverson will start Monday night and may start the rest of the season for the struggling Sixers. Iverson will play his first game with Philadelphia since 2006. "I feel like I am home," Iverson said at shootaround. "Just seeing people I'm accustomed to seeing, seeing the reporters, seeing some of the fans when I go out to eat. Just the smell of Philadelphia when I go outside.

Philadelphia 76ers coach Eddie Jordan expects Allen Iverson will start for team
Allen Iverson practiced with the Philadelphia 76ers and is expected to start when they play Monday night against Denver.

Iverson should start in second 76ers stint
Allen Iverson practiced with the Philadelphia 76ers for the first time in three years and is expected to start when they play Monday night against Denver. Iverson practiced with the first team of Elton Brand, Samuel Dalembert, Thaddeus Young and Willie Green on Sunday. Leading scorer Andre Iguodala did not practice with a sore right ankle. Iverson was back in a 76ers practice jersey for the first time since they traded him in 2006.

Melo, Nuggets pull away from Spurs in fourth
Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points and the Denver Nuggets ran away from the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter in a 106-99 victory Saturday night.

Anthony's 34 lift Nuggets over Spurs (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 34 points and the Denver Nuggets ran away from the San Antonio Spurs in the fourth quarter in a 106-99 victory Saturday night. Chauncey Billups added 18 points as Denver took the lead to start the fourth after trailing virtually the entire game, then never gave it back to San Antonio.

Wade now 0-6 in Denver as Nuggets roll (AP)

The Pepsi Center remains Dwyane Wade's personal house of horrors. The Miami Heat star fell to 0-6 in Denver when Carmelo Anthony and Nene led the Nuggets to a 114-96 rout Thursday night. Denver is the only city where Wade has never won in his seven seasons in the NBA. Wade, who snapped an 0-11 skid at Indiana earlier this season, had high hopes for another breakthrough against the Nuggets --...

Anthony, Nuggets keep Wade winless in Denver
The Pepsi Center remains Dwyane Wade's personal house of horrors.

Iverson signs with 76ers, will debut Monday
Allen Iverson is rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers. Sixers president Ed Stefanski announced the signing Wednesday on the team's Web site. Iverson is expected to make his debut Monday against the Denver Nuggets. Stefanski says in a news release that the team felt "Allen was the best available free agent guard to help" after the injury to Lou Williams, who will miss up to eight weeks.

Iverson signs with 76ers, to play Monday (AP)
Allen Iverson is rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers. Sixers president Ed Stefanski announced the signing Wednesday on the team's Web site. Iverson is expected to make his debut Monday against the Denver Nuggets. Stefanski says in a news release that the team felt "Allen was the best available free agent guard to help" after the injury to Lou Williams, who will miss up to eight weeks.

Allen Iverson signs with 76ers
Allen Iverson is rejoining the Philadelphia 76ers. Sixers president Ed Stefanski announced the signing Wednesday on the team's Web site. Iverson is expected to make his debut Monday against the Denver Nuggets. Stefanski says in a news release that the team felt "Allen was the best available free agent guard to help" after the injury to Lou Williams, who will miss up to eight weeks.

Anthony posts 25 as Nuggets race past Warriors
Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points, Chauncey Billups had 22 and the Denver Nuggets used their biggest scoring first half of the season to pull away from the short-handed Golden State Warriors for a 135-107 victory Tuesday night.

Anthony, Billups pace Nuggets in rout (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points, Chauncey Billups had 22 and the Denver Nuggets used their biggest scoring first half of the season to pull away from the short-handed Golden State Warriors for a 135-107 victory Tuesday night. Nene (18 points) and Chris Andersen (14) were among seven Denver players scoring in double figures, helping the Nuggets finish with a season high for points and rebound...

Gomes helps bust Wolves losing streak at 15
Ryan Gomes scored 27 points, the most by a Timberwolves player this season, and Minnesota snapped a 15-game losing streak by beating the Denver Nuggets 106-100 Sunday night.

Wolves beat Nuggets to snap 15-game skid (AP)

Ryan Gomes scored 27 points, the most by a Timberwolves player this season, and Minnesota snapped a 15-game losing streak by beating the Denver Nuggets 106-100 Sunday night. Corey Brewer and Jonny Flynn each scored 16 points in helping Minnesota rally from 17 points down in the first half and register their first win since a season-opening victory against New Jersey.

Carmelo's 50 spoil Harrington's 41; Nuggets win
Carmelo Anthony scored a career-high 50 points, and the Denver Nuggets beat the New York Knicks 128-125 Friday night for their 17th straight regular-season home win.

Anthony's 50 lift Nuggets over Knicks (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored a career-high 50 points, and the Denver Nuggets beat the New York Knicks 128-125 Friday night for their 17th straight regular-season home win. Al Harrington had 41 points -- one shy of his career high -- for the Knicks, who lost their fourth straight. David Lee added 23 points and 11 rebounds.

Nuggets hand Wolves 14th straight loss (AP)

Even in their loss-filled existence, the Minnesota Timberwolves have never been this bad to start a season. Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points and Nene had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Denver Nuggets handed the Timberwolves their 14th straight loss with a 124-111 victory on Wednesday night.

Nuggets hand Wolves 14th straight loss (AP)

Even in the Minnesota Timberwolves' loss-filled existence, they have never been this bad to start a season. Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points and Nene had 17 points, eight rebounds and six assists as the Denver Nuggets handed the Timberwolves their 14th straight loss with a 124-111 victory on Wednesday night.

'Melo leads Nuggets as Nets near winless record
Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points, Nene added 17 and the Denver Nuggets dealt the New Jersey Nets their 14th straight loss to start the season with a 101-87 win Tuesday night.

Nets drop to 0-14 with loss to Nuggets (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 27 points, Nene added 17 and the Denver Nuggets dealt the New Jersey Nets their 14th straight loss to start the season with a 101-87 win Tuesday night. Arron Afflalo had 15 points, helping the Nuggets win their 16th straight regular-season home game, including all six this season.

New Jersey Nets guard Courtney Lee returns after missing seven games with groin injury
New Jersey guard Courtney Lee is available to play against the Denver Nuggets after missing the last seven games because of a groin injury.

LIVE: Nets in Denver searching for first victory


Nets G Lee returns from groin injury (AP)
New Jersey guard Courtney Lee is available to play against the Denver Nuggets after missing the last seven games because of a groin injury. Nets coach Lawrence Frank said he planned to ease Lee back into the rotation, not overplay him in an attempt to spark the struggling team, which was 0-13 going into Tuesday night's game.

Butler's 27 points help Clippers upend Nuggets
Reserve forward Rasual Butler scored 27 points, Al Thornton added 18 and the Los Angeles Clippers withstood an early scoring barrage from Carmelo Anthony to beat the Denver Nuggets 106-99 on Friday night.

Clips overcome Anthony's 37, top Nuggets (AP)

Reserve forward Rasual Butler scored 27 points, Al Thornton added 18 and the Los Angeles Clippers withstood an early scoring spree from Carmelo Anthony to beat the Denver Nuggets 106-99 on Friday night. Chris Kaman had 13 points, seven rebounds and six assists for the Clippers. The Nuggets, coming off one-sided victories over the Lakers and Toronto Raptors, lost to the Clippers for the first time...

Melo helps Nuggets keep home win streak alive
Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points and Chauncey Billups had 21, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 112-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night.

Anthony, Billups lead Nuggets over Bulls (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points and Chauncey Billups had 21, leading the Denver Nuggets to a 112-93 victory over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday night. It was the 15th straight regular-season home win for the Nuggets, including all five this season as Denver bounced back from Friday night's loss in Los Angeles to the Clippers.

Nuggets' Andersen day-to-day with knee injury
The Denver Nuggets say Chris "Birdman" Andersen is day-to-day with moderate patellar tendinitis in his right knee. Anderson has been sore, so he underwent an MRI on Wednesday in Denver, and Dr. Steve Traina said the test revealed no structural damage. Also, guard Anthony Carter is listed as questionable for the Nuggets' game Friday night against the Clippers in Los Angeles. He has sat out the last two games with a strained left hip.

'Melo lifts Nuggets over Raptors 130-112 (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points and reserve J.R. Smith had 29, leading the Denver Nuggets past the Toronto Raptors 130-112 on Tuesday night. Anthony is the only player in the NBA to score at least 20 points in all of his team's games so far. He's topped 30 points seven times and 40 points twice.

Pops Mensah-Bonsu back with Toronto Raptors; Hedo Turkoglu sits out
Toronto has claimed forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu off waivers from Houston and he is expected to be in uniform for the Raptors' game at Denver.

Injured Turkoglu sits vs. Nuggets (AP)
Toronto has claimed forward Pops Mensah-Bonsu off waivers from Houston and he is expected to be in uniform for the Raptors' game at Denver. Forward Hedo Turkoglu has been ruled out for Tuesday night's game against the Nuggets with a sore left hip and will be replaced in the starting lineup by Antoine Wright, who's dealing with a sore left ankle.

Lawson makes fast adjustment to NBA (AP)
Everybody knew about Ty Lawson's speed at North Carolina. Just as impressive is how quickly the Denver Nuggets' new backup point guard is adjusting to the NBA. Fellow Tar Heels alum and Nuggets coach George Karl has notoriously had little use for rookies, but he's making an exception for this exceptional player, saying even he didn't expect this smooth of a transition.

Brooks scores 33 as Rockets beat Lakers (AP)

Aaron Brooks scored a career-high 33 points, including five 3-pointers, and the Houston Rockets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 101-91 on Sunday night, sending them to a second consecutive loss. The NBA champion Lakers were coming off a 105-79 drubbing at Denver two nights earlier only to have another team they vanquished in last season's title run show them up at home, where they got booed.

Anthony shines as Nuggets snap Lakers' streak
Carmelo Anthony got the better of Ron Artest, scoring 25 points in 29 minutes and leading the Denver Nuggets past the Los Angeles Lakers 105-79 Friday night.

Nuggets pull away in 3rd, rout Lakers (AP)

Carmelo Anthony got the better of Ron Artest, scoring 25 points in 29 minutes and leading the Denver Nuggets past the Los Angeles Lakers 105-79 Friday night. The Lakers' six-game winning streak was snapped. They scored just eight points in the third quarter as the Nuggets turned a two-point halftime lead into an 87-64 cushion that had ecstatic fans chanting "Beat L.A.!" something...

Nuggets pull away in 3rd, rout Lakers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets served notice on two fronts with their dismantling of the Los Angeles Lakers: Last year was no fluke and this year they're legit. The Nuggets (7-3), overlooked by prognosticators after everybody else in the West seemed to sign a superstar over the summer, whipped the Pau Gasol-less Lakers 105-79 Friday night.

Jennings rallies Bucks past Nuggets (AP)

Brandon Jennings never expected to start his NBA career this way. The rookie point guard scored 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, and Andrew Bogut added 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 108-102 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. "I came in here, wanted to learn and take (it) step-by-step," Jennings said.

Jennings nets 32, helps Bucks upset Nuggets
Rookie Brandon Jennings scored 14 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, and Andrew Bogut added 23 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 108-102 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night.

NBA spokesman said the referee got the call right in the Denver Nuggets' win over the Chicago Bulls
NBA spokesman said the referee got the call right in the Denver Nuggets' win over the Chicago Bulls

NBA: Refs' call correct in Nuggets-Bulls review
The NBA says the review that overturned a winning shot by Chicago's Brad Miller was correct and handled appropriately. Referees looked at video replay for about three minutes before determining that Miller's shot came after the final buzzer, giving Denver a 90-89 victory Tuesday. Though a review is supposed to be completed in a two-minute period, crew chief Mark Wunderlich then asked the truck if there were any additional angles.

Billups' FT holds up as Bulls' final shot waved off
Chauncey Billups hit the go-ahead free throw with six-tenths of a second left and the Denver Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 90-89 on Tuesday night after a potential winning jumper by Brad Miller was overturned following a replay review.

Nuggets win when refs overturn Miller's shot
Chauncey Billups hit the go-ahead free throw with six-tenths of a second left and the Denver Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 90-89 on Tuesday night after a potential winning jumper by Brad Miller was overturned following a replay review. Billups was fouled by Kirk Hinrich on a drive and then intentionally missed the second free throw after making the first to break the tie. Joakim Noah grabbed the rebound, and the Bulls nearly pulled it off.

Nuggets top Bulls 90-89 with replay help (AP)

Chauncey Billups hit the go-ahead free throw with six-tenths of a second left and the Denver Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 90-89 on Tuesday night after a potential winning jumper by Brad Miller was overturned following a replay review. Billups was fouled by Kirk Hinrich on a drive and then intentionally missed the second free throw after making the first to break the tie.

Denver Nuggets' J.R. Smith off suspension with new name, Earl Smith III
Suspended for the season's first seven games, Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith returned Tuesday with a new outlook and a different name.

Nuggets' Smith wants to go by given name (AP)
Suspended for the season's first seven games, Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith returned Tuesday with a new outlook and a different name. He wants to go by his given name, Earl Smith III. Smith says there are "a lot of personal reasons" that "I can't really explain at this time" for the switch.

Smith does it all as Hawks streak past Nuggets
Jamal Crawford scored 25 points, and Josh Smith had 22 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots and seven assists in the Atlanta Hawks' 125-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night.

Josh Smith shines as Hawks rout Nuggets (AP)

Jamal Crawford scored 25 points, and Josh Smith had 22 points, nine rebounds, six blocked shots and seven assists in the Atlanta Hawks' 125-100 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Smith was 8 of 10 from the field and 6 of 8 from the line. Joe Johnson added 21 points, Marvin Williams had 14, Mo Evans 12 and Al Horford and Mike Bibby 11 each for the Hawks.

Heat hand Nuggets first loss, 96-88 (AP)

By the time Dwyane Wade got rolling, the Miami Heat were already in control. That's just fine with the reigning NBA scoring champion. Wade scored 22 points, Jermaine O'Neal added 18 and the Heat dealt the Denver Nuggets their first loss of the season, 96-88 on Friday night. Mario Chalmers scored 16 points, Quentin Richardson added 13 and Udonis Haslem finished with 11 points and 10 rebounds...

Wade, O'Neal combine, hand Nuggets 1st loss
Dwyane Wade scored 22 points, Jermaine O'Neal added 18 and the Miami Heat dealt the Denver Nuggets their first loss of the season, 96-88 on Friday night.

Nuggets score 44 in 3rd, stay unbeaten (AP)

Down by a point after sub-par first-half performances by Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets become the latest team to take advantage of the New Jersey Nets' woes in the third quarter. Billups and Anthony woke up the Nuggets by leading a 44-point third-quarter assault that carried unbeaten Denver to its fifth straight win, a 122-94 decision over the victory over the...

Garnett leads Celts to win in Minnesota (AP)

Kevin Garnett had 12 points and 11 rebounds in his third game back in Minnesota since he was traded in 2007, helping the Boston Celtics remain undefeated with a 92-90 victory over the Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Rajon Rondo scored 14 of his 18 points in the third quarter for the Celtics (6-0), who join the Denver Nuggets as the only two teams in the league without a loss.

Pacers F Murphy out with bruised back (AP)
Troy Murphy missed Indiana's game at New York with a bruised lower back, leaving the winless Pacers without their leading rebounder. Murphy was hurt Tuesday after a hard foul in the first quarter of the Pacers' 111-93 home loss to Denver. Indiana coach Jim O'Brien said he didn't know how long the forward would be out, but said he had trouble putting his shoes on Wednesday.

Nowitzki has 29 of 40 in 4th, Mavs rally (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored a club-record 29 of his 40 points during a frantic fourth-quarter comeback and the Dallas Mavericks beat the Utah Jazz 96-85 on Tuesday night. Nowitzki broke the franchise record of 24 points in any quarter set by Mark Aguirre against Denver on March 24, 1984. Dallas was down 72-56 after Utah's Wes Matthews hit a layup with 9:51 left.

Melo, Billups lead unbeaten Nuggets past Pacers
Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points and Chauncey Billups added 24 to help Denver beat the Indiana Pacers 111-93 on Tuesday night, lifting the Nuggets to their best start in 24 years.

Nuggets off to best start in 24 years (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points and Chauncey Billups added 24 to help Denver beat the Indiana Pacers 111-93 on Tuesday night, lifting the Nuggets to their best start in 24 years. Anthony, who was averaging 38 points, shot just 6-for-17 from the field but made 11 of 14 free throws. Nene added 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Nuggets (4-0), who are off to their best start since the 1985-86 season.

Anthony heats up with 42 points in Nuggets' win
Carmelo Anthony extended his torrid start with 42 points in the Denver Nuggets' 133-123 shootout win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night.

Anthony's 42 help Nuggets improve to 4-0 (AP)

Carmelo Anthony extended his torrid start with 42 points in the Denver Nuggets' 133-123 shootout win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday night. The Nuggets are 3-0 thanks to 'Melo, whose game has only gotten better since the spring, when he led Denver to the Western Conference Finals, where they lost to the champion Los Angeles Lakers in six games.

Iverson expected to make Grizzlies debut Monday
Allen Iverson is expected to make his season debut for the Memphis Grizzlies on Monday night at Sacramento. Iverson is recovering from a partial right hamstring tear and missed his third straight game when the Grizzlies played the Nuggets in Denver on Sunday night. Grizzlies coach Lionel Hollins said that when Iverson returns, he'll be part of a three-guard rotation with O.J. Mayo and Mike Conley.

Denver Nuggets sign backup Renaldo Balkman to extension
The Denver Nuggets have signed backup Renaldo Balkman to a contract extension and also exercised the fourth-year option on guard Arron Afflalo, who was acquired from Detroit last summer.

Oden squanders Blazers' chance to top Nuggets
Carmelo Anthony scored 19 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets were helped by Portland's trouble at the free-throw line for a 97-94 victory Thursday night.

Anthony scores 41, Nuggets edge Blazers (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 19 of his 41 points in the fourth quarter and the Denver Nuggets were helped by Portland's trouble at the free-throw line for a 97-94 victory on Thursday night. Greg Oden missed a pair of free throws with 4.6 seconds left, squandering a chance for Portland to go ahead. After Oden's misses, Anthony made a pair and Brandon Roy missed a 3-pointer at the buzzer for the...

Anthony scores 30, Nuggets beat Jazz (AP)

Carmelo Anthony had a game-high 30 points and rookie Ty Lawson scored seven of his 17 points in a pivotal fourth-quarter run, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a season-opening 114-105 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night. Chauncey Billups finished with 25 while Kenyon Martin added 16 points and 11 rebounds.

Lawson provides spark in Nuggets' win vs. Jazz
Carmelo Anthony had a game-high 30 points and rookie Ty Lawson scored seven of his 17 points in a pivotal fourth-quarter run, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a season-opening 114-105 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday night.

Rookie Lawson's 29 get Nuggets by Lakers (AP)

Rookie Ty Lawson had 29 points, six assists and five steals to help the Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 119-105 on Friday night in the exhibition finale for both teams. The Nuggets (4-4) played without Carmelo Anthony and Chauncey Billups after coach George Karl gave them the night off, while the Lakers (6-2) were without 7-footers Pau Gasol (strained right hamstring) and Andrew Bynum...

Short-handed Lakers roll past Nuggets (AP)

Playing without their injured inside duo of 7-footers Pau Gasol and Andrew Bynum, the Los Angeles Lakers routed the Denver Nuggets 106-89 in an exhibition game Thursday night. Kobe Bryant had 23 points for the Lakers (6-1), while Lamar Odom had 17 points and nine rebounds. Carmelo Anthony scored 28 points for the Nuggets (3-4), while Chauncey Billups added 19.

Jazz cut ex-Michigan State star Suton (AP)
The Utah Jazz have cut second-round draft pick Goran Suton and two other players. Suton, Spencer Nelson and Alexander Johnson learned they were cut Wednesday, one week before the season opener at Denver. The cuts leave the Jazz with 16 players, one more than the NBA maximum. General manager Kevin O'Connor said Wednesday that the Jazz are still trying to figure out how many players to keep on the...

Anthony, Afflalo lead Nuggets by Wolves (AP)

Growing up, Carmelo Anthony rarely settled for jump shots. It was frowned upon in his neighborhood. "As a kid I always drove to the hole," he said. "Where I grew up if you shot a jump shot it wasn't accepted." Anthony went back to his roots Tuesday night, mixing in driving layups and a couple of jump shots to score 24 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 129-100 preseason...

Sore Achilles still bothers T-Wolves star Jefferson
Minnesota's Al Jefferson is still bothered by Achilles' tendinitis. Jefferson did not participate in Tuesday morning's shootaround in Denver, where the Timberwolves were playing an exhibition. Team spokesman Mark Rosenberg says Jefferson is also fighting a cold, unsure if the star forward would suit up against the Nuggets. Jefferson sat out during the fourth quarter Saturday against Milwaukee because of soreness in the tendon, and he didn't practice Monday.

Oden's 16 help Blazers rally by Nuggets (AP)

Greg Oden had 16 points and seven rebounds and the Portland Trail Blazers erased a 12-point fourth-quarter deficit to beat the Denver Nuggets 98-96 in a preseason game Sunday night. Roy, who played just under 12 minutes in the first three quarters, combined with Oden for the comeback and finished with 12 points.

Anthony, Nuggets beat Pacers in Beijing (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 45 points to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 128-112 win over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, splitting the NBA preseason series between the two in Asia. Playing at the same Wukesong Arena where he helped the United States win gold at last year's Beijing Olympics, Anthony made 14 of 19 field goals and 16 of 17 free throws and put away the Pacers with a 17 point third quarter.

Pacers top Denver in NBA debut in Taiwan (AP)

In the first NBA preseason game played in Taiwan, the Indiana Pacers defeated the Denver Nuggets 126-104 on Thursday. Troy Murphy, Brandon Rush and Roy Hibbert each scored 20 points for the Pacers, who led throughout the game in front of a sellout crowd of 13,599 at the Taipei Arena. "We're probably about 35 percent ready for the season," Pacers coach Jim O'Brien said.

Jazz guard C.J. Miles ruptures thumb ligament
Utah Jazz shooting guard C.J. Miles has a ruptured ligament in his left thumb and will need surgery. The Jazz say Miles injured his shooting hand in a fall during practice Monday at London's O2 Arena, where Utah plays the Chicago Bulls in a preseason game Tuesday. The Jazz won't know how long Miles will be out until after the surgery. Utah opens the regular season Oct. 28 in Denver. Miles averaged a career-high 9.

'Melo leads Nuggets by Partizan Belgrade (AP)
Carmelo Anthony scored 17 points, Arron Afflalo added 15 and the Denver Nuggets ran off with a 102-70 exhibition victory over Partizan Belgrade on Saturday night. One of Europe's top basketball clubs and winner of eight consecutive Serbian League titles, Partizan Belgrade was no match for the Nuggets, who last season reached the NBA's Western Conference finals, where they lost to the...

Replacement refs make uneventful debut (AP)

The NBA's replacement referees were a non-issue in the preseason opener, just as the league wanted. The Utah Jazz beat the Denver Nuggets 103-87 on Thursday night in an exhibition game that featured 69 fouls and very little objection to any of them. Whether it was preseason indifference or players and coaches heeding to the league warning to be nice to the new officials, there wasn't much...

Nuggets G Smith says jail changed him (AP)
J.R. Smith is pledging more maturity this season, a promise he's made in the past. The sharp-shooting Denver Nuggets guard realizes that some will believe it, while some will remain skeptical. That's fine with him. He knows he's changed. It's been a sobering offseason for the 24-year-old Smith, who spent 24 days in a New Jersey correctional facility after pleading guilty to reckless...

Denver Nuggets sign forward Joey Graham to training camp roster
The Denver Nuggets have signed veteran forward Joey Graham to their training camp roster.

Artest: Point at me if Lakers don't repeat
Pardon Ron Artest if he's a bit geographically challenged and had no idea that San Diego has a big league baseball team, even though he was wearing a Padres cap. This much he's sure of - If his Los Angeles Lakers don't repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him. "They should. That's exactly what should happen if we don't repeat," the star forward said during a visit to promote the Lakers' exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets at the San Diego Sports Arena on Oct. 23.

Artest: Point at me if Lakers don't repeat
Pardon Ron Artest if he's a bit geographically challenged and had no idea that San Diego has a big league baseball team, even though he was wearing a Padres cap. This much he's sure of - If his Los Angeles Lakers don't repeat as NBA champions, fans can point their fingers at him. "They should. That's exactly what should happen if we don't repeat," the star forward said during a visit to promote the Lakers' exhibition game against the Denver Nuggets at the San Diego Sports Arena on Oct. 23.

Clippers hire John Lucas as assistant
Former NBA coach and player John Lucas is joining the Los Angeles Clippers as an assistant. The team said Friday that Lucas will join Tony Brown, Kim Hughes and Fred Vinson on coach and general manager Mike Dunleavy's staff. Lucas was head coach of the Cleveland Cavaliers from 2001-03, where he coached current Clippers Ricky Davis and Brian Skinner. Before that, Lucas was an assistant with the Denver Nuggets for three seasons.

Cavs G West arrested on weapons charges (AP)

Cleveland Cavaliers guard Delonte West was arrested Thursday after officers pulled him over for speeding on a motorcycle while carrying two loaded handguns and a loaded shotgun in a guitar case. Prince George's County police spokeswoman Sgt. Michelle Reedy said Friday the Cleveland Cavaliers player was arrested about 10 p.m.

Portland Trail Blazers sign Juwan Howard
Veteran forward Juwan Howard has signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Howard has spent 15 seasons in the NBA and general manager Kevin Pritchard said Thursday the 36-year-old will add "veteran savvy" to the young roster. Howard averaged 4.1 points in 42 games with Denver and Charlotte last season. A member of Michigan's Fab Five, Howard was the fifth player selected in the 1994 draft. He has career averages of 14.9 points and 6.6 rebounds in 1,043 games.

Blazers sign 15-year pro Juwan Howard (AP)
Veteran forward Juwan Howard has signed a one-year contract with the Portland Trail Blazers. Howard has spent 15 seasons in the NBA and general manager Kevin Pritchard said Thursday the 36-year-old will add "veteran savvy" to the young roster. Howard averaged 4.1 points in 42 games with Denver and Charlotte last season.

NBA suspends Denver Nuggets' J.R. Smith, Phoenix Suns' Jason Richardson
The NBA has suspended Denver's J.R. Smith and Phoenix's Jason Richardson after both were recently convicted of driving offenses.

NBA suspends Smith, Richardson (AP)
The NBA has suspended Denver's J.R. Smith and Phoenix's Jason Richardson after both were recently convicted of driving offenses. Smith will sit out the Nuggets' first seven games for pleading guilty to reckless driving in New Jersey. Richardson will miss two games after he pleaded guilty to drunken driving in Arizona.

Reserve C Petro re-signs with Nuggets (AP)
Reserve center Johan Petro has resigned with the Denver Nuggets. Petro appeared in 27 games for Denver last season, starting 10 times and averaging 2.2 points and 2.3 rebounds. He also appeared in 10 playoff of the Nuggets' playoff games as they reached the Western Conference finals. Petro has career averages of 5.4 points and 4.3 rebounds in 270 games with the Nuggets and Oklahoma City/Seattle...

Denver Nuggets Renaldo Balkman arrested on DUI charge in Florida
Nuggets reserve forward Renaldo Balkman has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence in Florida.

Report: 'Melo suing ex-business manager
Carmelo Anthony is suing his former business manager, alleging he misappropriated more than $2 million of the Denver Nuggets star's assets. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, Calif., on Monday, alleges that Anthony's former business manager, Larry W. Harmon, and employees of Larry Harmon & Associates P.A., breached their fiduciary duties by transferring $1.75 million of Anthony's money without his knowledge or consent to a company formed by Harmon, most of it in 2008.

Denver Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony sues ex-business manager
Carmelo Anthony is suing his former business manager, alleging he misappropriated more than $2 million of the Nuggets star's assets.



'Melo suing former business manager (AP)
Carmelo Anthony is suing his former business manager, alleging he misappropriated more than $2 million of the Denver Nuggets star's assets. The lawsuit, filed in U.S. District Court in Sacramento, Calif., on Monday, alleges that Anthony's former business manager, Larry W. Harmon, and employees of Larry Harmon & Associates P.A., breached their fiduciary duties by transferring $1.75 million of...

Nuggets re-sign backup point guard Anthony Carter
The Denver Nuggets, who lost Dahntay Jones and Linas Kleiza to free agency, have fulfilled one of coach George Karl's offseason wishes with the re-signing of backup point guard Anthony Carter. Nuggets executive Mark Warkentien said: "AC's loyalty to (owner) Stan Kroenke, George Karl and Denver is exemplary; rarely seen in professional athletics today." Carter has averaged 5.2 points, 4.1 assists and 2.2 rebounds over his 10-year NBA career with Miami, San Antonio, Minnesota and Denver.

NBA free agents: Denver Nuggets re-sign Anthony Carter
The Denver Nuggets, who lost Dahntay Jones and Linas Kleiza to free agency, have fulfilled one of coach George Karl's offseason wishes with the re-signing of backup point guard Anthony Carter.

NBA free agents: Denver Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza takes Olympiakos' offer
Denver Nuggets forward Linas Kleiza is on his way to Greece after signing a two-year contract worth $12.2 million with Olympiakos on Monday.

Kleiza leaving Nuggets for $12M from Olympiakos
Restricted free agent forward Linas Kleiza of the Denver Nuggets is taking his game to Europe. Nuggets executive Mark Warkentien says Kleiza has chosen to play for Olympiakos, agreeing to a two-year deal worth more than $12 million. Warkentien said Kleiza's agent, Bill Duffy, informed him of the signing Monday. Duffy was flying back from Europe and unavailable for comment.

Nuggets F Kleiza opts to play in Europe (AP)
Restricted free agent forward Linas Kleiza of the Denver Nuggets is taking his game to Europe. Nuggets executive Mark Warkentien says Kleiza has chosen to play for Olympiakos, agreeing to a two-year deal worth more than $12 million. Warkentien said Kleiza's agent, Bill Duffy, informed him of the signing Monday.

Nuggets trade Hunter, 2010 first pick to Grizzlies
The Denver Nuggets swapped Steven Hunter, a protected 2010 first-round pick and cash to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a future conditional second rounder, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Friday. The trade could give Memphis three first-round selections in the 2010 draft. The Grizzlies already are owed the Lakers' 2010 pick to complete the February 2008 trade that sent Pau Gasol to Los Angeles. Memphis drafted No.

Nuggets trade F-C Hunter to Grizzlies (AP)
The Denver Nuggets swapped Steven Hunter, a protected 2010 first-round pick and cash to the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for a future conditional second rounder, Grizzlies general manager Chris Wallace said Friday. The trade could give Memphis three first-round selections in the 2010 draft. The Grizzlies already are owed the Lakers' 2010 pick to complete the February 2008 trade that sent Pau...

Denver Nuggets trade Steven Hunter, pick to Memphis Grizzlies for pick
The Denver Nuggets have traded center Steven Hunter and a lottery protected 2010 first round pick to the Memphis Grizzlies for a future Grizzlies second round pick a league source told ESPN.com

Nuggets get PF Allen from Bucks for 2 players
The Denver Nuggets have acquired Malik Allen from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Walter Sharpe and Sonny Weems. The Nuggets announced the deal Friday. Allen played in 49 games for Milwaukee last season, averaging 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds. In 409 games over an eight-year career, he has averaged 5.4 points and 3 rebounds. He also played for Miami, Charlotte, Chicago, New Jersey and Dallas.

Denver Nuggets get Malik Allen from Milwaukee Bucks for Walter Sharpe, Sonny Weems
The Denver Nuggets have acquired Malik Allen from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Walter Sharpe and Sonny Weems.

Nuggets acquire Malik Allen from Bucks (AP)
The Denver Nuggets have acquired Malik Allen from the Milwaukee Bucks in exchange for Walter Sharpe and Sonny Weems. The Nuggets announced the deal Friday. Allen played in 49 games for Milwaukee last season, averaging 3.2 points and 2.1 rebounds. In 409 games over an eight-year career, he has averaged 5.4 points and 3 rebounds.

Pacers add depth, sign ex-Thunder guard Watson
The Indiana Pacers have signed free agent guard Earl Watson to a multiyear contract. Terms of the deal were not released Tuesday. The 6-foot-1 veteran was waived earlier this month by Oklahoma City. He also has played with Seattle, Memphis and Denver in eight NBA seasons. Watson adds depth to an Indiana team that has already lost one guard, Jarrett Jack, in free agency and is likely to lose another, Marquis Daniels, this offseason.

Pacers sign former Thunder G Watson (AP)
The Indiana Pacers have signed free agent guard Earl Watson to a multiyear contract. Terms of the deal were not released Tuesday. The 6-foot-1 veteran was waived earlier this month by Oklahoma City. He also has played with Seattle, Memphis and Denver in eight NBA seasons. Watson adds depth to an Indiana team that has already lost one guard, Jarrett Jack, in free agency and is likely to lose another,...

Blazers use cap space to sign free agent PG Miller
The Portland Trail Blazers have signed free agent guard Andre Miller. Terms of the deal were not disclosed. Miller averaged 16.3 points and 6.5 assists as a starter for the Philadelphia 76ers last season. Miller joins point guards Steve Blake and Jerryd Bayless for the Blazers. Blake started last season, averaging 11 points, five assists and 2.5 rebounds. Miller, 33, went to the Sixers in 2006 in a midseason trade with the Denver Nuggets that involved Allen Iverson.

Denver Nuggets, Indiana Pacers to play preseason game in Beijing
The Denver Nuggets will play an exhibition game against the Indiana Pacers in Beijing, the second time they will meet in Asia.

Nuggets-Pacers exhibition in Beijing (AP)
^ The Denver Nuggets will play an exhibition game against the Indiana Pacers in Beijing, the second time they will meet in Asia. The Oct. 11 matchup at Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, comes three days after the teams play the NBA's first game in Taipei. The NBA has announced five preseason games outside the United States or Canada this year.

Nuggets, Pacers to play exhibition in Beijing
The Denver Nuggets will play an exhibition game against the Indiana Pacers in Beijing, the second time they will meet in Asia. The Oct. 11 matchup at Wukesong Arena, site of the 2008 Olympic basketball competitions, comes three days after the teams play the NBA's first game in Taipei. The NBA has announced five preseason games outside the United States or Canada this year. This will be the league's third game in Beijing.

Pacers sign free agent guard Jones
The Indiana Pacers have signed free agent guard Dahntay Jones. His agent, Aaron Mintz, says the Pacers were planning to make the announcement during a Tuesday news conference. Jones started 71 games for the Denver Nuggets last season and played a key role in the team's run to the Western Conference finals. The defensive specialist averaged 5.4 points and 2.1 rebounds in the regular season, but increased those numbers to seven points and 2.4 rebounds in the postseason.

Sources: Detroit Pistons, Denver Nuggets close to deal for Arron Afflalo, Walter Sharpe
The Detroit Pistons agreed to a trade that would send Arron Afflalo, Walter Sharpe and cash considerations to the Denver Nuggets for a future second-round pick, according to NBA front-office sources.

Nuggets acquire Afflalo, Sharpe from Pistons
The Denver Nuggets acquire Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe from Detroit in exchange for a future second-round draft pick. The Nuggets also received cash in Monday's deal. The Pistons freed up close to $1.8 million in salary cap space. Afflalo averaged 4.9 points in 74 games last season. The former UCLA star scored a career-high 24 at Houston on March 18. Sharpe, a 6-foot-9 forward, appeared in nine games.

Pistons send Afflalo, Sharpe to Nuggets (AP)
The Denver Nuggets acquire Arron Afflalo and Walter Sharpe from Detroit in exchange for a future second-round draft pick. The Nuggets also received cash in Monday's deal. The Pistons freed up close to $1.8 million in salary cap space. Afflalo averaged 4.9 points in 74 games last season. The former UCLA star scored a career-high 24 at Houston on March 18.

'Birdman' could earn $26M in 5-year Nuggets deal
Chris "Birdman" Andersen has reached a five-year deal to continue his high-flying, shot-blocking act with the Denver Nuggets. Andersen's attorney, Mark Bryant, confirmed the agreement on Wednesday, saying it could be signed later in the day. The deal was first reported by the Denver Post. Andersen could make up to $26 million over the lifetime of the contract. It's a backloaded deal to give the Nuggets financial flexibility. He'll make close to $3.

Chris Andersen resigns with Denver Nuggets, agent says
Chris "Birdman" Andersen and the Nuggets have agreed on a five-year deal, his agent said, according to a published report.

Nuggets' Smith gets jail time for fatal crash
A judge sentenced Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith to 90 days in jail Tuesday night for causing an auto accident that killed his friend, though Smith will likely end up serving only 30. Municipal Judge Debra J. Gelson suspended 60 days of the sentence providing Smith performs 500 hours of community service consisting of visiting sick children at hospitals. Smith, who starred at Lakewood High School and St.

Denver Nuggets' J.R. Smith gets jail time for deadly accident
J.R. Smith received a 90-day sentence for a car accident that killed his friend.

Kleiza, Billups help Nuggets rip Kings (AP)

With Carmelo Anthony sidelined with a broken a bone in his right hand, the Denver Nuggets needed somebody to fill the void. Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith are doing their best to make up for the All-Star's absence. Kleiza scored 27 points, Smith had 19 points, seven rebounds and six assists and the Denver Nuggets used strong second and third quarters to beat the Sacramento Kings 118-99 on Tuesday...

Yao's 31 lift Rockets by Nuggets 115-113 (AP)

Yao Ming scored 31 points, Rafer Alston added 18 points and 11 assists and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 115-113 on Monday afternoon. Denver's Kenyon Martin missed two foul shots with 2.6 seconds left, and Yao rebounded to clinch the win. Von Wafer had 18 and Luis Scola 16 for the Rockets, who have won five of their last six games and four of five since Ron Artest and Tracy McGrady...

Billups helping Nuggets feel optimistic (AP)
It's been 31 years since the Denver Nuggets hit the halfway mark in better shape, and probably that long since they headed into the second half with such optimism. Even with Carmelo Anthony sidelined with a broken hand, the Nuggets are setting themselves up for a memorable season thanks to some roster shuffling that not only shed salary and got the team under the luxury tax for the first time in...

Magic win seventh straight, rip Nuggets (AP)

Hedo Turkoglu scored 31 points, Jameer Nelson and Rashard Lewis had 23 each and the Orlando Magic completed a perfect four-game West Coast trip with a 106-88 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Dwight Howard had 14 points and 20 rebounds to help the Magic win their seventh straight and ninth in 10 games.

Cuban wants to donate fine to NHL fund (AP)
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban is getting his money's worth out of his latest fine. The NBA hit Cuban with a $25,000 penalty Friday for "improper interactions with Denver Nuggets players," mostly stemming from an incident involving Denver's J.R. Smith. So Cuban posted on his blog that he would donate $25,000 to whatever charity Smith chose.

NBA fines Mavericks owner Cuban $25,000 (AP)
Mark Cuban is in trouble with the NBA again. The league fined the Dallas Mavericks owner $25,000 Friday for "improper interactions with Denver Nuggets players" at halftime and his conduct immediately following the Mavericks' 99-97 loss on Tuesday. The penalty was the 14th the league has announced against Cuban, who has been penalized about $1.5 million over the years and suspended from three games.

Mavs' Cuban hit with $25K fine for Nuggets spat
Mavericks owner Mark Cuban has been fined $25,000 for walking onto the court and yelling at Nuggets guard J.R. Smith at halftime during Tuesday night's game in Denver and for actions after the game, the league announced.

Nuggets beat Suns 119-113 in OT (AP)
Chauncey Billups scored five of his game-high 26 points in overtime and the Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 119-113 on Thursday night. Nene had 17 points and 14 rebounds and Kenyon Martin had 24 points, including a clinching 3-pointer with 29.6 seconds left in overtime. Martin also had eight rebounds and a career-high seven steals for Denver, which has won seven of eight.

NBA clears Smith, but still reviewing Cuban
The NBA said Thursday that Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith won't be suspended for throwing an elbow that angered Dallas Mavericks coach Mark Cuban, but "Cuban is still being reviewed."

No ban for Smith in feud with Cuban (AP)
The NBA said Thursday that Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith won't be suspended for throwing an elbow that angered Dallas Mavericks coach Mark Cuban. The excitable owner might still face punishment for going onto the court to voice his displeasure with Smith. NBA spokesman Tim Frank told The Associated Press on Thursday that Smith has been cleared of any wrongdoing and "Cuban is still being reviewed."...

Nuggets overcome Dirk's 44, beat Mavs (AP)

Chauncey Billups made two free throws with 2.2 seconds left, and the Denver Nuggets overcame 44 points from Dirk Nowitzki to beat the Dallas Mavericks 99-97 on Tuesday night. Billups scored 23 points and Nene had 20 to lead a balanced attack that helped Denver recover after blowing a 17-point lead. Jason Terry had 16 points for the Mavericks, who have lost three straight.

Pistons prevail in Iverson's return to Denver
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Pistons win in AI's return to Denver (AP)

Tayshaun Prince hit a running jumper with 20 seconds left, Aaron Afflalo hit six straight free throws after that, and the Detroit Pistons overcame 30 points by Chauncey Billups to beat the Denver Nuggets 93-90 on Friday night in Allen Iverson's return to the Mile High city. Iverson, making his first appearance in Denver since being traded to Detroit for Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb on...

Iverson: Return to Denver 'just another game'
Allen Iverson isn't exactly emotional over his only trip this season to the Mile High City, certainly not like Chauncey Billups will be when he returns to the Motor City in two months.

Iverson ho-hum about return to Denver (AP)
Allen Iverson isn't exactly emotional over his only trip this season to the Mile High City, certainly not like Chauncey Billups will be when he returns to the Motor City in two months. "It's just another game for me. I've been in the league 13 years," Iverson said of Friday night's game at the Pepsi Center between Detroit and Denver, who teamed up in November for the season's biggest trade.

'Melo-less Nuggets win fifth straight (AP)

Chauncey Billups, Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith scored 21 points apiece to help the Denver Nuggets win their fifth straight game, 108-97 over the Miami Heat on Wednesday night. Kenyon Martin and Nene scored 14 points each for Denver in the Nuggets' seventh victory in eight games. Denver played without scoring leader Carmelo Anthony, out at least three weeks after fracturing a finger on his right hand...

Rockets send Celts to 6th loss in last 8 (AP)

Now the Celtics are losing at home, too. Von Wafer hit a 3-pointer with 44 seconds left to give Houston the lead and the Rockets beat Boston 89-85 on Wednesday night. It was the sixth loss in eight games for the defending NBA champions, but their first at home since a Nov. 14 defeat to Denver sent them on a 19-game winning streak.

Thunder acquire G Atkins from Nuggets (AP)
The rebuilding Oklahoma City Thunder have acquired another first-round draft pick along with guard Chucky Atkins in a trade that sent seldom-used center Johan Petro to the Denver Nuggets. With an NBA-worst 5-30 record, the Thunder have an eye on their future -- and Petro wasn't a part of it. The 7-footer got a chance to be a starter earlier this season in Oklahoma City, but didn't pan out and the...

Sources: Nuggets on verge of another trade
The Denver Nuggets are on the verge of their second trade this week that will take them further away from the league's luxury-tax threshold, according to NBA front-office sources.

Nuggets G Smith to appear in NJ court (AP)

Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith is due to appear in a New Jersey municipal court next week to face traffic summonses stemming from a car crash that killed a friend in 2007. A Monmouth County grand jury in October declined to indict the New Jersey native on vehicular homicide charges that could have carried a jail term.

Nuggets' Smith faces summonses from crash
Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith is due to appear in a New Jersey municipal court next week to face traffic summonses stemming from a car crash that killed a friend in 2007.

Melo sidelined at least 3 weeks with fracture
Denver Nuggets All-Star Carmelo Anthony will miss at least three weeks with a fracture to his shooting hand but won't need surgery.

'Melo out 3 weeks with broken hand (AP)
Denver Nuggets All-Star Carmelo Anthony will miss at least three weeks with a broken bone in his shooting hand -- but won't need surgery. The team said Tuesday that Anthony will be fitted for a removable splint after breaking a bone in his right hand in a victory over the Indiana Pacers the night before.

Nuggets win fourth straight, beat Pacers (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points and had a season-high nine assists despite fracturing his right hand in the Denver Nuggets' 135-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night. Anthony injured his hand when the ball was slapped away early in the third quarter. He continued playing, but frequently grabbed at his hand.

Nuggets blow 26-point lead, top Hornets (AP)

The Denver Nuggets' starters were looking forward to resting in the fourth quarter. Instead, they needed Carmelo Anthony's last-minute shot. Anthony scored 22 points, including a layup with 56.5 seconds left, and the Nuggets blew a 26-point third quarter lead before recovering to beat the New Orleans Hornets 105-100 on Saturday night.

Hornets' Chandler suspended for striking player
Hornets center Tyson Chandler was suspended without pay for New Orleans' game at Denver on Saturday for striking an opponent the previous night.

Hornets C Chandler suspended for 1 game (AP)
Hornets center Tyson Chandler was suspended without pay for New Orleans' game at Denver on Saturday for striking an opponent the previous night. Chandler was ejected during the third quarter of the Hornets' 92-77 win at Portland on Friday for elbowing Trail Blazers center Joel Przybilla in the neck. Przybilla was also fined $7,500 for his role in the incident, the NBA said Saturday.

Anthony's late 3 gets Nuggets by Thunder (AP)

Carmelo Anthony's 3-pointer from the corner with 0.1 seconds left capped a 31-point outing and lifted the Denver Nuggets past the Oklahoma City Thunder, 122-120 on Friday night. Anthony's winner came after Oklahoma City's Kevin Durant hit a 3-pointer with 2.7 seconds left to put the Thunder (4-30) ahead.

Minus Roy, Blazers still beat Celtics (AP)

Steve Blake had 21 points, LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 and the short-handed Portland Trail Blazers beat the Boston Celtics 91-86 Tuesday night, sending the NBA champions to their third loss in four games. Playing without All-Star guard Brandon Roy, the Blazers snapped a seven-game losing streak against Boston and pulled into a tie atop the Northwest Division with Denver.

Nuggets coach Karl earns 900th victory (AP)

Nene scored 21 points, Carmelo Anthony added 20 and the Denver Nuggets beat the Toronto Raptors 114-107 on Wednesday night. Chauncey Billups scored 18 points and J.R. Smith had 16 for Denver, with Kenyon Martin adding 15 points and reserves Linas Kleiza and Chris Andersen each scoring 10. Denver coach George Karl earned his 900th career regular-season victory.

Hawks reach milestone, beat Nuggets (AP)

Mike Woodson couldn't remember another homestand in his 26 years as an NBA player and coach as long as the eight-game stretch his Atlanta Hawks just completed. Thanks to their successful stay in Atlanta, the Hawks gave their coach reason for another history lesson. Joe Johnson scored 25 points and the Hawks beat the Denver Nuggets 109-91 on Monday night to close out the homestand with a...

Melo back after sitting 3 games with arm injury
Carmelo Anthony returned to the Denver Nuggets' lineup on Sunday against the New York Knicks after missing three games with a bruised right elbow.

'Melo back in lineup for Nuggets (AP)
Carmelo Anthony returned to the Denver Nuggets' lineup on Sunday against the New York Knicks after missing three games with a bruised right elbow. The Nuggets decided to give their leading scorer a break after he averaged just 11.5 points on 8-of-27 shooting in losses to Cleveland and Phoenix on consecutive nights.

'Melo scores 32 in return as Nuggets win (AP)

A week of rest was all Carmelo Anthony needed to rediscover his scoring touch. Playing the defenseless New York Knicks probably helped, too. Anthony scored 32 points after missing three games with a bruised right elbow, and the Denver Nuggets sent the Knicks to their sixth straight loss with a 117-110 victory Sunday.

Down 17, Nuggets use 15 3s to top 76ers (AP)

Kenyon Martin took a bounce pass from Chauncey Billups and drove for the go-ahead dunk with 9 seconds left Friday night to lift the Denver Nuggets to a 105-101 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers. Andre Iguodala of the 76ers got called for traveling on the next possession and Andre Miller got hit with a technical foul with 2.9 seconds left.

Blazers tie Nuggets for 1st in Northwest (AP)

LaMarcus Aldridge scored 22 points, Brandon Roy added 19 and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Denver Nuggets 101-92 on Tuesday night. Joel Przybilla had 19 rebounds and 10 points, going 4-of-4 on free throws in the final 2:40 to help Portland (18-11) tie the Nuggets atop the Northwest Division. Aldridge put an exclamation point on the victory with a thunderous rebound and dunk with 20 seconds...

Nene, Billups help Nuggets top Blazers (AP)

Nene scored 19 points and had 11 rebounds, Chauncey Billups added 19 points and 10 assists, and the Denver Nuggets overcame the absence of Carmelo Anthony to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 97-89 on Monday night. Five players scored in double figures for the Nuggets, who ended a three-game losing streak.

Nuggets' Anthony out 2 games with sore elbow
The Denver Nuggets say Carmelo Anthony will sit out the next two games with a sore right elbow.

Nash sparks Suns to victory over Nuggets (AP)

Steve Nash scored eight straight points in the final 3 minutes and the Phoenix Suns beat the Denver Nuggets for the eighth straight time at home, 108-101 on Saturday night. Nash's first big basket gave the Suns a 101-98 lead. After Chauncey Billups tied it with a 3-pointer, Nash connected on two 3-pointers, giving Phoenix a 107-101 lead.

Report: James may sign extension early (AP)
LeBron James said he'll consider signing an extension with the Cleveland Cavaliers this summer, well before he enters the free-agent market in 2010. "You play out the season of course; I will consider it," James told The (Cleveland) Plain Dealer before the team practiced in Denver on Saturday. "The direction we are headed is everything I expected and more." James, under contract for two more...

James has 33 as Cavs rout 'Melo, Nuggets (AP)

The showdown between Olympic teammates LeBron James and Carmelo Anthony quickly turned into more of a smackdown -- and a statement. James said Cleveland's 105-88 runaway win over the Denver Nuggets on Friday night was a shout-out to the rest of the NBA and all those doubters out there who contend the Cavaliers' record -- now 22-4 -- was more a testament of their soft schedule than their...

Dirk, Terry each score 27 to lead Mavs (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki had 27 points and 10 rebounds, and Jason Terry also scored 27 points in the Dallas Mavericks' 96-86 victory over the Toronto Raptors on Wednesday night. Josh Howard added 20 points for Dallas in his first start since Nov. 18. Howard, who came off the bench Monday night in a loss to Denver after missing 11 games because of a sprained ankle, scored Dallas' first nine points and had 11 in...

McGrady's triple-double carries Rockets (AP)

Tracy McGrady notched his fourth career triple-double and first this season, Yao Ming scored 32 points and the Houston Rockets beat the Denver Nuggets 108-96 on Tuesday night. McGrady had 20 points and reached season highs in rebounds (14) and assists (10) for his first triple-double since last December.

Iverson fined $25K for comments made to fan
Detroit Pistons guard Allen Iverson was fined $25,000 by the NBA on Tuesday for making inappropriate comments toward a fan in a win at Charlotte. Iverson made the remarks to the fan with 6.2 seconds remaining in the third quarter during the Pistons' 90-86 victory over the Bobcats on Saturday. It's the second time Iverson has been disciplined since the Pistons acquired him in a trade with Denver on Nov. 3.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/487335941" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets top Mavs for fourth straight win (AP)
Reserve J.R. Smith scored 25 points, Carmelo Anthony added 23, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Dallas Mavericks 98-88 on Monday night to extend their winning streak to four games. Chauncey Billups had 15 points and eight assists for the Nuggets, who have won seven of eight and improved to 16-4 since Billups joined the team after a Nov.

Howard returns to Mavs after 11-game absence
Dallas Mavericks forward Josh Howard returned Monday against the Denver Nuggets after being inactive for 11 straight games because of a sprained left ankle.

'Melo, Billups help Nuggets top Warriors (AP)

Carmelo Anthony had 27 points and nine rebounds, Chauncey Billups added 16 points and 11 assists, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Golden State Warriors 123-105 on Saturday night. Kenyon Martin, who returned to the lineup after missing two games with a sprained left wrist, had 15 points for the Nuggets, who had six players score in double figures.

'Melo ties record with 33-point quarter (AP)

Carmelo Anthony matched the NBA record for points in a quarter with 33 in the third and finished with a season-high 45 points in the Denver Nuggets' 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday night. Anthony tied the NBA mark of 33 points set by San Antonio's George Gervin in the second quarter against New Orleans on April 9, 1978.

McDyess rejoins Pistons month after being dealt
Antonio McDyess has re-signed with the Detroit Pistons a month after being dealt to Denver as part of the Allen Iverson trade.

McDyess back with Pistons a month after trade
Antonio McDyess has re-signed with the Detroit Pistons a month after being dealt to Denver as part of the Allen Iverson trade. The Pistons announced Tuesday that McDyess was back for the rest of the season, but did not disclose financial terms of the deal. Detroit sent McDyess, Chauncey Billups and Cheikh Samb to Denver for Iverson on Nov. 3. The Nuggets waived McDyess a short time later, and he had to wait 30 days before rejoining the Pistons.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/480162478" height="1" width="1"/

Bobcats near signing of Juwan Howard
The Charlotte Bobcats were closing in Tuesday night on signing veteran forward Juwan Howard, who had been without a job since being released by Denver last month. General manager Rod Higgins said he had been in discussions with Howard's agent, David Falk, and expected a deal completed in next day or two. The Nuggets had also shown interest in re-signing the 35-year-old Howard, in his 15th NBA season. "We're fortunate that we were able to get in the mix with Juwan," Higgins said.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/480129197" height="1" width="1"/

Bobcats close to signing F Juwan Howard (AP)
The Charlotte Bobcats were closing in Tuesday night on signing veteran forward Juwan Howard, who had been without a job since being released by Denver last month. General manager Rod Higgins said he had been in discussions with Howard's agent, David Falk, and expected a deal completed in next day or two.

McDyess back in Detroit a month after being traded
Antonio McDyess has re-signed with the Detroit Pistons a month after being dealt to Denver as part of the Allen Iverson trade. The Pistons announced Tuesday that McDyess was back for the rest of the season, but did not disclose financial terms of the deal. Detroit sent McDyess, Chauncey Billups and Cheikh Samb to Denver for Iverson on Nov. 3. The Nuggets waived McDyess a short time later, and he had to wait 30 days before rejoining the Pistons.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/479739072" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets bounce back from loss, rip Kings (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 24 points to help the Denver Nuggets beat Sacramento 118-85 on Saturday night, the Kings' eighth straight loss. Denver raced to a 24-8 lead, was ahead by 21 points at the half, and never allowed the cold-shooting Kings to get close in the second half. It was the fourth win in five games for the Nuggets, 7-4 on the road this season.

Spurs cool off Billups, Nuggets 108-91 (AP)
Tony Parker scored 22 points, Tim Duncan and Manu Ginobili each added 21 and the San Antonio Spurs took advantage of a rare poor performance by Chauncey Billups since he arrived in Denver to whip the Nuggets 108-91 on Thursday night. The Nuggets had won 12 of 15 since acquiring Billups from Detroit in the Allen Iverson trade.

Spurs' Big 3 each drop 20+ in win over Denver
img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/475459588" height="1" width="1"/

Underachieving Raptors fire Mitchell as coach
The Toronto Raptors fired coach Sam Mitchell on Wednesday, one day after the team absorbed an embarrassing loss to the Denver Nuggets.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/474051926" height="1" width="1"/

Raptors fire Mitchell, Triano takes over (AP)
The Toronto Raptors have fired coach Sam Mitchell one day after the team absorbed an embarrassing loss at Denver. Raptors general manager Bryan Colangelo says assistant Jay Triano has been promoted to interim coach. Triano's first game as coach is Friday night at Utah. Colangelo calls Wednesday's move a difficult but necessary step.

Billups leads Nuggets in rout of Raptors (AP)
Thanks to Chauncey Billups, Carmelo Anthony doesn't have to shoulder the Denver Nuggets' offense while grappling with an ailing right elbow. Billups had 24 points and 14 assists in Denver's 132-93 rout of the Toronto Raptors on Tuesday night in a game that was out of reach by halftime. After a slow start, Anthony finished with 23 points 48 hours after scoring just one bucket in 14 agonizing minutes...

T-wolves' Brewer out for season with knee injury
Minnesota Timberwolves swingman Corey Brewer will miss the rest of the season with a torn ligament in his right knee. The team's defensive specialist tore the anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's loss to Denver, the team said in a news release. An MRI on Monday revealed the extent of the damage. A surgery date has not been set. "This is a tough situation for Corey and we feel for him," Timberwolves vice president of basketball operations Kevin McHale said in a statement.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/471842671" height="1" width="1"/

Timberwolves' Brewer out for season (AP)
The Minnesota Timberwolves expect to be without defensive specialist Corey Brewer for the remainder of the season due to a right knee injury. Brewer tore his anterior cruciate ligament in Saturday's loss to Denver, the team said in a news release. An MRI on Monday revealed the extent of the damage. A surgery date has not been set.

Anthony scores 2 points but Nuggets win (AP)
The Denver Nuggets didn't need Carmelo Anthony's usual double-digit performance to beat the Houston Rockets 104-94 Sunday night. Chauncey Billups scored 28 points, including 11 in a 19-7 third-quarter run the Nuggets used to break away from the Rockets, who played their third straight game without injured star Tracy McGrady (sore left foot).

Billups' 27 in 3 quarters lift Nuggets (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored a season-high 27 points in three quarters, Carmelo Anthony added 25 points and 10 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 106-97 on Saturday night. Linas Kleiza added 15 points, and Anthony Carter had 12 for Denver. The Nuggets have beaten Minnesota seven straight times and 12 of 15.

Hornets beat Nuggets on Posey's late 3 (AP)

James Posey made a 3-pointer with 19.1 seconds left Thursday night to lift the New Orleans Hornets to their fourth straight victory, 105-101 over the Denver Nuggets, one of his former teams. Chris Paul led the Hornets with 22 points and 10 assists but came up six rebounds short of recording his third straight triple-double.

'Melo's 30 and 11 give Nuggets win (AP)

Marcus Camby made plenty of big plays during his six seasons with the Nuggets. And in his first game against them since leaving Denver, he had a chance to give the Los Angeles Clippers a comeback victory with a 3-pointer as time ran out. Camby's shot came up short. "That was storybook ending right there," Carmelo Anthony said after scoring 30 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and hitting a go-ahead...

Richardson nears return from knee surgery
Charlotte Bobcats' top-scorer Jason Richardson practiced Tuesday for the first time since undergoing arthroscopic knee surgery and could play Wednesday in Toronto. Richardson has missed six straight games since waking up with pain and swelling his right knee on Nov. 12, a day after scoring 23 points in a loss to Denver. Doctors performed exploratory surgery and found no structural damage.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/465344477" height="1" width="1"/

Agent: Antonio McDyess will re-sign with Pistons
Antonio McDyess is coming back to play for the Detroit Pistons. "After long deliberation Antonio has decided that he will return to the Pistons," Andy Miller, McDyess' agent, informed The Associated Press via text message Sunday night. Detroit dealt McDyess, Chauncey Billups and project Cheikh Samb to Denver for Allen Iverson on Nov. 3. The cost-cutting Nuggets waived McDyess a week later and he has to wait until 30 days have passed since the trade to rejoin the Pistons.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/463561199" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets move to 8-2 since Billups trade (AP)

Kenyon Martin scored 26 points, Carmelo Anthony had 21 points and 13 rebounds, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Chicago Bulls 114-101 on Sunday night. Chauncey Billups and Nene also added 21 points as Denver moved to 8-2 since the acquisition of Billups. Trailing 99-96 with just over 5 minutes remaining, the Nuggets went on a 13-0 run, fueled by a 3-pointer and dunk by Anthony, to seal their fifth...

Agent: McDyess to re-sign with Pistons (AP)
Antonio McDyess is coming back to play for the Detroit Pistons. Andy Miller, McDyess' agent, confirmed Sunday the former All-Star and Olympian will re-sign with the Pistons next month. Detroit dealt McDyess, Chauncey Billups and project Cheikh Samb to Denver for Allen Iverson on Nov. 3. The cost-cutting Nuggets waived McDyess a week after obtaining him and he has to wait until 30 days have passed...

Lakers defeat Nuggets, improve to 10-1 (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 11 of his 29 points in the third quarter before sitting out the fourth, Andrew Bynum had 13 points and 13 rebounds, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 104-90 on Friday night. The defending Western Conference champion Lakers (10-1) are off to their best start through 11 games since the 2001-02 championship season, when they won 16 of their first 17.

Celtics roll past Iverson, Pistons 98-80 (AP)

Rajon Rondo had 18 points and eight assists, outplaying new Pistons acquisition Allen Iverson and leading the Boston Celtics to a 98-80 victory over Detroit on Thursday night in a rematch of last season's Eastern Conference finals. Iverson had 16 points and four assists for Detroit, which fell to 4-3 since he was acquired from Denver for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess.

Billups' 22 help Nuggets cruise by Spurs (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 22 points, Carmelo Anthony added 21 and the surging Denver Nuggets cruised to a 91-81 victory Wednesday night over the injury-riddled San Antonio Spurs. Kenyon Martin added 18 points and Nene had 16 to round out a balanced attack by the Nuggets (8-4), who have won four straight and seven of eight.

Nuggets score season high, beat Bucks (AP)

The high-flying, high-scoring Denver Nuggets didn't leave town with Allen Iverson, after all. Although the new model features a stingy defense and an effective halfcourt offense engineered by Chauncey Billups, there's still some pop left in the lineup to light up the scoreboards. Linas Kleiza scored 25 points and Carmelo Anthony had 17 and the Nuggets whipped Milwaukee 114-105 Tuesday night.

Nuggets extend Timberwolves' slide to 8 (AP)

Chauncey Billups scored 26 points, J.R. Smith had eight of his 14 points in a decisive fourth-quarter stretch and the Denver Nuggets overcame poor shooting to hand Minnesota its eighth straight loss, 90-84 on Sunday night. Carmelo Anthony added 14 points and 12 rebounds to help Denver improve to 5-1 since the Nuggets acquired Billups in the trade that sent Allen Iverson to Detroit.

Nuggets' Martin fined for actions following ejection
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was fined $20,000 by the NBA on Saturday for his actions after being ejected from a game.

Martin fined $20,000 for actions after ejection
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was fined $20,000 by the NBA on Saturday for his actions after being ejected from a game. Martin was penalized for verbal abuse of an official and failure to leave the court in a timely manner following an ejection in a loss at Cleveland on Thursday. Martin was thrown out following a flagrant foul for slamming his shoulder into Cleveland forward Anderson Varejao.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/454465918" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets F Martin fined $20K for outburst (AP)
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was fined $20,000 by the NBA on Saturday for his actions after being ejected from a game. Martin was penalized for verbal abuse of an official and failure to leave the court in a timely manner following an ejection in a loss at Cleveland on Thursday. Martin was thrown out following a flagrant foul for slamming his shoulder into Cleveland forward Anderson...

James has Manilow on iPod
Get this: LeBron listens to Barry Manilow. Or Brian Manilow. A big fan of all styles of music, Cleveland's superstar always gets ready for games by listening to hip hop. On Thursday before facing the Denver Nuggets, James walked into the Cavaliers' locker room wearing headphones and bouncing as a track by rap star, Jay-Z, one of his good friends, blared in his ears.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/452617726" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets beat Celts, now 4-1 with Billups (AP)

Since his trade to the Denver Nuggets, Chauncey Billups has done something customary for him. Win. The Nuggets are 4-1 since Billups' arrived after a Nov. 3 trade with the Pistons. And on Friday night, the Nuggets added a statement game to their resume, beating the defending NBA champion Boston Celtics 94-85.

James' near triple-double leads Cavs (AP)

LeBron James just missed his first triple-double this season, but got something even more rare: A win over good buddy Carmelo Anthony. James scored 22 points, most of them coming with Anthony guarding him, but Cleveland's megastar was on the bench when Mo Williams and the Cavaliers finally put away the Denver Nuggets and won their sixth straight, 110-99 on Thursday night.

Richardson to miss a week after surgery
Bobcats scoring leader Jason Richardson will be out about a week following arthroscopic surgery Wednesday on his right knee. The 6-foot-6 guard will miss Friday's game against Utah and is doubtful for Sunday against Orlando, the team said. Richardson is averaging 17.6 points. He led Charlotte with 23 points in an 88-80 loss to Denver on Tuesday that dropped the Bobcats to 2-5 under coach Larry Brown.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/450977852" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets improve to 3-0 with Billups (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 18 of his 25 points in the second half, Chauncey Billups added a key three-point play late, and the Denver Nuggets held off the Charlotte Bobcats 88-80 on Tuesday night to stay unbeaten with Billups in the lineup. It was Billups' second trip to Charlotte in just over a week. He had a much more pleasant day this time around.

Mavs F Howard out with sprained wrist (AP)
Mavericks forward Josh Howard missed a second straight game Tuesday night, keeping Dallas without one of its top defenders against Kobe Bryant and the Los Angeles Lakers. Howard sprained his left wrist against Denver on Friday night. Without him, the Mavs were trampled 103-92 Sunday by the previously winless Los Angeles Clippers.

Antonio, anyone? McDyess waived by Nuggets
Forward Antonio McDyess was waived by the Denver Nuggets on Monday, the first step toward his hopeful return to Detroit's roster.

Anthony helps Nuggets get past Grizzlies (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 24 points, Chauncey Billups had 16 points and 10 assists and the Denver Nuggets beat the Memphis Grizzlies 100-90 on Sunday night. Nene added 18 points and 12 rebounds for the Nuggets, who had six players score in double figures. Rookie guard O.J. Mayo scored a season-high 31 and added eight rebounds for the Grizzlies, but he had only five points after halftime.

Nuggets win in Billups' return to Denver (AP)

The hometown kid had quite the homecoming -- with a little help from Carmelo Anthony. Chauncey Billups made a triumphant return to the Nuggets with 15 points, Anthony scored 28 and Denver beat the Dallas Mavericks 108-105 on Friday night. Billups also had three assists and three steals, including two down the stretch.

Iverson in lineup for Pistons debut (AP)
Allen Iverson was in the starting lineup for Detroit on Friday night, making his delayed debut for the Pistons against the New Jersey Nets. Detroit (4-0) played twice since the trade Monday with Denver that sent Chauncey Billups, Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to the Nuggets for the nine-time All-Star.

Billups calls return to hometown Nuggets 'dream'
Chauncey Billups will make his homecoming debut Friday night when Denver hosts Dallas.



Undermanned Nuggets lose to Warriors (AP)
Stephen Jackson had 29 points and seven assists and the Golden State Warriors overcame a poor first quarter and some sloppy second-half play to beat the Denver Nuggets 111-101 on Wednesday night. Jackson scored during a 6-0 burst by Golden State after J.R. Smith's 3-pointer with 8:32 remaining gave the Nuggets a 90-89 lead and also hit a 20-footer with 1:28 left.

No place like home for Denver native Billups
Chauncey Billups' vertical has diminished and his speed in the open court slowed. That's fine with the Denver Nuggets - they just like him for his winning touch. The Mile High City native led the Detroit Pistons to six straight Eastern Conference finals with his impeccable decision-making abilities and clutch shooting. That's why the Nuggets acquired Billups, along with Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb, from Detroit this week for Allen Iverson.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/444977121" height="1" width="1"/

Wright to get his time for Warriors
Brandan Wright still looks every bit a kid, his braces shining as he discusses his soon-to-be increased role with the Warriors. His breakout game in Wednesday night's win against Denver has Golden State coach Don Nelson ready to give the second-year forward regular minutes and greater responsibility on a young team trying to find its way in the talented Western Conference. That means Wright could be on the court even more come Friday, when the Warriors host the Memphis Grizzlies.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/444977124" height="1" width="1"/

No-nonsense Billups returns to Nuggets (AP)
Chauncey Billups' vertical has diminished and his speed in the open court slowed. That's fine with the Denver Nuggets -- they just like him for his winning touch. The Mile High City native led the Detroit Pistons to six straight Eastern Conference finals with his impeccable decision-making abilities and clutch shooting.

Prince helps Pistons improve to 4-0 (AP)
Tayshaun Prince more than made up for Allen Iverson's absence, making sure the Detroit Pistons remained unbeaten. Prince scored 16 of his 27 points in the second quarter, and Richard Hamilton had 22 to help the Pistons beat the Toronto Raptors 100-93 on Wednesday night. Iverson was unavailable for Detroit because Chauncey Billups, one of three players traded to Denver in exchange for Iverson,...

Iverson out for Detroit against Toronto
Detroit guard Allen Iverson was not available for Wednesday's game against Toronto because Chauncey Billups, one of three players traded to Denver in exchange for Iverson, has not completed his physical with the Nuggets. Rodney Stuckey started for the Pistons, who also sent top reserve Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb to Denver in Monday's trade. McDyess and Samb were not required to report to Denver.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/443808138" height="1" width="1"/

Travel likely to keep Billups out of Denver lineup
The Nuggets said Tuesday Billups didn't have enough time to get to the Bay Area. He was in Charlotte with the Pistons when the deal took place.

Billups likely to miss next Nuggets game (AP)
Chauncey Billups isn't likely to make his Denver Nuggets debut on Wednesday night at Golden State. The Nuggets said Tuesday Billups didn't have enough time to get to the Bay Area. He was in Charlotte with the Pistons when the deal took place. Denver acquired Billups, a point guard and Denver native, along with Antonio McDyess and Cheikh Samb from Detroit on Monday in exchange for Allen Iverson.

Pistons acquire Iverson from Nuggets (AP)
A basketball official says the Denver Nuggets have traded former MVP Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess. The official spoke Monday to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the trade had not been announced. Detroit was determined to shake up its core last summer following a third straight exit from the Eastern Conference finals, but...

Sources: Nuggets agree to send Iverson to Pistons
The Denver Nuggets are expected to trade Allen Iverson to the Detroit Pistons for Chauncey Billups and Antonio McDyess, Pistons team sources told ESPN's Stephen A. Smith.

Pistons win, wait for Iverson to arrive (AP)
Richard Hamilton scored 19 points and the Detroit Pistons concluded a wild day by beating the Charlotte Bobcats 101-83 Monday night, ensuring Allen Iverson will join an unbeaten team. Playing short-handed hours after acquiring Iverson in a blockbuster deal with Denver, the balanced Pistons toyed with former coach Larry Brown's new team, improving to 3-0 and perhaps showing Iverson that he'll have...

Source: Pistons give Hamilton 3-year extension
In addition to acquiring Allen Iverson in a three-for-one trade with the Denver Nuggets, the Pistons agreed to a three-year extension with Richard Hamilton, a team source told ESPN.com's Chad Ford.

Pistons get Iverson for Billups, McDyess
The Detroit Pistons shook the NBA in a big way Monday #151; landing former MVP Allen Iverson from the Denver Nuggets.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/441395353" height="1" width="1"/

Fantasy Extra: Breaking down the A.I. trade
What is the Fantasy fallout from Allen Iverson being shipped back to the Eastern Conference by the Nuggets? Our Jamey Eisenberg breaks down the implications of the Denver-Detroit trade.div class="feedflare" a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=6Oz540gd"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=41" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=mp9iHBXn"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=mp9iHBXn" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=rXfCuCff"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=rXfCuCff" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=oTrCqIRG"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=52" border="0"/img/a /divimg src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news/~4/RPl2YnYHVJU" height="1" width="1"/

Fantasy Extra: Breaking down the A.I. trade
What is the Fantasy fallout from Allen Iverson being shipped back to the Eastern Conference by the Nuggets? Our Jamey Eisenberg breaks down the implications of the Denver-Detroit trade.div class="feedflare" a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=6Oz540gd"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=41" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=mp9iHBXn"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=mp9iHBXn" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=rXfCuCff"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?i=rXfCuCff" border="0"/img/a a href="http://feeds.sportsline.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?a=oTrCqIRG"img src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~f/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news?d=52" border="0"/img/a /divimg src="http://feedproxy.google.com/~r/cbssportsline/basketball_fantasy_news/~4/RPl2YnYHVJU" height="1" width="1"/

Down 18, Nuggets rally by Clippers in OT (AP)
Allen Iverson scored nine of his 25 points in the final 3:35 of overtime and the Denver Nuggets overcame an 18-point halftime deficit to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 113-103 on Friday night. Nene added 22 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets before fouling out for the second time in two games. Kenyon Martin missed nine of his first 10 shots and finished with 13 points.

Bryant's 33 help Lakers top Nuggets (AP)
Kobe Bryant scored 33 points and the Los Angeles Lakers nearly became the first team in three years to hold Carmelo Anthony to single digits in a 104-97 win over the Denver Nuggets on Saturday night. Coming off a two-game suspension, Anthony scored 11 of his 13 points in the fourth quarter. He made two 3-pointers with under a minute left.

Nuggets decline to offer Kleiza extension
The Denver Nuggets are counting on keeping Linas Kleiza around for many more years, but they may have opened the door for him to play in Europe instead. The Nuggets decided at the last minute not to sign Kleiza to a four-year, $25 million extension because of economic uncertainties, meaning he'll become a restricted free agent after the season. Denver will then have the right to match any offer he gets - unless that offer comes from Europe and not the NBA.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/439586110" height="1" width="1"/

Clippers' Davis injured, may miss Utah game
Allen Iverson and Kenyon Martin started off show, then came up big at the end to help the Denver Nuggets pull off an impressive comeback victory. Iverson scored nine of his 25 points in the final 3:35 of overtime and the Nuggets rallied from 18 points down at halftime to beat the Los Angeles Clippers 113-103 on Friday night. It tied the second-biggest comeback from a halftime deficit in the Nuggets' NBA history. "Most of the talk at halftime was just that we can play a lot better.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/439048206" height="1" width="1"/

Boozer's 25 points lead Jazz by Nuggets (AP)
Carlos Boozer had 25 points and 14 rebounds and Andrei Kirilenko added 16 points in his new reserve role and the Utah Jazz opened the season with a 98-94 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. Mehmet Okur had 13 points and 10 rebounds and Ronnie Price finished with five assists starting in place of Deron Williams, who is out with a sprained ankle.

Karl preaching defense to Nuggets (AP)
George Karl and his staff are going back to their roots by both design and necessity. Preaching defense when the Denver Nuggets gathered for training camp, Karl didn't even run an offensive set for the first few practices. He had little choice but to go back to the foundation of his teaching philosophies after management let Eduardo Najera and Marcus Camby leave in the offseason, stripping the...

Williams, Harpring to miss Jazz opener
Utah Jazz point guard Deron Williams will miss the season opener Wednesday because of a second-degree sprain in his left ankle. The Jazz announced Tuesday that Williams is still recovering and won't be ready to play against Denver in the opener. Utah hosts the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday and Williams is doubtful for that game. Williams injured the ankle Oct. 18 in an exhibition game at Chicago and could miss two weeks.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/435219601" height="1" width="1"/

Lakers waive Coby Karl
Coby Karl, who played in 17 games for the Los Angeles Lakers last season, was waived by the defending Western Conference champions Monday. Karl, the son of Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, averaged 1.8 points, 0.8 rebounds and 4.2 minutes as an undrafted rookie free agent with the Lakers. He also played in 17 games with the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League, averaging 17.5 points, 5.5 rebounds, 4.2 assists and 1.1 steals. The 6-foot-5 guard averaged 14.8 points, 4.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/433975141" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets waive 5 players, roster at 14 (AP)
The Denver Nuggets have waived five players, trimming their roster to 14. The players waived Thursday are guards Mateen Cleaves and Smush Parker and forwards Nick Fazekas, James Mays and Ruben Patterson. Parker averaged 5.3 points and 3.3 assists in four preseason games, and Patterson averaged 7.3 points in six games.

Wolves deal Nuggets first preseason loss (AP)

Kevin Ollie made four free throws in the final 16 seconds to lead the Minnesota Timberwolves to a 111-107 preseason victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday. Ryan Gomes scored 20 points on 8-for-14 shooting from the field for the Timberwolves (5-1). Mike Miller had 17 points, Al Jefferson added 15, Craig Smith 13 and Randy Foye 12.

'Melo victorious in Syracuse homecoming (AP)

As soon as he was introduced to an ovation that shook the teflon roof of the Carrier Dome, the night belonged to Carmelo Anthony and the Denver Nuggets. Anthony, who as a freshman led Syracuse to the 2003 NCAA championship, wowed his adoring fans with 14 first-half points and the Nuggets remained unbeaten in the preseason with a 94-91 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

Nuggets win outdoor game over Suns (AP)
Whether it was the wind, the temperature or just a different environment to play in, the NBA's first outdoor game in more than three decades was an offensive struggle. The Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 77-72 on Saturday night in the exhibition game billed as "NBA Outdoors!" at the Indian Wells Tennis Garden.

Nuggets' Anthony questionable to open preseason
Carmelo Anthony is questionable for the Denver Nuggets' preseason opener against Minnesota after bruising his left ring finger.

Nuggets win without injured Anthony (AP)

The Denver Nuggets' preseason opener was a breeze. Next, they'll face a gust. The Nuggets dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-95 on Friday night, as reserve J.R. Smith finished with 21 points and Chris Andersen grabbed 11 boards. Now, they're off to Indian Wells, Calif., to play the Phoenix Suns on Saturday in the NBA's first outdoor basketball game in more than 35 years.

Suns, Nuggets get ready for outdoor game (AP)
Phoenix Suns coach Terry Porter said all his team and the Denver Nuggets have to do to prepare for the first outdoor game in modern NBA history is to revert to when they first picked up a basketball. "You just go back to your childhood days of playing outside, taking in the wind consideration for the jump shots in the corner," the first-year coach joked as his team began a shootaround Friday on a...

Carmelo has bruised ring finger; X-rays negative
Carmelo Anthony sat out the Denver Nuggets' preseason opener against Minnesota on Friday night because of a bruised left ring finger. Anthony was injured when he had the ball slapped out of his hand during practice Thursday. X-rays were negative. He attended Friday's shootaround with his hand wrapped, but did not participate. The 24-year-old averaged 25.7 points and a career-high 7.4 rebounds last season. He was a key member of the U.S. team that won the gold medal at the Beijing Olympics.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/417423535" height="1" width="1"/

Pacers won't comment on reported Tinsley deal
The Indiana Pacers declined to comment Friday on a report that point guard Jamaal Tinsley would be traded to Denver for Steven Hunter and Chucky Atkins. Pacers president Larry Bird downplayed the report, which appeared in Friday's New York Post, saying the team wouldn't comment on "trade rumors" involving any of its players. Hunter's agent, Mark Bartelstein, denied his client was involved in the reported deal. "There's nothing happening with that trade," Bartelstein told The Associated Press.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/410584145" height="1" width="1"/

Atkins has knee surgery, will miss 6 weeks
Denver Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins will miss six weeks after undergoing arthroscopic surgery on his right knee Wednesday. Atkins felt pain two weeks ago while playing pickup games, and an MRI on Monday revealed an operation was necessary. Team orthopedic surgeon Steve Traina repaired torn cartilage and cleaned out loose bodies, the team said. Atkins missed most of last season after surgery to repair a sports hernia. He averaged 4.7 points and two assists in 24 games.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/402253744" height="1" width="1"/

At referees camp, a general takes charge (AP)

It's still training camp, not boot camp. The NBA's referees are now reporting to a general, and so far he seems a perfect fit for a group that was seeking a strong leader to guide them through the toughest times their profession has ever endured. Ron Johnson, a two-star general who served 32 years in the Army, was hired over the summer as the league's new senior vice president of referee...

Weems agrees to deal with Nuggets
The Denver Nuggets signed guard Sonny Weems on Monday. Terms were not disclosed. The Chicago Bulls selected Weems out of Arkansas in the second round of the 2008 NBA draft. He was traded to Denver for a 2009 second-round draft pick. In July, Weems had surgery to repair a sports hernia. He was expected to fully recover in time for the start of training camp on Sept. 30. Weems played five games for the Nuggets' Summer League team, averaging 9.2 points, 3.0 rebounds and 22 minutes.img src="http://feeds.feedburner.com/~r/Foxsports/rss/NBA/~4/393710863" height="1" width="1"/

Nuggets re-sign guard Smith to multiyear contract
The Denver Nuggets re-signed restricted free agent J.R. Smith to a multiyear contract on Friday.

Nuggets re-sign free agent G J.R. Smith (AP)
The Denver Nuggets re-signed restricted free agent J.R. Smith to a multiyear contract on Friday. The 22-year-old guard averaged 12.6 points for the Nuggets over the past two seasons. He shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range, the best percentage in team history for players with at least 100 3-pointers.

Nuggets re-sign Smith to multiyear deal
The Denver Nuggets re-signed restricted free agent J.R. Smith to a multiyear contract on Friday. The 22-year-old guard averaged 12.6 points for the Nuggets over the past two seasons. He shot nearly 40 percent from 3-point range, the best percentage in team history for players with at least 100 3-pointers. Smith was acquired from Chicago in 2006 in exchange for Howard Eisley and two second-round draft picks. He was drafted by the New Orleans Hornets in the first round and 18th overall in 2004.

Bowen re-signs with Hornets for 2008-09
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday. It will be the second season in New Orleans for the 6-foot-9 Bowen, an eight-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Denver before going to Houston for two years. Terms of the deal weren't released. Bowen appeared in 53 games last season, including four starts, and averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes per game.

Hornets re-sign F Ryan Bowen (AP)
The New Orleans Hornets re-signed free agent forward Ryan Bowen on Monday. It will be the second season in New Orleans for the 6-foot-9 Bowen, an eight-year veteran who spent his first five seasons in Denver before going to Houston for two years. Terms of the deal weren't released. Bowen appeared in 53 games last season, including four starts, and averaged 2.2 points and 1.9 rebounds in 12.5 minutes...

Nuggets rookie Weems has hernia surgery (AP)
Denver Nuggets rookie Sonny Weems had surgery Thursday to repair a sports hernia. Weems, a second-round pick who was acquired by the Nuggets on draft night, is expected to fully recover in time for the start of training camp on Sept. 30. The Chicago Bulls picked Weems 39th overall out of Arkansas, then traded him to the Nuggets for a 2009 second-round pick.

After being traded, Green, Jones waived by Knicks
The New York Knicks waived Taurean Green and Bobby Jones on Tuesday, one day after acquiring the pair of seldom-used players in a trade with the Denver Nuggets.

Day after deal, Knicks cut Green, Jones (AP)
The New York Knicks waived Taurean Green and Bobby Jones on Tuesday, one day after acquiring the pair of seldom-used players in a trade with the Denver Nuggets. The moves were expected as the Knicks continue to overhaul their roster under Donnie Walsh, the team's president of basketball operations, and new coach Mike D'Antoni.

Nuggets get Balkman, cash from Knicks
The Denver Nuggets have acquired forward Renaldo Balkman from the New York Knicks in exchange for guard Taurean Green, forward Bobby Jones and a second-round draft pick in 2010.

Nuggets acquire F Balkman from Knicks (AP)
The Denver Nuggets have acquired forward Renaldo Balkman from the New York Knicks in exchange for guard Taurean Green, forward Bobby Jones and a second-round draft pick in 2010. The Nuggets also get cash in the deal, announced Monday by Mark Warkentien, Denver's vice president of basketball operations.

Reports: 'Birdman' decides to fly back to Nuggets
Chris Andersen, who played for the Nuggets from 2001-'04, is leaving the Hornets to return to Denver, according to several newspaper reports.

Andersen signs deal with Nuggets
The Nuggets signed Chris Andersen on Thursday, bringing the forward-center back to Denver after three seasons with New Orleans. The 6-10, 228-pound Anderson averaged 1.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds in five games with the Hornets last season. Andersen began his career after being the first player called up from the NBA Development League in 2001. He played three seasons in Denver before going to New Orleans in 2004.

Nuggets sign F-C Chris Andersen (AP)
The Nuggets signed Chris Andersen on Thursday, bringing the forward-center back to Denver after three seasons with New Orleans. The 6-10, 228-pound Anderson averaged 1.2 points per game and 1.8 rebounds in five games with the Hornets last season. Andersen began his career after being the first player called up from the NBA Development League in 2001.

Camby still miffed by Nuggets' trade
Six days later, and Marcus Camby still can't believe what went down. It does seem a bit difficult to fathom. The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Camby, the NBA's leading shot-blocker the past three seasons, from the Denver Nuggets last Tuesday for the option to exchange second-round picks with the Clippers in 2010. And that's all. "When I heard of the trade, I said, 'Who did Denver get in return?"' Camby said Monday at an introductory news conference.

Camby still upset over being dealt (AP)

Six days later, and Marcus Camby still can't believe what went down. It does seem a bit difficult to fathom. The Los Angeles Clippers acquired Camby, the NBA's leading shot-blocker the past three seasons, from the Denver Nuggets last Tuesday for the option to exchange second-round picks with the Clippers in 2010.

Clippers acquire C Camby from Nuggets (AP)

The Clippers acquired center Marcus Camby from the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday for the option to exchange second-round picks with Los Angeles in 2010. Camby led the NBA in blocked shots with 3.61 per game last season, only the second player in league history to do so in three straight seasons. He averaged 9.1 points and 13.1 rebounds playing a career-best 34.9 minutes per game for the Nuggets.

Nuggets deal veteran Camby to Clippers
Baron Davis just got some help in L.A. The Nuggets will trade center Marcus Camby to the Clippers in a move to create salary cap room, the Denver Post reported Tuesday.

Report: Nuggets to deal Camby to Clippers
Baron Davis just got some help in L.A. The Nuggets will trade center Marcus Camby to the Clippers in a move to create salary cap room, the Denver Post reported Tuesday.

Bobcats obtain 20th pick from Nuggets (AP)
The Charlotte Bobcats acquired the No. 20 pick in the NBA draft on Wednesday from the Denver Nuggets. The Bobcats sent the Nuggets a future protected first-round pick, and now have two picks in the first round. Charlotte also holds the ninth overall pick. The move could give Charlotte an option to take both a big man and a point guard in the draft, two areas of need.

Anthony suspended by Nuggets for DUI arrest
The Denver Nuggets have suspended NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony for the first two games of next season for his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol in April. The announcement by the team Monday comes a day before Anthony is scheduled to enter a plea in the case.

Nuggets suspend Melo for 1st two games after DUI
The Denver Nuggets have suspended forward Carmelo Anthony for the first two games of the 2008-09 season following his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol, the team said on Monday.

Agent: Nuggets have vowed not to trade Carmelo
The agent for Carmelo Anthony says the Denver Nuggets have told him they will not trade the two-time all-star forward this summer.

Sources: Melo to talk trade rumors with Nuggets
Representatives for Carmelo Anthony will meet with Denver Nuggets management on Monday to discuss the possibility of a trade, according to sources with knowledge of the situation.

Report: Iverson won't opt out of Nuggets' contract
Allen Iverson won't opt out of his contract with the Denver Nuggets, his agent told The Rocky Mountain News.

Report: Iverson's agent says Answer staying put
Allen Iverson is staying with the Nuggets. Iverson's agent confirmed Friday to the Denver Post that the Denver All-Star will not opt out of his current deal and return to the team. Iverson will make $20.84 million in '08-'09, the final year of his deal.

Desperate Lakers look to avert 0-3 hole (AP)
Frequent flyers, the Los Angeles Lakers were allowed an unlimited number of carry-on items for their trip home. It remains to be seen if any of them contained momentum. After losing two games in Boston, the Lakers returned to California on Monday in a hole as deep as Topanga Canyon. Over 96 minutes, they have looked nothing like the team which pulverized Denver, pushed aside Utah and swatted away...

Nene unable to join Brazil Olympic qualifying team
Denver Nuggets forward Nene will not play for Brazil in Olympic qualifying next month.

Nene off Brazil's Olympic qualifying team
Denver Nuggets forward Nene will not play for Brazil in Olympic qualifying next month. Nuggets team doctor Steven Traina sent a letter Friday to the Brazilian Basketball Confederation explaining Nene required more time to recover after treatment for testicular cancer and other injuries. "This has been a difficult season for me," Nene said. "Not only on the technical side, but the emotional as well.

Nuggets coach Karl has hip replacement surgery
The Denver Nuggets said coach George Karl had left hip replacement surgery.

Nuggets coach Karl has hip replaced (AP)
The Denver Nuggets say coach George Karl has undergone left hip replacement surgery. The team says the operation Tuesday lasted two hours. Karl is expected to resume walking without a cane in a week to 10 days. Karl was treated for prostrate cancer in 2005.

Assistant coach leaving Nuggets for Arizona
Mike Dunlap is leaving his job as a Denver Nuggets assistant coach to serve on Lute Olson's staff at the University of Arizona.

Nets promote Vandeweghe to GM
The New Jersey Nets have a new general manager. Kiki Vandeweghe (VAN-duh-way) was promoted to the position Thursday, less than six months after being hired as a special assistant to team president Rod Thorn. Vandeweghe replaces Ed Stefanski, who left in midseason to become the GM of the Philadelphia 76ers. The general manager's job is the second for Vandeweghe. He held the same job with the Denver Nuggets from August 2001 until the end of the 2005-06 season.

Pistons' Billups wins sportsmanship award
Chauncey Billups was presented with the NBA's Walter J. Kennedy sportsmanship award Monday night before Detroit's playoff game against the Orlando Magic. The award, which is voted on by the Professional Basketball Writers Association, is given to a player or coach who shows "outstanding service and dedication to the community." Billups has hosted a charity golf tournament in Detroit in each of the last three summers, and also is involved in work in Minneapolis and his hometown of Denver.

Nuggets' Karl promises to be tougher (AP)
Another first-round flameout by the talented but disjointed Denver Nuggets has convinced coach George Karl he has to be tougher on his players next season. "I think the players have kind of done it their way more often than doing it my way," Karl said of the past two seasons. "As an organization, as a coaching staff, as a team, we're going to have to address that next year." The Nuggets, who lacked...

Report: Test shows Melo was over the legal limit
Carmelo Anthony's lawyer said the Denver Nuggets forward's blood-alcohol content was above the legal limit when he was arrested on April 14, The Denver Post reported.

Report: Tests confirm 'Melo was over limit
A test revealed that Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony's blood-alcohol content was above the legal limit when he was arrested April 14, according to a report in the Denver Post.

Nuggets' Karl promises to be tougher on players
Another first-round flameout by the talented but disjointed Denver Nuggets has convinced coach George Karl he has to be tougher on his players next season.

Bryant leads Lakers to sweep of Nuggets (AP)

No surrender on this night. No matter, the Los Angeles Lakers dispatched the tempestuous Denver Nuggets anyway. Kobe Bryant scored 14 of his 31 points over the final 5 1/2 minutes Monday night, leading the Lakers to a 107-101 victory over the Nuggets and a sweep of their first-round series. Pau Gasol added 21 points in the Lakers' first sweep of a playoff series since whitewashing New Jersey in the...

Teammates disagree with Melo's 'quit' comments
Not everyone on the Denver Nuggets shared Carmelo Anthony's sentiment that the team "quit" during a 102-84 rout at the hands of the Lakers in Game 3 of their Western Conference first round playoff series Saturday.

Nuggets face elimination vs. Lakers (AP)
Every chance he gets, Los Angeles Lakers guard Coby Karl razzes his dad, Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, suggesting he'll win an NBA title before his father ever does. But the rookie reserve thought better than to rib his father on Sunday. "Today is not a day for trash-talking," Coby said as he prepared for the Lakers' practice at the Pepsi Center, followed by dinner with dad.

Lakers storm to 3-0 lead on Nuggets (AP)

Once again, the Denver Nuggets couldn't keep their emotions or Kobe Bryant in check. Bryant scored 22 points and the Los Angeles Lakers took a 3-0 lead in their first-round series, routing the flustered Nuggets 102-84 on Saturday. Game 4 is Monday night, and the Nuggets are going to have to get more out of their All-Star duo of Carmelo Anthony and Allen Iverson if they hope to take the series back...

Game 3: Nuggets-Lakers in Denver
Kobe and the Lakers held court vs. the Nuggets in L.A. Now 'Melo and Denver will try to do the same vs. the No. 1 seed. Follow LIVE.

Nuggets hope to keep cool vs. Lakers (AP)
The Denver Nuggets realize they need to keep their cool if they're going to rediscover their winning ways before the Los Angeles Lakers bounce them from the playoffs. In their two losses in L.A., the Nuggets never quit barking at Kobe Bryant and got called for a half-dozen technical fouls, including a double-whammy on All-Star Allen Iverson, who was tossed from Game 1.

Bryant's 49 lift Lakers past Nuggets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored big at the start and finish Wednesday night. In between, he set up his teammates for easy baskets. It turned out to be a winning formula. Bryant had 49 points and 10 assists, and the Los Angeles Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 122-107 to take a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Nuggets glad to be back home (AP)
The Denver Nuggets couldn't defend Pau Gasol in Game 1 or Kobe Bryant in Game 2. So, what makes them think they can turn things around in their first-round playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers? "We're home, man," Allen Iverson said. "They got a chance to play in front of their home crowd, and we want that same type of advantage playing in front of ours." The homecourt is about the only...

Kobe puts Lakers on his back to beat Nuggets
With 49 points and 10 assists, Kobe single-handedly propelled L.A. past Denver. He just continues to amaze, Todd Behrendt says.

Lakers look for Nuggets to adjust (AP)
The layups and dunks just kept on coming for the Los Angeles Lakers in their playoff opener against Denver. Pau Gasol, the main offender, figures the Nuggets will do whatever they can to change that in Game 2. Gasol had seven dunks and five layups, and his teammates added 16 more baskets from point-blank range in the Lakers' 128-114 victory over the Nuggets on Sunday.

Bryant says he wants to stay with Lakers (AP)

Kobe Bryant made clear Monday what's been, at the very least, a bit ambiguous for nearly a year: He wants to stay with the Los Angeles Lakers and is open to finishing his career with them. "Absolutely," Bryant said the day after the Lakers beat the Denver Nuggets 128-114 in their playoff series opener.

Nuggets bus catches fire en route to Lakers game
The Denver Nuggets bus caught on fire en route to their game with the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday.

No defense: Lakers win offensive affair
Denver poured in 114 points Sunday ... and lost by double digits. L.A. rolled in a very offensive-minded Game 1.

Gasol's 36 key Lakers' win over Nuggets (AP)

Pau Gasol finally discovered how it feels to be on the winning side in a postseason game. The 7-foot Spaniard had a whole lot to do with his first victory. Gasol established playoff highs with 36 points and eight assists and had 16 rebounds as well Sunday as the Los Angeles Lakers took command early in the third quarter and beat the Denver Nuggets 128-114.

No defense: Lakers win offensive affair
Denver poured in 114 points Sunday ... and lost by double digits. L.A. rolled in a very offensive-minded Game 1.

Nuggets bus breaks down on way to arena
Several Denver Nuggets players were stranded on the highway for about a half hour Sunday when the team bus broke down on the way to Staples Center for a playoff opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. The bus left the team's hotel about 2 1/2 hours before tipoff as scheduled, but experienced problems about 15 minutes into the trip, club spokesman Eric Sebastian said. Players and staff had to wait on the Santa Monica Freeway.

Nuggets bus breaks down on way to arena (AP)
Several Denver Nuggets players were stranded on the highway for about a half hour Sunday when the team bus broke down on the way to Staples Center for a playoff opener against the Los Angeles Lakers. The bus left the team's hotel about 2 1/2 hours before tipoff as scheduled, but experienced problems about 15 minutes into the trip, club spokesman Eric Sebastian said.

Top seed Lakers ready for 50-win Denver (AP)
Lakers forward Lamar Odom is convinced there won't be any big surprises in the first round of the Western Conference playoffs. Odom isn't making any predictions, nor is he disrespecting the Denver Nuggets and the other so-called underdogs. He just believes the conference's eight playoff teams are so evenly matched that anything can happen.

West playoffs: Why's and why nots
Charley Rosen makes a case for and against each team in the West, but it sure was hard to come up with a defense for Denver.

Iverson looks to bounce back for Nuggets (AP)
Allen Iverson wasn't "The Answer" in the short-term for the Denver Nuggets. He joined them midway through last season, hailed as the savior who would help the Nuggets win a playoff series for the first time since 1994. But trades, suspensions and injuries, including his own severely sprained ankle, precluded the team from developing any chemistry or cohesion, and A.I.

Alston out at least a week with hamstring injury
Houston Rockets point guard Rafer Alston will miss at least a week with a strained right hamstring. The 6-foot-2 Alston suffered the injury in the Rockets' 111-94 loss to Denver on Sunday. He sat out Monday's loss in Utah. Alston underwent an MRI exam on Tuesday that revealed a moderate to severe strain. The Rockets said he would miss at least a week of playing time. Alston has started 74 of the Rockets' 81 games this season, averaging 13 points and five assists per game.

Nuggets win 50 for first time since 1988 (AP)

Carmelo Anthony appreciated the cheers, relieved there weren't any jeers. Anthony scored 17 points and grabbed six rebounds in his first game since getting arrested on a drunken driving charge, and the Denver Nuggets reached 50 wins for the first time in 20 years with a 120-111 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night.

Nuggets' Melo publicly apologizes for DUI arrest
DENVER -- NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony has apologized for his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol.

'Melo apologizes for arrest on DUI charge
NBA All-Star Carmelo Anthony has apologized for his arrest on suspicion of driving under the influence of alcohol. The Denver Nuggets forward spoke for about 2 minutes Tuesday at the Pepsi Center, reading from a prepared statement and also talking off-the-cuff. Teammate Allen Iverson stood off to the side as Anthony spoke. Police say Anthony was pulled over for weaving and failing to dim his lights at about 4 a.m. Monday on Interstate 25. He was alone in the car.

Stoudemire, Suns eliminate Warriors (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 11 of his 28 points in the fourth quarter and Phoenix recovered after blowing a 17-point lead to beat Golden State 122-116 Monday night, eliminating the Warriors from playoff contention. The Warriors' loss clinched the final playoff spot in the West for Denver. Steve Nash nearly had a triple-double with 13 points, 14 assists and nine rebounds as the Suns remained in the...

Carmelo arrested on suspicion of DUI
NBA star Carmelo Anthony has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Police say the Denver Nuggets forward was arrested early Monday on Interstate 25. He was pulled over for weaving and failing to dim his lights. Detective Sharon Hahn says Anthony failed a series of sobriety tests. He was ticketed and released at the scene, but Hahn does not know how he got home. Anthony is due in court on May 14. The Nuggets said they are aware of the situation but declined comment.

Nuggets' Anthony arrested on suspicion of DUI
Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony was arrested early Monday morning on suspicion of driving under the influence, Denver police said.

Nuggets' Anthony arrested on DUI charge (AP)
NBA star Carmelo Anthony has been arrested on suspicion of driving under the influence. Police say the Denver Nuggets forward was arrested early Monday on Interstate 25. He was pulled over for weaving and failing to dim his lights. Detective Sharon Hahn says Anthony failed a series of sobriety tests. He was ticketed and released at the scene, but Hahn does not know how he got home.

Nuggets near playoffs, rout Rockets (AP)

Allen Iverson and J.R. Smith put the enigmatic Denver Nuggets on the cusp of the NBA playoffs. Iverson scored 33 points and Smith sparked the Nuggets out of their early doldrums with a 23-point performance in Denver's 111-94 rout of the Houston Rockets on Sunday night. All the Nuggets have to do now to reach the playoffs for the fifth straight time is beat lowly Memphis on Wednesday night at home.

Jazz improve home-court hopes with rout
Utah smothered the Nuggets to improve its home-court hopes, while Denver clung to its grip on the West's final playoff spot.

Jazz rip Nuggets, boost home-court hopes (AP)

Mehmet Okur had 20 points and 15 rebounds, Deron Williams added 19 points and 11 assists, and the Utah Jazz beat the Denver Nuggets 124-97 Saturday night to strengthen their hopes of home-court advantage in the first round of the playoffs. The Jazz won three of four against their Northwest Division rivals for the third straight season and kept the Nuggets from moving closer to the final Western...

Mavs clinch berth on Dirk's late 3 (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki swished a 3-pointer with 0.9 seconds left, breaking a tie and giving the Dallas Mavericks a 97-94 victory over the Utah Jazz on Thursday night that also clinched a playoff berth. Dallas got in on the combination of the victory and Golden State losing to Denver. With three games left, the Mavericks have a two-game edge on the Nuggets for the No.

Nuggets strengthen hold on 8th in West (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 33 points, J.R. Smith added 24 off the bench and the Denver Nuggets took control of the race for the final playoff spot in the Western Conference with a 114-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Thursday night. The win moved Denver (48-31) a full game ahead of the Warriors in the race for eighth place in the West with only three games remaining.

Warriors, Nuggets ready for key showdown (AP)
Stephen Jackson thought the Golden State Warriors were good enough to avoid this kind of late-season drama. Carmelo Anthony felt the same way about his Denver Nuggets. And in any other NBA season, both players would have been correct. Instead, the Western Conference's eighth-place teams are headed for an unlikely showdown Thursday night in Oakland.

Anthony's 36 help Nuggets rout Clippers (AP)

Carmelo Anthony can't miss these days. His hot streak couldn't have come at a better time for the Denver Nuggets. Anthony scored 36 points to give him 121 in the last three games, and the Nuggets routed the injury-plagued Los Angeles Clippers 117-99 Tuesday night to remain tied with Golden State for the eighth and final Western Conference playoff berth.

Davis boosts Warriors over Kings 140-132 (AP)

Another record-breaking offensive performance kept the Golden State Warriors neck-and-neck in the Western Conference's sprint to the playoffs. If the Warriors don't pick up the pace on defense, Don Nelson isn't sure they can win this race for eighth place. Baron Davis had 33 points and nine assists, Stephen Jackson added 20 points and the Warriors stayed in a tie with Denver for the West's final...

Mavericks pull away from Sonics 99-83 (AP)

Jason Terry scored 22 points, Josh Howard added 17, and the Dallas Mavericks crept closer to a playoff berth with a 99-83 victory over the Seattle SuperSonics on Tuesday night. The Mavericks came into the game with a two-game lead over Denver and Golden State in the race for seventh place in the Western Conference.

Sonics stun Nuggets 151-147 in 2OT (AP)

Kevin Durant scored a season-high 37 points and fellow rookie Jeff Green had a season-high 35 to lead the Seattle SuperSonics to a 151-147 double-overtime victory over Denver on Sunday night, damaging the Nuggets' playoff hopes. Green, whose previous high was 23 points, scored 24 in the second half and overtime.

Kings overcome Anthony's 47, top Nuggets (AP)

Kevin Martin scored 36 points despite missing Sacramento's shootaround with the stomach flu, and the Kings dealt a blow to the Denver Nuggets' playoff plans Saturday night with a surprising 118-115 win at the Pepsi Center. The Kings, out of playoff contention and missing Ron Artest (thumb) and Brad Miller (leg), won their fourth straight game and snapped Denver's nine-game home winning streak.

76ers end 3-year playoff absence (AP)

When the Philadelphia 76ers last appeared in the playoffs, Andre Iguodala was a wide-eyed rookie responsible for passing the ball to Allen Iverson. Now, over a year after Iverson's trade to Denver, Iguodala knows the Sixers will depend on him in the postseason. "We just need to act like we've been there before," Iguodala said.

Martin suspended for 1 game
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was suspended for one game without pay Thursday for exceeding the flagrant foul points total with five. Martin was assessed a flagrant foul/penalty one for striking Phoenix's Boris Diaw in the face Tuesday night in Denver's win over the Suns. Martin now faces one-game suspensions for each additional flagrant foul.

Nuggets' Martin suspended 1 game under foul rule
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was suspended for one game without pay Thursday for exceeding the flagrant foul points total with five.

Nuggets F Martin suspended for 1 game (AP)
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was suspended for one game without pay Thursday for exceeding the flagrant foul points total with five. Martin was assessed a flagrant foul/penalty one for striking Phoenix's Boris Diaw in the face Tuesday night in Denver's win over the Suns. Martin now faces one-game suspensions for each additional flagrant foul.

Suns rally vs. Nuggets; pull even with Lakers
Phoenix rallied against Denver to tie the Lakers for the Pacific lead, while the Nuggets lost ground to the Mavs in the wild West.

Nuggets outrun Suns, move into 8th (AP)

Carmelo Anthony grabbed two key rebounds and sank two free throws in the final 27 seconds, sending the Denver Nuggets past the Phoenix Suns 126-120 Tuesday night. The Nuggets pulled into eighth place in the ultra-competitive Western Conference playoff race, a half-game ahead of Golden State, which lost at San Antonio 116-92 Tuesday night.

Spurs win eighth straight, rip Warriors (AP)
Tony Parker scored 26 points to lead the San Antonio Spurs to a 116-92 victory over the Golden State Warriors on Tuesday night for their eighth straight win. The defending champions remained second in the Western Conference, just percentage points behind the New Orleans Hornets. The Warriors, in a three-way race with Dallas and Denver for the final two playoff spots, dropped their 20th straight in...

Stoudemire's 41 rally Suns by Nuggets (AP)

Amare Stoudemire scored 41 points and Steve Nash had 36, and the Phoenix Suns rallied from a 22-point second-quarter deficit to overcome the Denver Nuggets 132-117 Monday night for their 50th victory of the season. In reaching at least 50 wins for the fourth straight season, the Suns tied the idle Los Angeles Lakers for first place in the Pacific Division and strengthened their position in the...

Martin helps Nuggets surge past Warriors (AP)
Kenyon Martin scored a season-high 30 points and the Denver Nuggets surged past the Golden State Warriors in the wild Western Conference playoff race with a 119-112 win Saturday night. Martin also pulled down 11 rebounds, and J.R. Smith added 20 points off the bench, helping the Nuggets stave off a furious rally by the Warriors in the closing minutes.

Melo, A.I. lead Denver past Dirk-less Mavericks


Anthony leads Denver past slumping Mavs (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 32 points and sparked the decisive run in the third quarter of the Denver Nuggets' 118-105 win over the sliding Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Allen Iverson added 31 points for the Nuggets, who won their fourth straight and moved into a tie with Golden State for the eighth and final playoff spot, one game behind the Mavericks.

Nene returns from cancer surgery
Denver Nuggets forward Nene is returning to the court, 2 1/2 months after surgery to remove a malignant testicular tumor. He planned to play about 5 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Nene participated in a full scrimmage Wednesday and in the team's shootaround Thursday. Before that, he had been limited to shooting, light running and 1-on-1 drills. Nene underwent a single dose of chemotherapy last month. He averaged 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds before his illness.

Melo, AI lead Denver past Dirk-less Mavericks


Nene set to return from cancer surgery
Denver Nuggets forward Nene is returning to the court, 2 1/2 months after surgery to remove a malignant testicular tumor. He planned to play about 5 minutes against the Dallas Mavericks on Thursday night. Nene participated in a full scrimmage Wednesday and in the team's shootaround Thursday. Before that, he had been limited to shooting, light running and 1-on-1 drills. Nene underwent a single dose of chemotherapy last month. He averaged 6.4 points and 6.4 rebounds before his illness.

Melo's new deal with Jordan Brand touches $60M
Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony has signed a long-term extension with Nike's Jordan Brand, his agent announced Wednesday, continuing a relationship that was set to end next year.

Iverson's 26, Anthony's 23 power Nuggets (AP)

Allen Iverson had 26 points and seven assists, while Carmelo Anthony finished with 23 points as the Denver Nuggets used a big second half to defeat the Memphis Grizzlies 120-106 on Monday night. J.R. Smith led the Nuggets, scoring 25 of his 27 points in the fourth quarter, as Denver stretched the lead to as many as 22 in winning its third straight.

Iverson's 36, Anthony's 33 lift Nuggets (AP)

Allen Iverson had 36 points, Carmelo Anthony added 33 and the Denver Nuggets beat the Toronto Raptors 109-100 on Sunday. J.R. Smith scored 14 points and Marcus Camby had 15 rebounds for Denver, which has won five of seven. Chris Bosh came one assist shy of a triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds and nine assists as Toronto lost for the seventh time in eight games.

Iverson's 26 help Nuggets get by Nets (AP)

Allen Iverson had 26 points and nine assists and led a fourth-quarter spurt that carried the Denver Nuggets to a 125-114 victory over the New Jersey Nets on Friday night. Backup forward Linas Kleiza added 23 points and Marcus Camby had 16 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets, who snapped a two-game losing streak.

Jackon, Ellis power Warriors past Clips (AP)

Stephen Jackson scored 29 points, Monta Ellis added 12 of his 28 during a 4:36 span of the fourth quarter, and the Golden State Warriors tightened their grip on a playoff berth with a 116-100 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Wednesday night. Golden State's ninth victory in 12 games, coupled with Denver's two-point loss at Philadelphia, increased the Warriors' lead over Denver to 2 1/2...

Iverson talks about regrets from 76ers years
Allen Iverson took a different route to the Wachovia Center than he did in his years with the 76ers, dressed in an unfamiliar locker room and sat on the visitor's bench. Wearing his Denver uniform instead of the familiar No. 3 Sixers jersey, an open and honest Iverson accepted some of the responsibility for why he's no longer in Philadelphia. "I had a big hand in me getting traded," Iverson said Wednesday before the Nuggets faced the 76ers.

Balanced Pistons beat Nuggets 136-120 (AP)

Richard Hamilton scored 24 points, Rasheed Wallace added 21, and the Detroit Pistons beat the Denver Nuggets 136-120 on Tuesday night. The Nuggets were coming off a record-setting 168-116 victory over Seattle, but it was Detroit's offense that took over Tuesday night. The Pistons hadn't scored 130 points in regulation since beating Denver 130-116 on March 8, 2000.

Nuggets score NBA season-high 168 in win (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points, Allen Iverson had 24 and Marcus Camby had a triple-double and the Denver Nuggets set an NBA season high for points in a half and a game with a 168-112 win over the Seattle SuperSonics on Sunday night. The 168 points are the most Denver has scored in a game since Jan.

Iverson's 28 help Nuggets rout Raptors (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 28 points despite a fractured finger, Carmelo Anthony added 22 and the Denver Nuggets won their fifth straight at home, blowing out the Toronto Raptors 137-105 on Friday night. It's the second-most points the Nuggets have scored this season. They still have the NBA high mark for the season with a 138-point performance in a win at Seattle on Feb.

Nuggets coast by Grizzlies 108-86 (AP)

Kenyon Martin scored 23 points, and Carmelo Anthony had 14 points and 13 rebounds to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 108-86 win over the Memphis Grizzlies on Wednesday night. Allen Iverson, third in the NBA in scoring, played with a fractured ring finger on his right hand and had just eight points on 2-for-12 shooting and didn't play in the fourth quarter.

Spurs beat Nuggets, avoid 3-game skid (AP)

The Denver Nuggets ended the San Antonio Spurs' season-high, 11-game winning streak last week, but the defending champions weren't about to let that same team hand them a season-high losing streak on Monday. The Spurs beat the Nuggets 107-103 on Monday night, avoiding what would have been only their second three-game skid of the season.

Prosecutor suspended after letting Martin off easy
A Denver city prosecutor was suspended when Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin was allowed to keep his driver's license despite receiving two tickets for going over 100 mph on a city street and a freeway.

Nuggets guard Iverson has small fracture in finger
Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson has a small fracture on his right ring finger but will play against the San Antonio Spurs.

Iverson has fracture in finger, but will play vs. Spurs
Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson has a small fracture on his right ring finger but will play against the San Antonio Spurs. The team said X-rays taken Monday detected a non-displaced fracture at the end of the finger. Iverson was injured in a game against the Spurs in Denver on Saturday night. The Nuggets are in San Antonio on Monday night.

Iverson has fractured finger, will play (AP)
Denver Nuggets guard Allen Iverson has a small fracture on his right ring finger but will play against the San Antonio Spurs. The team said X-rays taken Monday detected a non-displaced fracture at the end of the finger. Iverson was injured in a game against the Spurs in Denver on Saturday night. The Nuggets are in San Antonio on Monday night.

Nuggets end Spurs' 11-game win streak (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 29 points despite spraining his right ring finger in the first half and the Denver Nuggets snapped San Antonio's 11-game winning streak with a 109-96 statement win over the Spurs on Friday night. Carmelo Anthony overcame a bad first half (1-for-7 from the floor) to finish with 25 points as the Nuggets won for the 13th time in their last 15 games at the Pepsi Center, which was...

Jazz notch 18th straight home victory (AP)

First, Mehmet Okur drove through the Denver Nuggets with the swiftness of a guard. Then, the 6-foot-11 Utah center went outside and started shooting like a guard, too. Okur hit a career-high six 3-pointers while leading the Jazz to a 132-105 rout of the Nuggets, extending Utah's lead over Denver in the Northwest Division.

Nuggets look good, but can they keep it up?
The Nuggets looked like contenders in their win over the Spurs. Charley Rosen takes at look at whether Denver has what it takes.

LIVE: Can Spurs extend streak to 12 in Denver?


Kirilenko still out for Jazz with hip injury
Utah forward Andrei Kirilenko will miss Friday's game at Phoenix and is doubtful for Saturday's home game against Denver. Kirilenko injured his right hip Monday when he was knocked down by Dallas' Dirk Nowitzki, who was called for a flagrant foul on the play. The NBA suspended Nowitzki for one game Wednesday. Kirilenko did not travel with the Jazz to Phoenix on Thursday.

'Melo's double-double keys Nuggets' win (AP)

Carmelo Anthony crashed the boards as hard as he worked for open looks at the basket, grabbing 13 rebounds and scoring 30 points Wednesday night in the Denver Nuggets ' 126-113 win over the tired Phoenix Suns. Allen Iverson's 31 points led the Nuggets, who pulled within one game of Golden State for the eighth and final spot in the rousing Western Conference playoff picture.

Rockets win 15th straight, tie club mark (AP)

Tracy McGrady scored 22 points, Shane Battier added 20 and the Houston Rockets tied a franchise record with their 15th straight win, a 103-89 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night. The winning streak is the longest in the NBA this season and matches the longest one in franchise history, reached twice, with the last one coming in their championship season of 1993-94.

Iverson clutch late as Nuggets win (AP)

Allen Iverson wasn't trying to take over the game down the stretch. It just happened -- like it typically does for him. Iverson scored 38 points, including two big jumpers in the final two minutes, and Carmelo Anthony added 30, helping the Denver Nuggets hold on for a 110-104 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night.

Iverson paces Nuggets' 138-96 rout (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 31 points, and the Denver Nuggets were nearly flawless on offense, scoring the most points in the NBA this season in a 138-96 rout of the Seattle SuperSonics on Wednesday night. The Nuggets snapped a three-game losing streak, shooting 67.0 -- the best in franchise history. The previous best was nearly 30 years ago, when the Nuggets shot 66.7 percent against New Jersey early in...

Pistons' balanced scoring beats Nuggets (AP)

Chauncey Billups, Tayshaun Prince and Richard Hamilton had 20 points each to lead the Detroit Pistons over the Denver Nuggets 98-93 on Monday night. The Nuggets had a chance to tie it when Billups fouled J.R. Smith on a 3-point attempt with 6.5 seconds left and Detroit leading 95-92. Smith made the first free throw, missed the second and intentionally missed the third, but the Nuggets couldn't get...

Redd's 42 rally Bucks past Nuggets (AP)

Michael Redd scored a season-high 42 points, including five free throws in the final 1:13, and the Milwaukee Bucks rallied from 23 points down to beat the Denver Nuggets 115-109 on Saturday night. Mo Williams added 26 points, including 20 in the second half, for Milwaukee, which finished the game on a 23-10 run to deny Denver (33-22) its best 55-game start in 20 years.

Gordon, new-look Bulls race past Nuggets (AP)

Ben Gordon scored 37 points, and the revamped Chicago Bulls delivered one of their best offensive efforts in years, overcoming a surge by Denver to beat the Nuggets 135-121 Friday night. The Bulls scored at least 30 points in all four quarters for the first time since Feb. 18, 1997, against Denver, and the 135 points were a season high They did all that one day after sending Ben Wallace and Joe...

Bulls hold moment of silence, honor NIU (AP)
The Chicago Bulls held a moment of silence and wore T-shirts honoring the victims of the recent shootings at Northern Illinois during Friday's game against the Denver Nuggets. The school's basketball teams also attended the game. A 27-year-old graduate student killed five people and injured several others in a university lecture hall before committing suicide.

Changing of guards: Blazers get Nuggets' Wafer
The Portland Trail Blazers have acquired guard Von Wafer from the Denver Nuggets in exchange for guard Taurean Green.

Nuggets spoil return of Celtics' Garnett (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points, Allen Iverson added 28 and the Denver Nuggets spoiled the return of Kevin Garnett, holding on for a 124-118 victory over the Boston Celtics on Tuesday night. Denver also halted the Celtics' dominance over Western Conference teams this season, snapping their string of 16 straight wins.

Report: NBA to hold outdoor game in preseason
Taking a page out of the NHL's playbook, the NBA is heading to the great outdoors when the Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets square off in an October exhibition game, according to a published report.

KG feels 'great', eyes return tonight vs. Nuggets
Kevin Garnett has targeted Tuesday's game at Denver as his possible first appearance in nearly a month, as the Celtics look to extend their five-game winning streak and improve to 17-0 this season against Western Conference opponents.

Garnett back in lineup for Celtics
The Boston Celtics will have Kevin Garnett back in the lineup against the Denver Nuggets on Tuesday night. Garnett has been sidelined since Jan. 25 with a strained abdominal muscle. The Celtics won seven of nine without him, including five straight before the All-Star break.

Suns, Nuggets to play outdoor game in 2008-09
The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets will play the first outdoor game in modern NBA history during the 2008-09 preseason. The exhibition game on Oct. 11 at the 16,000-seat Indian Wells Tennis Garden will be televised by TNT. The game follows the NHL's successful outdoor game on New Year's Day in Buffalo, N.Y. "What will happen here will be historic," Rick Welts, the Suns' president and chief operating officer, said Tuesday. "More importantly, I think this will be a lot of fun.

Suns vs. Nuggets in outdoor exhibition (AP)
The Phoenix Suns and Denver Nuggets will play the first outdoor game in modern NBA history during the 2008-09 preseason. The exhibition game on Oct. 11 at the 16,000-seat Indian Wells Tennis Garden will be televised by TNT. The game follows the NHL's successful outdoor game on New Year's Day in Buffalo, N.Y.

Report: Garnett hopeful return will come Tuesday
Based on the optimism he's felt from recent workouts, Kevin Garnett told The Boston Globe he has targeted Tuesday's game at Denver as his return.

Hinrich leads Bulls over Heat 99-92 (AP)

Kirk Hinrich scored 24 points to lead the Chicago Bulls to a 99-92 victory over Miami on Thursday night and send the Heat to their 24th loss in 25 games despite solid outings by Dwyane Wade and Shawn Marion. Wade scored 30 after pouring in 29 in Tuesday's overtime loss to Denver. Marion had 23 in his third game with Miami since the deal that sent Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix.

Howard's 20-20 game help Magic by Denver (AP)

Rashard Lewis could see the determination on Dwight Howard's face. A game after getting called out by his coach for focusing too much on offense, Howard had 24 rebounds and 23 points. Lewis added 25 points and the Orlando Magic beat the Denver Nuggets 109-98 Wednesday night. "(Howard) was real serious about coming out and trying to get this win before the All-Star break, and just trying to knock...

Heat fall in OT for eighth straight loss (AP)

J.R. Smith made a career-best eight 3-pointers and scored 28 points, Kenyon Martin added 24, and the Denver Nuggets edged the Miami Heat 114-113 in overtime Tuesday night. Carmelo Anthony scored six of his 22 points in overtime for Denver, which has won three straight. Dwyane Wade scored a game-high 29 points, but missed a 22-footer at the buzzer for Miami -- which has lost eight straight and 23 of...

Nuggets rout listless Cavaliers 113-83 (AP)

One NBA player lords over LeBron James. Carmelo Anthony rules Cleveland's hoops King. "I know he hates losing to me," Anthony said with a laugh. Anthony scored 27 points, All-Star sidekick Allen Iverson added 25 and the Denver Nuggets rolled to a 113-83 win Sunday night over the injury-depleted Cavaliers.

Anthony's 49 power Nuggets over Wizards (AP)

Carmelo Anthony scored a career-high 49 points to lead the Denver Nuggets past the Washington Wizards 111-100 Friday night for their ninth win in their last 10 home games. Melo, who will join teammate Allen Iverson as an All-Star starter in New Orleans later this month, made 19 of 25 shots from the floor and made all eight of his free throws in the third-highest individual scoring game in the NBA...

Jazz win 10th straight, top Denver in OT (AP)

It's not so much the swishes as the swagger. Utah won its 10th straight game Wednesday night, beating the Denver Nuggets in a 118-115 overtime thriller in which Kyle Korver scored 27 points, including four free throws in the final 19 seconds. "You win games like this when you are playing well," Korver said.

Iverson's OT buzzer-beater lifts Nuggets (AP)

Allen Iverson was quiet early, then reminded the Portland Trail Blazers why he's an All-Star. Iverson scored 19 of his 25 points in the second half, including a game-winning fade-away with less than a second left in overtime, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Portland Trail Blazers 105-103 on Monday night.

Anthony returns, Nuggets beat Bobcats (AP)

Carmelo Anthony returned from an ankle injury to score 25 points, Allen Iverson had 24 points and 13 assists, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Charlotte Bobcats 117-101 on Saturday night. Linas Kleiza came off the bench to add 23 points, including 16 in the fourth quarter, as the Nuggets won their eighth straight game at the Pepsi Center.

Cats' Wallace sits; Nuggets without Camby, Najera
Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace missed a game against Denver on Saturday night because of a sprained right ankle.

Bobcats' Wallace out with sprained ankle (AP)
Bobcats forward Gerald Wallace missed a game against Denver on Saturday night because of a sprained right ankle. Wallace was injured in a 127-96 loss to Golden State the night before. Charlotte coach Sam Vincent said he expected Wallace to be out about a week. The forward is averaging 21.2 points and 6.2 rebounds this season.

Iverson rallies Nuggets past Grizzlies (AP)

Allen Iverson had 32 points and 12 assists Wednesday night, and the Denver Nuggets used a late run to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 106-102. Iverson made all six of his free throws in the final 23.2 seconds, helping the Nuggets snap a six-game road losing streak. Anthony Carter finished with 18 points, while Linas Kleiza added 15 for the Nuggets.

Iverson's FTs help Denver end road skid
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Grizzlies suspend Swift for game against Denver
The Memphis Grizzlies suspended forward Stromile Swift for Wednesday night's game against the Denver Nuggets for conduct detrimental to the team.

Grizzlies suspend F Swift for Wednesday (AP)
The Memphis Grizzlies suspended forward Stromile Swift for Wednesday night's game against the Denver Nuggets for conduct detrimental to the team. Swift started serving the suspension Tuesday by sitting out practice as punishment for apparently disagreeing with Grizzlies coach Marc Iavaroni during Monday night's 103-84 loss to the Dallas Mavericks.

Paul lifts Hornets to ninth straight win (AP)

Chris Paul had 23 points, 17 assists, and nine rebounds, and the New Orleans Hornets ran away with their ninth-straight win, 117-93 over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. A jubilant crowd broke into repeated chants of "M-V-P" in recognition of a masterful performance by the Hornets' guard, who is New Orleans' best shot at making the All-Star game here next month as a reserve.

Harris out multiple weeks with bone bruise
Mavericks guard Devin Harris will miss at least 2-3 weeks with a bone bruise on his left ankle. Harris was injured when he landed awkwardly on a hard drive to the basket early in the fourth quarter of a 90-85 victory against Denver on Sunday. He didn't travel for Dallas' game Monday at Memphis. An MRI performed Monday showed no additional damage to the ankle. In his first year as the full-time starter at point guard, Harris is averaging career highs of 14.4 points and 5.3 assists per game.

Mavericks G Harris out 2-3 weeks (AP)
Mavericks guard Devin Harris will miss at least 2-3 weeks with a bone bruise on his left ankle. Harris was injured when he landed awkwardly on a hard drive to the basket early in the fourth quarter of a 90-85 victory against Denver on Sunday. He didn't travel for Dallas' game Monday at Memphis. An MRI performed Monday showed no additional damage to the ankle.

Nowitzki's late surge lifts Mavs to win (AP)

Dirk Nowitzki scored 16 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, most coming over the final minutes to help the Dallas Mavericks hold off the Denver Nuggets 90-85 Sunday evening. Nowitzki scored 14 of Dallas' last 16 points, starting with consecutive 3-pointers after Denver had closed within four points.

Nene apologizes for Web site's incorrect posting
Nuggets forward Nene, who is recovering from testicular cancer, issued an apology and a thank you Sunday. In his first public comments since discovering he had cancer, Nene said he's sorry that his Web site posted an incorrect statement saying his tumor was benign when it was actually malignant and added that he's thankful for an outpouring of support from across the world. The Brazilian forward took an indefinite leave of absence from the team on Jan. 11 and underwent surgery in Denver.

Nuggets deal Nets eighth straight loss (AP)

Allen Iverson and Denver's supporting cast is making life without Carmelo Anthony painless for the Nuggets. Iverson scored 30 points and Linas Kleiza added 23 as the Nuggets beat the struggling New Jersey Nets 100-85 Friday night. "We've got so many guys banged up and we really needed a game like this," Iverson said.

Iverson surges late to earn All-Star start
With a late rally, Allen Iverson is an All-Star starter again. Iverson surged from behind in the fan voting to earn a starting spot in next month's game when the vote totals were released Thursday night. Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony will join him in New Orleans after earning his first starting nod. Lakers star Kobe Bryant will team with Iverson in the Western Conference backcourt.

Iverson surges late to earn All-Star start
With a late rally, Allen Iverson is an All-Star starter again. Iverson surged from behind in the fan voting to earn a starting spot in next month's game when the vote totals were released Thursday night. Denver Nuggets teammate Carmelo Anthony will join him in New Orleans after earning his first starting nod. Lakers star Kobe Bryant will team with Iverson in the Western Conference backcourt.

Anthony-less Nuggets hold off Hawks (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 29 points and Linas Kleiza added 23 to lift the Denver Nuggets, playing without All-Star Carmelo Anthony, to a 107-100 win over the Atlanta Hawks on Wednesday night. Marcus Camby finished with 13 points and grabbed 21 rebounds. He had 15 of his rebounds in the first half. Josh Smith had his first career triple-double for the Hawks, finishing with 22 points, 12 rebounds and 10...

Mayo's trip to NBA game may have violated rule
Southern California freshman standout O.J. Mayo might have violated an NCAA rule by accepting free tickets to Monday night's NBA game between Denver and the Los Angeles Lakers from Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony.

Anthony hurt in Nuggets' loss to Lakers (AP)

Derek Fisher scored a season-high 28 points, Jordan Farmar added 19, and the short-handed Los Angeles Lakers broke open a tight game late in the third quarter to beat the Denver Nuggets 116-99 on Monday night for their 18th win in 22 games. Kobe Bryant, attempting only seven shots and making five, had 17 points and a season-high 11 assists and Lamar Odom added 15 points, 11 rebounds and seven...

Nene's tumor malignant, but cancer is isolated
A testicular tumor removed from Denver Nuggets forward Nene was malignant. The team said Tuesday the tumor was discovered early, and tests showed the cancer was isolated. "The recovery rate is extremely high," the Nuggets said in a written statement. "In addition, the odds of a recurrence are very small." Nene underwent surgery Jan. 14 to remove the tumor. The team statement said he was doing well, but there was no timeline for his return.

Hawks suspend center Pachulia for one game
The Atlanta Hawks suspended backup center Zaza Pachulia for Wednesday's game at Denver for conduct detrimental to the team.

Hawks suspend C Pachulia for 1 game (AP)
The Atlanta Hawks suspended backup center Zaza Pachulia for Wednesday's game at Denver for conduct detrimental to the team. General manager Billy Knight announced the suspension Tuesday, but team did not describe the nature of his transgression. Pachulia, however, had a run-in with coach Mike Woodson during Monday's 111-109 overtime loss to Portland at Philips Arena.

Nuggets confirm report Nene's tumor malignant
The Brazilian magazine Epoca has reported, and the Denver Nuggets have confirmed, that the tumor recently removed from the right testicle of their power forward Nene was indeed malignant.

Denver's Anthony sprains left ankle
Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony was helped off the court midway through the second quarter of Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a sprained left ankle. Team spokesman Eric Sebastian said X-rays of Anthony's ankle were negative, and the 23-year-old forward was to be re-evaluated Tuesday in Denver. Anthony, the NBA's fourth-leading scorer with a 25.8-point average, made a jump shot with 5:58 left before halftime before landing on Kobe Bryant's right foot.

Nuggets' Anthony sprains left ankle (AP)
Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony was helped off the court midway through the second quarter of Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a sprained left ankle. Team spokesman Eric Sebastian said X-rays of Anthony's ankle were negative, and the 23-year-old forward was to be re-evaluated Tuesday in Denver.

Melo sprains left ankle, leaves game vs. Lakers
Denver Nuggets star Carmelo Anthony was helped off the court midway through the second quarter of Monday night's game against the Los Angeles Lakers with a sprained left ankle.

Nuggets extend Wolves' road skid to 16 (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 35 points, including a fade-away jumper and two free throws in the final 30 seconds, and Carmelo Anthony added 26 as the Denver Nuggets held off the Minnesota Timberwolves 111-108 on Saturday night. The Timberwolves fell to 1-20 on the road this season and have lost 16 straight since a win at New Orleans on Nov.

Nene says tumor was benign
The testicular tumor removed from Denver Nuggets forward Nene was benign, according to a statement posted on the player's Web site Thursday. The tumor was removed Monday at a Denver hospital. "The joint medical team handling Nene's health has just released the results of the biopsy," the Web site said. "According to reports presented by doctors, the exams show that the tumor is benign." The statement said more information would be released later Thursday.

Biopsy shows tumor benign, Nene's site reports
The testicular tumor removed from Denver Nuggets forward Nene was benign, according to a statement posted on his Web site Thursday.

Kleiza's 41 power Nuggets over Jazz (AP)

Linas Kleiza scored a career-high 41 points and Allen Iverson added 28 as the Denver Nuggets beat the Utah Jazz 120-109 on Thursday night. Carmelo Anthony scored 23 points, and Marcus Camby had 24 rebounds and 11 blocks for the Nuggets, who snapped a two-game losing streak. Deron Williams had 23 points to lead the Jazz, whose four-game winning streak ended.

Nuggets' Nene has tumor removed
The Denver Nuggets remained mum Monday on the medical condition that has sidelined Nene. Coach George Karl indicated they are preparing to be without him for some time. The Brazilian forward took an indefinite leave of absence on Friday. "I was hurt and saddened by the news," Karl said without elaborating. "Now the support and strength of the team to give to him is important." Nene, who is averaging 6.4 points and 6.

Hawks' balance tops 'Big 3' of Nuggets (AP)

After Denver's big three was reduced to one, the Nuggets' big comeback against Atlanta ended. Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson and J.R. Smith combined for 84 points, but Iverson and Smith were ejected with 38.9 seconds left and the Hawks held off a late rally by the Denver Nuggets for a 104-93 victory on Tuesday night.

Point guards Felton, McInnis returning for Bobcats
The Charlotte Bobcats will get both of their point guards back for Monday's game against Denver.

Bobcats' Felton, McInnis cleared to return
The Charlotte Bobcats will get both of their point guards back for Monday's game against Denver. Raymond Felton and Jeff McInnis went through the team's shootaround Monday morning and were cleared to play against the Nuggets. "I'll be ready. I'm going to get out there and hoop," said Felton, who sprained his right ankle in Friday's double-overtime loss to Cleveland. "I've played through pain. I've done it before.

Wallace's 40 lift Bobcats over Nuggets (AP)

Gerald Wallace scored 40 points, Matt Carroll hit two free throws with 4.6 seconds left, and the Charlotte Bobcats made the big plays down the stretch this time in a 119-116 win over the Denver Nuggets on Monday night. After consecutive heartbreaking losses, in double-overtime to Cleveland and in overtime to Detroit, Wallace carried the Bobcats in a fast-paced game with numerous dunks and little...

Nuggets brace for extended period without Nene
The Denver Nuggets remained mum Monday on the medical condition that has sidelined Nene. Coach George Karl indicated they are preparing to be without him for some time.

Carter's big 4th quarter lifts Nuggets (AP)

Anthony Carter explained his philosophy on scoring as he slipped on his canary yellow sweater vest. "Points don't mean nothin' to me," the Nuggets guard said. "But I just love getting assists." Carter did a little scoring and dishing as he helped Denver to a 113-103 win over the Orlando Magic on Friday night.

Atkins to have surgery for sports hernia
Nuggets guard Chucky Atkins was expected to have surgery sometime next week to repair a sports hernia that has bothered him since the preseason. The Nuggets said a timeline for his return won't be known until after the operation. Atkins, who signed a two-free free agent contract with Denver last summer, has averaged 4.0 points in nine games for the Nuggets this season. He missed the first 24 games with a severely strained right groin he suffered in a preseason game at Phoenix on Oct. 25.

Suns make 20 3s, defeat Nuggets 137-115 (AP)

Shawn Marion scored a season-high 27 points, had six blocked shots, and hit five of Phoenix's 20 3-pointers to lead the Suns to a 137-115 romp over the Denver Nuggets in a matchup of division leaders Monday night. Marcus Banks, who has played his way back into the Suns' rotation, made a career-high seven 3s -- in eight attempts -- en route to a season-best 23 points.

Nuggets waive G-F Bobby Jones (AP)
The Denver Nuggets waived guard-forward Bobby Jones on Monday. Jones was acquired in a Sept. 10 trade that sent Reggie Evans to Philadelphia. Jones appeared in 23 games this season, averaging 3.3 points and 1.4 rebounds. The Philadelphia trade also brought Steven Hunter to Denver.

Iverson's 38 help Nuggets beat Sixers (AP)
This was the first time Allen Iverson enjoyed watching the Philadelphia 76ers lose. Iverson scored 38 points in the Denver Nuggets' 109-96 victory over the 76ers on Sunday night. He had a shot at 40 but dribbled out the final few seconds at midcourt, tossed the ball to the official and bear-hugged Louis Williams.

Wolves off to worst-ever start at 4-28 (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 33 points, Carmelo Anthony added 26 and the Denver Nuggets beat the Minnesota Timberwolves 118-107 on Friday night. The Nuggets showed little hangover affect from Thursday night's victory over the defending champion San Antonio Spurs. Denver led 12-0 before the game was three minutes old and took a 61-52 lead into halftime.

Martin's 7 blocks help Nuggets top Spurs (AP)

Practice? Allen Iverson didn't need any of it to score 29 points and lead the Denver Nuggets past the San Antonio Spurs 80-77 Thursday night. Iverson revealed after the game that the reason he had missed all of the Nuggets' workouts this week was because his 4-year-old son, Isaiah, fell face-first from a stool early Monday morning and required plastic surgery.

Nets make Vandeweghe special assistant to Thorn
Former Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe has joined the Nets as a special assistant to New Jersey president Rod Thorn. Vandeweghe, who served as the Nuggets' general manager from 2001-06, will help Thorn prepare for the NBA draft and evaluate players. "Kiki has been a mainstay in the league for almost two decades, first as an All-Star player and then as a front office executive," Thorn said.

Nets name Vandeweghe special assistant (AP)
Former Denver general manager Kiki Vandeweghe has joined the Nets as a special assistant to New Jersey president Rod Thorn. Vandeweghe, who served as the Nuggets' general manager from 2001-06, will help Thorn prepare for the NBA draft and evaluate players. "Kiki has been a mainstay in the league for almost two decades, first as an All-Star player and then as a front office executive," Thorn said.

Warriors end 7-game skid in Denver (AP)

Baron Davis scored 28 points and Stephen Jackson added 23 to help Golden State beat the Nuggets 105-95 on Sunday night, ending a seven-game losing streak in Denver. Carmelo Anthony had 26 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets. Linas Kleiza and J.R. Smith added 15 points each for the Nuggets, who saw their season-high seven-game winning streak snapped.

Iverson's 39 lift Nuggets over Warriors (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 39 points, including a late jumper to break a tie, and Carmelo Anthony added 30 to help the Denver Nuggets outrun the Golden State Warriors in a 124-120 victory on Friday night. The game was the fast-paced, offensive showcase that should be expected when two of the NBA's top three scoring teams face off.

McGrady to sit out next 2 games to rehab knee
Tracy McGrady will miss Houston's next two games to rest his ailing left knee. McGrady missed the second half of the Rockets' 97-92 loss to Orlando on Dec. 19 with soreness in the knee. He sat out Houston's loss to Denver the next night. He played a total of 50 minutes in Houston's last two games, a win in Chicago on Dec. 22 and a loss to Detroit on Dec. 23. An MRI exam performed on Monday revealed swollen tendons in the knee, but no structural damage.

McGrady to miss Rockets' next 2 games (AP)
Tracy McGrady will miss Houston's next two games to rest his ailing left knee. McGrady missed the second half of the Rockets' 97-92 loss to Orlando on Dec. 19 with soreness in the knee. He sat out Houston's loss to Denver the next night. He played a total of 50 minutes in Houston's last two games, a win in Chicago on Dec.

Camby, Anthony lead Nuggets past Bucks (AP)

The stat sheet and smiles told the story: The Denver Nuggets are finally at full strength. In their best all-around effort of the season, the Nuggets beat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-105 on Wednesday night behind a triple-double by Marcus Camby, Carmelo Anthony's fourth straight double-double, Allen Iverson's spectacular 24-point performance and the much-awaited return of power forward Nene.

Lakers recall G Coby Karl from D-league (AP)
The Los Angeles Lakers recalled guard Coby Karl from the Los Angeles D-Fenders of the NBA Development League. The 6-foot-5 Karl, the son of Denver Nuggets coach George Karl, averaged 18.3 points and 5.8 rebounds in 10 games with the D-Fenders. The Lakers signed the undrafted rookie out of Boise State in July, less than four months after he had cancerous lymph nodes removed.

Kleiza beats buzzer, Nuggets top Kings (AP)

Linas Kleiza recovered the ball in a scramble and hit a jumper just before the final buzzer sounded, lifting the Denver Nuggets to a thrilling 106-105 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Sunday night. The Kings kept giving Denver extra chances, like when Brad Miller bricked two free throws with 16.5 seconds left.

McGrady, Yao leave injured vs. Detroit
The Houston Rockets lost Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming to injuries during Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons. McGrady left at halftime after aggravating his sore left knee, and Yao left after getting cut in the face. A team spokesman said McGrady would not return, but Yao's status was uncertain. McGrady left Houston's Dec. 19 loss to Orlando after injuring the knee, and missed a loss at Denver the next day.

Blazers win 10th straight, edge Nuggets (AP)

The Portland Trail Blazers were expected to have another rebuilding year after losing their future franchise player to injury before the season even started. Instead, they have won 10 straight -- the longest winning streak in the NBA this season. Martell Webster scored 19 points while Brandon Roy and LaMarcus Aldridge each added 18 in Portland's 99-96 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Friday...

Bulls' Wallace, Rockets' McGrady return (AP)
Chicago Bulls center Ben Wallace and Houston Rockets forward Tracy McGrady were back in the starting lineup for their game Saturday night. Wallace missed two games with bone spurs on the top of his left foot and McGrady missed Thursday's double overtime loss at Denver with a sore left knee. Wallace is averaging 4.5 points and 8.7 rebounds for the Bulls.

Carter the unlikely hero for Nuggets
Allen Iverson and Carmelo Anthony combined for 73 points Thursday, but someone else hit the game-winner for Denver in double OT.

Nuggets outlast Rockets 112-111 in 2 OT (AP)

Anthony Carter hit a floater in the lane with 0.8 seconds left in double overtime to give the Denver Nuggets a 112-111 win over the shorthanded Houston Rockets on Thursday. Carmelo Anthony scored 37 points and a career-high 16 rebounds, and Allen Iverson had 36 points and nine assists for Denver, which ended a two-game losing streak.

Roy helps Blazers win seventh straight (AP)
The Portland Trail Blazers are finding the road more enjoyable lately. Brandon Roy had 26 points and 11 assists and Channing Frye scored a season-high 20 points as Portland beat the Denver Nuggets 116-105 on Sunday night. It was the Blazers' seventh straight win overall, and third straight victory on the road, where they had lost their first nine games of the season.

Duncan returns, Spurs go to 13-0 at home (AP)

Michael Finley and Fabricio Oberto each scored a season-high 21 points Saturday night in the San Antonio Spurs' 102-91 victory over the Denver Nuggets. The Spurs had lost two in a row, but remained perfect at home. They also saw the return of Tim Duncan, who missed four games with a sprained right ankle.

Spurs' Duncan starts vs. Denver, but Parker sits
The San Antonio Spurs said Tim Duncan would play against the Denver Nuggets Saturday night, though it was uncertain whether he would start.

Nuggets' Martin suspended for flagrant foul
Denver forward Kenyon Martin was suspended Saturday by the NBA for one game without pay for a flagrant foul and will sit out the game against San Antonio. Martin was assessed a flagrant foul against Melvin Ely, striking him in the head with an elbow in the second period of the Nuggets' 105-99 win Wednesday over New Orleans. Ely has a fractured left eye socket and missed the Hornets' 89-80 loss at Dallas on Friday night. Martin, who is averaging 9.0 points and 5.

Nuggets forward Martin suspended for flagrant foul
Denver forward Kenyon Martin was suspended Saturday by the NBA for one game without pay for a flagrant foul and will sit out the game against San Antonio.

Ely to miss Hornets game at Dallas
New Orleans center Melvin Ely has a fractured left eye socket that will keep him out of the lineup when the Hornets play at Dallas on Friday night. Ely was hurt when he was elbowed by the Nuggets' Kenyon Martin during the second quarter of the Hornets' 105-99 loss in Denver on Wednesday night. A Hornets spokesman said Thursday that a timetable for Ely's return will be set following further examination.

Hornets C Ely has fractured eye socket (AP)
New Orleans center Melvin Ely has a fractured left eye socket that will keep him out of the lineup when the Hornets play at Dallas on Friday night. Ely was hurt when he was elbowed by the Nuggets' Kenyon Martin during the second quarter of the Hornets' 105-99 loss in Denver on Wednesday night. A Hornets spokesman said Thursday that a timetable for Ely's return will be set following further...

Anthony lifts Nuggets by Hornets 105-99 (AP)

Carmelo Anthony found his rhythm just in time for the Denver Nuggets. Anthony scored 15 of his 32 points in the fourth quarter, including a three-point play with 38.4 seconds left, to lift the Nuggets to a 105-99 win over the New Orleans Hornets on Wednesday night. Allen Iverson had 22 points and 11 assists and Marcus Camby had 15 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks for the Nuggets, who won their...

Iverson helps Nuggets beat Kings 101-97 (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 23 points and Kenyon Martin had 20 points, 12 rebounds and five blocks to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 101-97 victory over the Sacramento Kings on Saturday night. John Salmons led the Kings with 25 points, and Beno Udrih added 24 for Sacramento, which lost for the second straight night.

Iverson's 35 leads Nuggets over Mavs (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 35 points a night after putting up 51, and this time it was enough to lead the Denver Nuggets to victory, sending them past the Dallas Mavericks 122-109 Thursday night. Iverson's big effort came against the Los Angeles Lakers, and it came in defeat. This time, he mixed in 12 assists as the Nuggets won for the third time in seven games.

Iverson scores 51 but Lakers top Nuggets (AP)
Allen Iverson scored a season-high 51 points but Kobe Bryant's 25 led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 111-107 win over the Denver Nuggets on Wednesday night. Carmelo Anthony had 26 points and eight rebounds and Marcus Camby had 20 rebounds for the Nuggets. Vladimir Radmanovic scored 21 points and Derek Fisher added 20 for the Lakers.

Court appearance delayed for Nuggets G Smith
A court appearance for Denver Nuggets guard J.R. Smith on an assault charge was postponed Tuesday, and the Rocky Mountain News reported the delay was for negotiations on a possible plea agreement.

Anthony, Martin help Nuggets rout Heat (AP)

The Denver Nuggets made quick work of the slumping Miami Heat. Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points, and Kenyon Martin added a season-high 20 to help the Nuggets rout the Heat 115-89 on Sunday night. Marcus Camby had 21 rebounds, his fifth 20-rebound game of the season. Dwyane Wade had 13 points for Miami, and Ricky Davis and Daequan Cook had 11 each.

Iverson scores 26, Nuggets end skid at 3 (AP)

Allen Iverson scored 26 points and Carmelo Anthony added 24 to help the Denver Nuggets snap a three-game skid with a 123-107 win over the Los Angeles Clippers on Friday night. J.R. Smith scored 22, hitting six 3-pointers, and Anthony Carter had a season-high 10 assists. The Clippers have now dropped six of their last seven games.

Vujacic powers Lakers past Nuggets (AP)

Kobe Bryant scored 24 points and reserve guard Sasha Vujacic dominated the fourth quarter, scoring 19 of his career-high 22 points and powering the Los Angeles Lakers to a 127-99 rout of the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Vujacic shot 6-for-14 in 21 minutes of action. Andrew Bynum had 12 points and 13 rebounds and Luke Walton added a career-high 14 points in 27 minutes.

Parker still inactive for Miami
Smush Parker was on the Miami Heat inactive list again Friday night, while the team investigated an altercation earlier in the week between the guard and a valet parking attendant. Parker is not expected to travel with Miami on Saturday. The team opens a six-game road trip in Denver on Sunday. He has not been suspended by the team, yet will remain inactive until the team completes its look into what happened. "Every organization has to have rules.

Lakers extend Jackson for 2-years, $24M
Lakers coach Phil Jackson has agreed to terms of a two-year contract extension worth about $24 million, putting him under contract through the 2009-10 season. A person with knowledge of the situation, speaking on condition of anonymity because the Lakers hadn't made an announcement, confirmed the agreement. Lakers spokesman John Black said Jackson will discuss his contract situation before Los Angeles hosts the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Wounded Denver signs McCoy off D-League roster
The Denver Nuggets signed center Jelani McCoy off the Los Angeles Lakers' Developmental League affiliate Thursday, bringing back a big man who had played with them in the preseason.

Dunleavy helps Pacers hold off Nuggets (AP)

The Indiana Pacers squandered another lead against the Denver Nuggets, but this time they found a way to win. Mike Dunleavy scored 30 points, Shawne Williams had 21 and the Pacers, thanks to J.R. Smith's missed free throw with 2.7 seconds left, held off the Nuggets 112-110 on Tuesday night. "It easily could have gotten away from us," Indiana guard Jamal Tinsley said.

Nuggets waive veteran Wilks
The Denver Nuggets waived veteran guard Mike Wilks Wednesday. The 5-foot-10 Wilks averaged three points and 1.5 rebounds in eight games this season. Denver signed Wilks on Oct. 27 to help out at guard after Anthony Carter broke his hand and Chucky Atkins suffered a severe groin strain. Wilks strained his right hamstring Nov. 4 in the Nugget's 93-88 loss to the Hornets.

Martin gets good news on injured right knee
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin received some good news Monday when an MRI on his surgically repaired right knee found only a bone bruise. Martin is listed as doubtful for Wednesday night's game against Indiana and will be day to day after that. The Nuggets could ill afford to have Martin out for an extended period.

Nuggets' Martin gets good news on knee injury
Denver Nuggets forward Kenyon Martin received some good news Monday when an MRI on his surgically repaired right knee found only a bone bruise.