Anthony’s 34 helps Nuggets tame Raptors

Anthony shot 10-of-18 from the field, was perfect on 11 attempts from the charity stripe and also added six assists for the Nuggets, who rebounded from a 108-99 setback against Orlando on Wednesday.

"Mello (Carmello Anthony) was Mello," said Denver head coach George Karl after the game. "As long as he runs and stays ahead of the ball, he will continue to get opportunities."

Denver had seven players in double figures, including three off the bench while playing its first home game without Kenyon Martin. The forward underwent arthroscopic surgery on his right knee on Wednesday and will miss the remainder of the eason.

Chris Bosh poured in a team-high 31 points and pulled down nine rebounds for the Raptors, who have lost their last five games.

T.J. Ford contributed 26 points and a career-high 18 assists, while Jorge Garbajosa posted a double-double for Toronto, netting 17 points and grabbing ten boards. He also dished out six assists.

With Denver leading 86-84, Anthony drained a three-pointer to put the Nuggets up by five heading into the final frame.

A 10-5 run followed to open the fourth, capped by two Earl Boykins’ free throws and a 19-foot jumper.

The Raptors called a timeout with 8:52 remaining and seemed to regroup, pulling to within five before Anthony hit from beyond the arc again with 5:18 remaining to make it 102-94.

Toronto responded to cut the lead to four inside a minute to play as Bosh drew a loose ball foul and hit both free throws. However, Eduardo Najera followed with a layup at the other end, and after Anthony Parker missed a jump shot, Smith capped the scoring with a dunk.

Fred Jones missed a final three-point attempt for the Raptors and the game came to a close on Anthony’s defensive rebound.

Toronto jumped out to an early lead but trailed 38-36 after 12 minutes of play.

They also kept things close through the second quarter, and Bosh’s dunk tied the game at 50 with 5:28 remaining but Anthony made a layup and Eduardo Najera followed with a free throw, pushing the margin to 64-58 at the half.

Ford’s jumper made it a two-point game with 1:45 remaining in the third, and then he followed with two from the charity stripe before Anthony’s three-point shot heading into the fourth quarter.

"I’m just feeling good right now," said Anthony. "I’m just happy to get a win at home."

Game Notes

Anthony has scored 30 or more points in six straight games, tying a team record with Alex English, who is an assistant coach for the Raptors...Toronto fell to 0-4 on their five-game road trip...The official attendance was 15,531.