Anthony sits out Game 5 as Nuggets’ season comes to an end

Anthony, who injured the knee during the third quarter of the Timberwolves’ 84-82 win in Game 4, made the decision this morning after the team’s shootaround. He watched the game from the bench in street clothes.

The rookie phenom came down on teammate Marcus Camby’s foot in Tuesday’s loss and twisted his knee. He did return later in the contest, but sat out the last seven minutes after the knee tightened up.

Anthony, who finished second in the Rookie of the Year balloting behind Cleveland’s LeBron James, averaged 21.0 points and 6.1 rebounds per game during the regular season. However, the Syracuse product posted only 15 points per contest in four playoff games, including a dismal 1-of-16 performance for just two points in the Game 4 loss.

Minnesota advanced to the second round of the playoffs for the first time in the franchise’s history.