Denver Nuggets Team Report - January 24

(Basketball News) - The Denver Nuggets found themselves on the wrong end of a 97-91 decision to the New Orleans Hornets on Friday at New Orleans Arena.

Carmelo Anthony posted a game-high 24 points for the Nuggets, who were attempting to win their fourth straight game. Andre Miller added 17 points and Voshon Lenard chipped in 15 as Denver lost its third straight in New Orleans.

A 7-2 spurt to open the fourth quarter gave the Hornets the largest lead of the game at 83-73. But Denver slowly chipped away at the deficit and closed within two after a pair of baskets by Anthony, the second a dunk with 2:45 remaining in the contest.

Miller’s three-point play slightly over a minute later made it a one-point game at 92-91. The Nuggets then had a pair of chances to jump ahead, but came up empty on both occasions.

Stacey Augmon hit three free throws in the final minute to push the lead to four, and Steve Smith finalized the scoring with a pair of free throws of his own.

Denver returns to action on Sunday against the Memphis Grizzlies.