Denver Nuggets Team Report - March 25

(Basketball News) - Carmelo Anthony poured in a game-high 25 points and Earl Boykins chipped in 21 to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 101-92 win over Minnesota on Tuesday at the Pepsi Center.

Nene added 11 points for the Nuggets, who snapped an eight-game losing streak to Minnesota. Jon Barry and Rodney White each netted 10 points in the winning effort.

The win, coupled with Utah’s loss to Seattle, moved Denver into eighth place in the Western Conference by a half game over the Jazz. The Nuggets are trying to become the first team in NBA history to reach the postseason after winning less than 20 games the previous year.

Denver was without the services of center Marcus Camby (groin) and forward Ryan Bowen (back), while guard Voshon Lenard left in the second half with an undisclosed injury.

Chris Andersen made his return from the injured list and scored five points and pulled down nine rebounds. Andersen had been on the IL since March 12 with tendinitis in his left patella.

Denver, which has won just five of its last 12 overall, has won eight of its last 12 at home and improved to 25-12 in its arena this season.

The Nuggets will return to action on Friday when they start a three-game road trip against the Seattle SuperSonics at KeyArena. They have lost four of five and eight of their last 10 on the road and are 13-23 away from home this season.

Denver has split its two matchups with the Sonics this season, but could have the advantage on Friday, as the road team in this series has won five of the last six meetings. The Nuggets, though, have lost 18 of 21 and 27 of their last 31 in the Emerald City.