Nuggets continue swing in Big Apple

Denver is 2-1 on the road trip after suffering a 106-101 loss to the Boston Celtics on Sunday at TD Banknorth Garden.

Carmelo Anthony scored 26 of his 36 points in the first half for the Nuggets, who had a four-game winning streak halted.

Denver, seeded third in the Western Conference, is 2-2 in its last four road games and 14-17 away from the Pepsi Center this season. Its road trip continues with games against Indiana, Memphis and New Orleans/Oklahoma City.

The Knicks, meanwhile, will open a four-game homestand at MSG.

New York went 2-1 on its brief three-game road trip and dropped a 116-109 decision to the Charlotte Bobcats on Saturday. Jalen Rose netted 23 points and Eddy Curry scored 19 for the Knicks, who had a two-game winning streak come to an end. Stephon Marbury had 18 points and seven assists in the loss.

New York, the NBA’s worst team, is 1-6 in its last seven home games and 11-18 as the host this season.

After they play the Nuggets on Monday night, the Knicks will host Atlanta, Detroit, Miami and Toronto.

Denver won the first meeting by a 95-86 score on November 18. Anthony scored 25 points and Marcus Camby added 20 and 13 rebounds against his former club.

The Nuggets have won two in a row and three of the last four meetings with New York, but have dropped three straight and four of five in the Big Apple.