NBA - Melo's 45 fires Denver to 15th win
DENVER (NBA) - Chauncey Billups has been the big story in Denver of late following his trade to the Nuggets from the Detroit Pistons, but a veteran in the Mile High City took most of the plaudits after Wednesday's 116-106 triumph over Minnesota. Carmelo Anthony, a big part of Team USA's Olympic gold-medal winning team this summer, hit 16 ...
DENVER (NBA) - Chauncey Billups has been the big story in Denver of late following his trade to the Nuggets from the Detroit Pistons, but a veteran in the Mile High City took most of the plaudits after Wednesday's 116-106 triumph over Minnesota.
Carmelo Anthony, a big part of Team USA's Olympic gold-medal winning team this summer, hit 16 of 29 shots from the floor and nine of 12 at the line on his way to 45 points for Denver.
Point guard Billups, back in his home city of Denver, had 24 points as the Nuggets improved to 15-7 while dropping Minnesota to 4-17.
Toronto won for the first time under new coach and former Canada national team boss Jay Triano in a 101-88 home triumph over Indiana.
The Raptors decided to fire Sam Mitchell last week and replaced him with Triano.
Team USA's Chris Bosh poured in 21 points and hauled in 10 rebounds while Jose Calderon, the Spain international point guard, scored 11 and handed out 14 assists for the Raptors.
Marco Belinelli continued to make the most of his increase in playing time. The Italy international scored 15 points in 14:28 on the floor as Golden State won 119-96 over Milwaukee.
Golden State are now 7-15 while Milwaukee are 9-15.
Other results: New York 121 New Jersey 109, Charlotte 89 New Orleans 105, Memphis 108 Oklahoma City 102, Cleveland 101 Philadelphia 93, Atlanta 89 San Antonio 95, Phoenix 110 LA Lakers 115.
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