AP News
(2010-03-19 04:30:29)
DENVER (Reuters) - Carmelo Anthony recorded 26 points and a career-high 18 rebounds to propel the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 on Thursday for their eighth win in nine games.
The Nuggets (47-22) established a 25-point lead at halftime and were never seriously threatened as they took over sole possession of second place in the Western Conference, moving one-half game in front of the Dallas Mavericks.
The Hornets (33-37) lost for the second time to Denver inside a week and suffered their fifth defeat in six games overall.
Rookie Darren Collison had 15 points and helped New Orleans fight back to within nine points midway through the fourth.
(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los Angeles; Editing by Alastair Himmer)
