The Denver Nuggets let this game slip way from them in the fourth quarter with some untimely fouls and sloppy play. Carmelo Anthony was the game’s leading scorer with 24 points. He added 10 rebounds (eight defensive), two assists and a steal. Power forward Shelden Williams, who was quiet for the first half of the game, finished with eight points and 13 rebounds (nine defensive). Al Harrington and J.R. Smith added 11 and 12 points, respectively, off the bench.
Chris Paul led the New Orleans Hornets with 18 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists. David West added 17 and seven rebounds, while Emeka Okafor total 13 points, eight rebounds and four blocks.
The Denver Nuggets fell to 1-1 on the season and play the Houston Rockets on Saturday night. The New Orleans Hornets are now 2-0.