Carmelo Anthony’s 20 points and new career-high 22 rebounds were not enough to help the Denver Nuggets end their six-year losing streak in Phoenix on Monday night. The Suns defeated the Nuggets, 100-94. Despite a 58-46 lead at halftime, the Nuggets scored only 36 points in the second half and allowed the Suns to score 54 points.
After shooting 50 percent at halftime, the Nuggets fell to 41.6 percent at the end of the game and only made three three-pointers on 17 shots. They allowed 12 points off of 16 turnovers, while the Suns allowed seven points on 10 turnovers.
Shelden Williams was the only starter to not score in double-digits, but he did pull down eight rebounds. Arron Afflalo scored 15 points and pulled down seven boards in 41 minutes on the court, the most on the team.
Gary Forbes took the place of J.R. Smith, who did not play at all Monday night, but had a negligible impact on the game.
Hakim Warrick led the Suns with 21 points, while Steve Nash scored 15 points, collected four rebounds and made seven assists. Hedot Turkoglu finished with nine points, seven rebounds and three assists. He led the Suns well during the fourth quarter, taking control of the pace of the Suns’ game.
The Nuggets are now 5-5 on the season and will host the New York Knicks on Tuesday night.