While TNT's studio team, notably Charles Barkley, likes to claim Carmelo Anthony isn't out on the court giving his all to the Nuggets, tonight's result should influence their thoughts. Carmelo Anthony made the game-winning 23-foot jump shot as time expired to send the Denver Nuggets to a 98-97 victory over the Chicago Bulls. It was Melo's 14th game-winning shot. It was a hard fought victory for the Nuggets, who were outscored by the Bulls, 59-50, during the second half of the game.
Anthony had an impressive overall night with 22 points, six rebounds, eight assists and one block. Nene backed Melo up with 18 points and seven rebounds. Starting in place of Chauncey Billups (wrist), point guard Ty Lawson had 17 points but also four turnovers. Shooting guard Arron Afflalo continued his strong play with 13 points, five rebounds and four assists.
In his second game back, center Chris Andersen cut into Shelden Williams' playing time yet again, putting up six points, four rebounds and two blocks in 20 minutes. Williams played only 14 minutes.
As a team the Nuggets shot nearly 47 percent from the field (33 percent on three-pointers), but also allowed 21 points on 20 turnovers.
Bulls point guard C.J. Watson started in place of injured Derrick Rose and led the team in scoring with 33 points. Joakim Noah (17 points, 16 rebounds, four assists) and Luol Deng (24 points, 11 rebounds) each put up a double-double on Friday night.
The Bulls and Nuggets split the season series at one game apiece, the home team winning each game. The Nuggets, who improved to 9-6 overall and 6-1 at home, host the Phoenix Suns (8-8) on Sunday night.