The Denver Nuggets defeated the Sacramento Kings, 104-86, on Saturday night. Carmelo Anthony, who missed the last five games following the death of his sister, finished the night with a double-double, 16 points and 10 rebounds. However, Anthony's shooting struggles continued. At one point, he was 1-of-10 from the field, but finished 6-of-22. He also committed six turnovers.
Nene also returned to the starting lineup and finished with 16 points, 14 rebounds and three steals. Chauncey Billups added a solid game with a team-high 22 points in addition to four rebounds and five assists. Kenyon Martin played only 11 minutes and collected two points and five rebounds. Arron Afflalo did not score a point and was 0-for-4 from the field.
J.R. Smith added 17 points off the bench, and Chris Andersen had seven points and 11 rebounds.
For the Kings, DeMarcus Cousins scored 16 points and grabbed eight rebounds. Tyreke Evans scored 12 points, made four rebounds and five assists and stole the ball four times. He also added two blocks.
The Nuggets (19-13, 14-3 home) host the Houston Rockets on Monday, Jan. 3 at 7:00 p.m. MT.