Despite 50 points by Carmelo Anthony, the Denver Nuggets were unable to defeat the Houston Rockets on Monday night, losing 108-103. According to Chris Dempsey of the Denver Post, it was four years to the day that the Nuggets last dropped consecutive home games. The Nuggets lost to the Utah Jazz at home on Friday night.
Anthony tied his career-high with 50 points, shooting 16-of-24 from the field. He made 16-of-18 free throws and pulled down 11 boards. Anthony previously scored 50 points in a victory against the New York Knicks on Nov. 27, 2009.
Ty Lawson added 19 points when he replaced Chauncey Billups in the first quarter, the second-highest points total on the team. Billups played only nine minutes before leaving with a strained left knee. Al Harrington started in place of Nene, who was out with the flu, and finished with 10 points and seven rebounds.
The Rockets' Kevin Martin finished with 37 points and outscored the Nuggets by himself, 18-16, in the third quarter. Luis Scola added 25 points, and Chuck Hayes contributed 12 points and 10 rebounds.
The Nuggets (30-22, 21-7 home) will look to pick themselves up with a road game against the Golden State Warriors on Wednesday night. NBA TV will air the game at 8:30 p.m MT.