Anthony ignites Nuggets to win over Hornets

Denver : Carmelo Anthony recorded 26 points and a career-high 18 rebounds to propel the Denver Nuggets past the New Orleans Hornets 93-80 on Thursday for their eighth win in nine games.

The Nuggets (47-22) established a 25-point lead at halftime and were never seriously threatened as they took over sole possession of second place in the Western Conference, moving one-half game in front of the Dallas Mavericks.

The Hornets (33-37) lost for the second time to Denver inside a week and suffered their fifth defeat in six games overall.

Rookie Darren Collison had 15 points and helped New Orleans fight back to within nine points midway through the fourth. But with the Hornets threatening a comeback Anthony scored eight points in the final 5:13 to clinch the contest.

During their recent hot stretch the Nuggets have overcome injuries to point guard Ty Lawson (shoulder) and forward Kenyon Martin (knee). Reserve Chris Anderson returned to the team from an ankle ailment and contributed five points and 13 rebounds while Nene produced 20 points. Denver head coach George Karl was once again absent as he receives treatment for throat and neck cancer.