Melo, AI Push Nuggets Past Suns 126-113

Shaq experiment, Suns continue to sputter; Denver nears playoffs
By Doug Sweeney,  Newser Staff
Posted Mar 6, 2008 12:51 AM CST
Melo, AI Push Nuggets Past Suns 126-113
Phoenix Suns center Shaquille O'Neal, right, looks to shoot as Denver Nuggets forward Marcus Camby defends during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Denver on Wednesday, March 5, 2008. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)   (Associated Press)

Carmelo Anthony had a great all-around game, scoring 30 points and hauling in 13 rebounds as Denver bested the suddenly-swooning Phoenix Suns 126-113. The win moves the Nuggets one game behind Golden State for the eighth and final playoff spot in the Western Conference. Despite the strong effort Anthony didn’t lead Denver in scoring - that honor went to Allen Iverson with 31, reports the Associated Press.

The Suns fell to 3-5 with Shaquille O’Neal, but this loss couldn’t be pinned on the Diesel; he had a solid game, scoring 12 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. Amare Stoudemire led Phoenix with 22 points. The Nuggets built a second-quarter lead on J.R. Smith 3-pointers and were able to wear down a visibly-tired Phoenix Suns team. (More basketball stories.)

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