NBA: Denver 105, New Orleans 100

DENVER, Jan. 4 (UPI) -- Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points Saturday to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 105-100 victory over New Orleans.

J.R. Smith had 17 points for the Nuggets, who have won three straight and five of their last six games. Chauncey Billups and Nene each scored 14 points.

Chris Paul had 30 points and 11 assists for the Hornets, who had a four-game win streak end. David West added 21 points and eight rebounds and Peja Stojakovic had 19 points.

The game was tied with 2 minutes left, when Smith hit a pair of free throws to give Denver a 99-97 lead. James Posey made a three-pointer with 1:10 left in the game to give the Hornets their first lead of the night at 100-99, but Anthony then sank a jump shot and Billups made four free throws to close out the scoring.