NBA: Denver 113, New Orleans 84

DENVER, April 20 (UPI) -- Chauncey Billups was 8-for-9 from 3-point range Sunday and the Denver Nuggets beat New Orleans 113-84 in Game 1 of their Western Conference quarterfinal series.

Billups finished with 36 points and eight assists. J.R. Smith had 19 points and Carmelo Anthony scored 13 for the second-seeded Nuggets, who are trying to advance to the conference semifinals for the first time in six seasons after being eliminated in the first round five straight times.

Nene had 12 points and 14 boards -- helping Denver out-rebound the Hornets 49-35.

Chris Paul led New Orleans with 21 points and 11 assists. David West scored 12 on 4-for-16 shooting.

Game 2 is scheduled for Wednesday in Denver.