NBA: Denver 107, New Orleans 86

DENVER, April 30 (UPI) -- J.R. Smith hit two 3-pointers during a third-period run Wednesday and Denver advanced to the second round of the playoffs by downing New Orleans 107-86.

The Hornets, victims of a historic and embarrassing loss in the fourth game of the best-of-seven series, battled Denver on even terms through more than half of the fifth game.

Denver, however, ran off 14 consecutive points while holding New Orleans scoreless for more than 4 minutes of the third quarter.

That led to the Nuggets winning a playoff series for the first time in 15 years. They will meet the Dallas in the second round, having defeated the Mavericks in all four of their regular-season meetings.

Carmelo Anthony led the way for Denver with 34 points, making 13-of-25 from the field. Smith had 20 points and Kenyon Martin added 15.

Smith made a 3-point shot with 3:07 to play in the third period, giving Denver a 70-62 lead. He hit another one 30 seconds later for a 15-point advantage.

David West led New Orleans with 24 points.

New Orleans gave itself a chance to be competitive in the series with a thrilling victory in the third game. In Game 4, however, Denver crushed New Orleans by 58 points, equaling the largest point differential in NBA playoff history.