NBA: Denver 117, Dallas 105

DENVER, May 6 (UPI) -- Carmelo Anthony and Nene scored 25 points apiece Tuesday, boosting the Denver Nuggets to a 117-105 win over Dallas for a 2-0 lead in the Western semifinals.

J.R. Smith added 21 points and Chauncey Billups 18 as the Nuggets, who took the series opener 109-95 Sunday, won for the 15th straight time at home.

Anthony got 15 of his points in the decisive fourth quarter and Nene's point total was a playoff career-best.

The Mavericks got a game-high 35 points from Dirk Nowitzki. Jason Terry added 21 points.

Dallas got only six minutes from forward Josh Howard, who was hampered by injuries to both ankle.

The Mavs trailed by only three points going into the fourth quarter, but Denver rattled off nine unanswered points -- seven by Anthony -- to forge a 95-83 lead. Dallas never was able to come back after that.

Game 3 will be Saturday in Dallas.