NBA: Denver 97, Washington 87

DENVER, March 17 (UPI) -- Carmelo Anthony scored 29 points and J.R. Smith added 17 in the Denver Nuggets' 97-87 victory over Washington Tuesday.

Anthony also had 12 rebounds for the Nuggets, who have won seven of their last eight games.

Andray Blatche led Washington with 23 points and eight rebounds. Al Thornton scored 16 before fouling out.

Washington lost its ninth consecutive game and shot 43.6 percent from the field, including 4-of-11 from 3-point range.

The Wizards led 45-39 at halftime but Denver came back with 26 points in the third quarter and another 32 in the fourth to take control. Smith scored nine consecutive points to lead Denver to an 88-78 lead with 3:15 to play.