DENVER, Dec. 4 (UPI) -- Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points Friday and the Denver Nuggets went to the foul line a staggering 59 times before fighting off the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104.
The Nuggets made 45 of their free throw attempts, with Anthony converting 13-of-18. Denver's last two free throws came from J.R. Smith with 6 seconds left to seal the victory.
Denver won its sixth straight and improved to 9-1 at home.
Smith scored 21 points and Chauncey Billups had 17. The Nuggets struggled from the field at 41 percent, were outrebounded by six and committed three more turnovers than did the Clippers.
Denver's numerous trips to the charity stripe, however, made up for all its other difficulties.
The Clippers, trying to win back-to-back games for the second time this season, were led by Eric Gordon with 24 points. Los Angeles has broken even in its last six games after winning only once in its first 14.
