DENVER, Feb. 23 (UPI) -- J.R. Smith led the shorthanded Denver Nuggets to a 120-107 win over Memphis Tuesday in their first game since Carmelo Anthony and four others were traded away.
The Nuggets dressed only eight players for the game but cruised to their third win in their past seven games.
Arron Afflalo and Ty Lawson added 21 apiece for Denver, who shot 49.4 percent from the field and hit 12-of-28 3-pointers.
The Nuggets should have their cadre of new players from the blockbuster trade in uniform for Thursday's clash with the Boston Celtics.
Tony Allen scored 28 points and was one of six Memphis players in double figures. O.J. Mayo scored 21.
The Nuggets outscored the Grizzlies 41-34 in the third quarter and held on for the win despite managing only 18 in the fourth quarter.
