Anthony returns to lead Nuggets over Timberwolves

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• Timberwolves-Nuggest game story from The Sports Network

Denver, CO (Sports Network) - Carmelo Anthony returned from a five-game absence to score 24 points and lead the Denver Nuggets to a 105-94 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Anthony had missed time with a right knee contusion, but started and shot 9- for-17 in a little more than 34 minutes. He also made 3-of-5 three-pointers to help the Nuggets take their third win in their last four games. Denver was 3-2 without Anthony in the lineup.

Six Nuggets finished in double-figure scoring, including Chauncey Billups, who had 18 points to go with 10 assists. Arron Afflalo and Nene added 15 and 13 points, respectively.

Minnesota beat Denver back on November 29 to snap a 10-game losing streak against the Nuggets, but shot just 37 percent Monday in the loss. Al Jefferson had 22 points and 15 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who have one win in their last eight games.

"We did a pretty good job, except we had trouble making shots," said Timberwolves head coach Kurt Rambis. "Some of that can be accredited to how aggressive and how physical the Nuggets play defense. But some of it's just our guys' inability to make some shots."

Corey Brewer had a team-high 25 points for Minnesota, while Kevin Love added 20 points and 14 boards.

Tags: mn sports, timberwolves