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Martin, Nene lead Nuggets to easy win over Pistons

Oct 23, 2006 - 12:13 AM AUBURN HILLS, Michigan (Ticker) -- The Denver Nuggets want Kenyon Martin and Nene to remain injury-free this season.

Martin scored 19 points and Nene had 14 and 12 rebounds as the Nuggets posted a 124-105 preseason victory over the Detroit Pistons.

Martin missed 26 regular-season games while Nene was limited to one game last season due to injuries. The big men are crucial in 2006-07 if the Nuggets want to approach elite status in the Western Conference.

Martin made 8-of-15 shots against Detroit and Nene was 4-of-7 from the field. Martin scored 10 points as Denver took a 32-23 lead after the first quarter. Eight of Nene's boards also came in the period.

The Nuggets shot 48 percent (45-of-94) as they reached their highest point total of the preseason. Earl Boykins scored 17 points and Andre Miller handed out eight assists.

Detroit was led by Jason Maxiell's 21 points, while Nazr Mohammed added 16 and 12 rebounds. The Pistons shot 47 percent (39-of-83) but were just 2-of-13 from 3-point range.