Anthony returns to help Nuggets beat Bobcats

Jan 31, 2009 - 5:58 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Carmelo Anthony returned to the court Friday after missing nearly a month, scoring 19 points in the Denver Nuggets' 110-99 win over the Charlotte Bobcats on Friday.

"I thought I was going to be a little winded but actually I was pretty good out there," Anthony said.

The two-time All-Star had missed the last 10 games after suffering a non-displaced third metacarpal fracture on his right hand against the Indiana Pacers on January 5.

Anthony, who was averaging a team-high 21.1 points and 7.3 rebounds in 31 games before the injury, made 5-of-12 from the field and 9-of-11 at the free-throw line in just under 30 minutes.

"I thought early on he played well but as the game went on I thought he showed a little rust," Denver coach George Karl said. "I think anytime you come back from injury there is a comfort zone that you have to recoup, and a comfort with the team that you have to get back a little bit."