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Boykins helps Nuggets end skid with big game vs. Bucks

Jan 9, 2007 - 7:01 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Without Michael Redd on the court, Earl Boykins and the Denver Nuggets were able to get back on track.

Boykins had 26 points and 11 assists and Allen Iverson added 23 points as the Nuggets snapped a five-game losing streak with a 104-92 victory over the struggling Milwaukee Bucks.

Marcus Camby collected 19 points and 15 rebounds for Denver, which improved to just 3-6 since acquiring Iverson in a trade with Philadelphia on December 19.

"It feels good. I'm just happy to get one (win) and get back on track," Iverson said. "It was tough to lose five in a row but I learned a lot about this team just being with them early and going through some type of adversity."

The NBA's fifth-leading scorer at 27.7 points per game, Redd is nursing a strained patellar tendon in his left knee and will miss four to six weeks. His outside shooting was missed by the Bucks, who shot just 39 percent from the field, including 4-of-15 3-pointers.

Denver coach George Karl said it was an important win no matter who was on the floor.

"I think this will be a win we will remember if we go on and have a good year," Karl said. "It gives us the confidence to go out and take on San Antonio (Wednesday). I thought Marcus was fantastic tonight."

Despite the presence of Iverson, Boykins was the star guard for the Nuggets. The 5-5 sparkplug shot 8-of-20 from the field and 8-of-8 from the line, but made his biggest impact by setting up his teammates for easy shots.

The league's third-best scorer at 29.5 points per game, Iverson shot 9-of-21 and continued his role as the main option for Denver, which improved to 4-6 without suspended superstar Carmelo Anthony.

Iverson, who has looked tentative with his new team, is averaging 5.3 turnovers since being traded to Denver. On Monday, he felt more comfortable running the offense.

"I just wanted to try and contribute because I've been struggling so bad," Iverson said. "I'm trying desperately to just find my game and get some type of rhythm. I'm not seeing openings like I usually do. I've been missing shots that I can usually make with my eyes closed."

Former Nugget Ruben Patterson had 29 points and 12 rebounds for Milwaukee, which has dropped four of its last five contests after a season-high six-game winning streak.

"I was having fun out there," Patterson said. "It was fun playing against my old teammates. I wish we could have gotten the win, but they played great basketball."

The Bucks also were without forward Charlie Villanueva, who has missed each of the last two games with tendinitis in his right shoulder. The 6-11 Villanueva is averaging 12.7 points and also is listed as day-to-day.