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Anthony, Smith help fuel Nuggets past lowly Heat

Feb 13, 2008 - 4:51 AM By Michael Snyder PA SportsTicker Contributing Writer

MIAMI (Ticker) - J.R. Smith flashed his shooting touch and All-Star Dwyane Wade missed the potential game-winning shot in overtime as the Denver Nuggets defeated the Miami Heat, 114-113, on Tuesday night.

Smith, who scored a career-high 37 points against the Heat last season, connected on eight 3-pointers en route to a 28-point performance.

Kenyon Martin scored 24 points and Carmelo Anthony poured in 22 to help the Nuggets capture their sixth straight meeting over the Heat.

"J.R. had a huge game, I thought Kenyon's offense was imperative because I though 'Melo and (Allen Iverson) were not having hot hands," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "I thought the second half had a good flow and J.R. and Kenyon were the big teasers."

In the extra session, Wade's 3-pointer tied the game at 110-110, but Anthony and former Heat guard Anthony Carter each knocked down a pair of free throws to put Denver up by four.

Wade missed a shot from the arc, but Ricky Davis connected from long range to make it a one-point game, 114-113.

With nine seconds left, Anthony missed from 21 feet, giving the Heat one last chance after Wright came up with the rebound. Wade's shot hit the rim and bounced away.

"When Dorell (Wright) got the rebound, I looked over and Coach (Pat Riley) didn't call a timeout, he said go," Wade said. "I only had five seconds once I touched the ball. I got the best shot that I could and it came out."

"We kept our composure (and) we finished the game out, that's what matters," Anthony said. "We didn't get a whole lot done at the defensive end all night, but when we had to, we got the stops we needed."

While Smith's huge offensive outburst provided another weapon on the court, Iverson struggled to find his touch.

"This was one of my worst games," said Iverson, who made just 5-of-20 shots. "I couldn't throw a rock in the ocean. I wasn't able to get into any rhythm at all out there. My teammates picked me up."

"I thought (Smith) gave us a decent defensive effort and when he is that energized (offensively), it is something that we can ride," Karl said. "We did tonight."

Shawn Marion, in his second game since being acquired by Miami in a trade that sent Shaquille O'Neal to Phoenix, had 23 points and 18 rebounds, playing an uptempo style that was unknown in South Florida when O'Neal controlled the middle.

Wade had 29 points and 10 assists and Wright scored 19 for the Heat, who dropped their eighth consecutive outing.