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Nuggets begin road swing in Washington

Jan 25, 2011 - 4:31 PM (Sports Network) - The Denver Nuggets have landed in the east coast to kick off a five-game road trip, starting with tonight's showdown against the Washington Wizards from the Verizon Center.

Denver has been a polar opposite of itself on the road this season as opposed to its success in the Rocky Mountains. A solid 20-5 at the Pepsi Center this season, the Nuggets sport just a 5-13 ledger on enemy courts and will also visit the Pistons, Cavs, 76ers and Nets on the road swing. They have lost three in a row as the guest.

The Nuggets went 2-1 on a three-game homestand and capped the residency with a 121-107 triumph over Indiana on Sunday, as Carmelo Anthony, the subject of numerous trade rumors, pumped in 36 points on 14-of-27 shooting, including a 6-for-8 clip from downtown.

"They just kept leaving me open, and the three-ball was falling," Anthony said after he knocked down six treys in the third quarter.

Nene had 15 points and 10 rebounds, while Al Harrington scored 16 points in a reserve role for the Nuggets, who have won five of their last seven games. Nuggets guard Arron Afflalo (hand) is probable for tonight's game and had nine points against the Pacers.

The Nuggets are 2 1/2 games behind Oklahoma City for the Northwest lead.

Had it not been for Washington's play in the nation's capital, it could be winless this season. Washington is an NBA-worst 0-21 on the road this season, but owns a 13-9 record in DC.

The Wizards have lost three of four games overall and are coming off Monday's 115-106 loss in New York. Nick Young led the way with 22 points, while Rashard Lewis chipped in 20 for Washington, which got 18 points, nine assists and seven rebounds from rookie John Wall and was coming off a huge 85-83 win over Boston. Seventeen turnovers led to 24 New York points.

"Turnovers hurt us early, turnovers hurt us late," said Wizards head coach Flip Saunders.

JaVale McGee had a double-double of 15 points and 10 rebounds in defeat. Andray Blatche ended with six points and entered the game averaging 19.0 points, 5.5 rebounds, 3.0 assists and 3.0 steals in two games versus the Knicks this season.

Washington will try to snap its lengthy road slide when it kicks off a four- game trek Friday against Oklahoma City, Memphis, Dallas and New Orleans.

Denver and Washington split a home-and-home series a season a go, with each team holding serve as the host. The Nuggets have still won six of seven and 12 of the previous 15 meetings between the teams.