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Anthony carries Nuggets in exhibition matchup

Oct 11, 2006 - 6:11 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Carmelo Anthony scored 21 points and Reggie Evans added 17 and 11 rebounds as the Denver Nuggets posted an 118-102 victory over Turkish powerhouse Efes Pilsen in an exhibition matchup.

Anthony is coming off an impressive showing with team America during this summer's World Championships, where he received a bronze medal. The 6-8 swingman posted a career-high in scoring with 26.5 points per game last season.

Tempermental Kenyon Martin scored just four points for Denver, which shot 42 percent (36-of-84) from the field and held a commanding 76-38 edge in points in the paint. Martin was suspended by the team for insubordination during last season's playoffs.

Earlier Tuesday, Denver picked up a three-year option on coach George Karl's contract, which now runs through the 2009-10 campaign. Karl took over midway through the 2004-05 season for interim coach Michael Cooper, who coached 18 games after Jeff Bzdelik was fired.

J.R. Smith scored 15 points for Denver, which used a 12-4 run for a 35-22 advantage to start the second quarter. A 2004 first-round selection, Smith was acquired in the offseason from the Chicago Bulls in exchange for two future first-round picks.

Horace Jenkins scored 26 points and Marcus Haislip contributed 23 for Eles Pilsen, who shot 43 percent (45-of-82).