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Anthony shines as Nuggets knock off T-Wolves

Dec 11, 2008 - 7:33 AM DENVER (Ticker) -- Carmelo Anthony tied an NBA record for points in a quarter to lead the Denver Nuggets to a 116-105 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves on Wednesday.

Anthony scored 33 of his 45 points in the third quarter to set a new franchise mark and tie George Gervin for the NBA record. David Thompson previously held the Nuggets' record with 32 points.

"I can't put it into words," Anthony said. "It was a good night. Records are made to be broken, and no disrespect to David, but it was my turn tonight."

Anthony had nine points at the half and Denver trailed 56-44 before taking control with a 40-point third quarter. Anthony was 12-of-15 from the field in the third, scoring on drives and 3-pointers while adding five rebounds.

"I just felt that good. I can't explain it," Anthony said. "Just the complete game tonight."

Randy Foye and Al Jefferson each scored 26 points for Minnesota, which has lost seven straight and failed in its second chance to give Kevin McHale his first win since taking over as coach.

"We've got some bad habits," McHale said. "We miss a shot and slap our hands and then we don't get back on defense. Our effort was good, we just have to keep working to get better."

The Nuggets were sluggish in the first half and trailed by as many as 16 points.

Playing their second game under McHale, the Timberwolves got off to the fast start behind Foye, Craig Smith and Al Jefferson, each of whom had 12 points in the first half.

Denver used an 18-4 run to start the second half to tie the game, 60-60, with 6:22 to go in the quarter. The Nuggets eventually took a one-point edge with 5:58 to go in the third quarter, their first lead since early in the opening frame.

"We needed a push, we needed some energy and we had to bring our own tonight," Anthony said. "We were embarrassed with how we played in the first half."

"Tonight was one of those nights where they all went in for him," Foye said of Anthony. "He's in the books now."

Anthony also finished with 11 rebounds to notch his 10th double-double of the season.

"It was a breakout game," Denver coach George Karl said. "Carmelo had been struggling with his game all year."

Sparked by Anthony, the Nuggets outscored the Timberwolves 40-22 in the third to take an 84-78 lead into the fourth, one which they never relinquished.

"Carmelo made a lot of shots in transition," McHale said. "He got rolling and really out on a show in the third quarter."

Chauncey Billups scored 24 points and Anthony Carter added 11 for Denver, which built its lead to as many as 11 points in the fourth to finish off the game and improve to 15-7 this season.