Minneapolis – Carmelo Anthony took care of the scoring, while Eduardo Najera and Reggie Evans covered everything else for the Nuggets on Friday night.
Anthony had 35 points, Najera and Evans outworked Minnesota’s post players for 27 rebounds – 16 on the offensive end – and the Nuggets beat the Timberwolves 106-92.
“Those are commitment things, those are heart things, those are gut things,” Nuggets coach George Karl said. “Our confidence came from the energy they gave us and the extra effort they gave us.”
Najera had 14 points and 11 rebounds, and all five starters scored in double figures for the Nuggets, who have won nine of their last 11 games after starting the season 0-3. Denver outrebounded Minnesota 52-40, led by Evans’ 16 rebounds.
The all-around effort followed two days of practice that, according to a few Denver players, were very intense and focused on defense.
“He was at us, real aggressive and real tough,” Evans said of Karl. “He was on our necks and it showed today.”
Added Anthony: “We went hard for the last couple of days and I think it paid off for us.”
Anthony scored at least 30 points for the 11th time in the last 12 games.
“You are seeing one of the best offensive players I have ever coached,” Karl said. “The game is so easy for him in so many different places.”
Kevin Garnett had 21 points and 11 rebounds and Ricky Davis also had 21 points for Minnesota, which has lost three straight games.
Minnesota shot just 44 percent from the field, falling to 0-6 when shooting under 45 percent.
“We didn’t bring it,” coach Dwane Casey said. “We had two days of spirited practice and we didn’t have it in the game tonight.”
Anthony scored 11 points in the third quarter when the Nuggets pulled away, doubling their halftime lead from 56-45 to 89-67.
Anthony scored from the inside and the outside, attacking the rim and Garnett on one play for a basket and then hitting a running 3-pointer at the buzzer to give Denver the 22-point lead.
Minnesota missed 14 of 23 shots in the quarter. The Wolves did not get closer than 13 the rest of the way.
Andre Miller added nine rebounds to go with 17 points for the Nuggets.
