Nuggets steal thunder from Oklahoma

DENVER – The Denver Nuggets took control with a big third quarter to crush the Oklahoma City Thunder, 119-90, in Wednesday’s NBA action.

Carmelo Anthony outplayed Kevin Durant, scoring 30 points, and Nene added 20 points for the Nuggets, who moved 1-1/2 games clear atop the Northwest Division, and 3-1/2 ahead of the Thunder.

Durant, the NBA’s second-leading scorer, was held to 19 points after averaging 31 points in two previous games against the Nuggets this season.

James Harden also had 19 points for Oklahoma City.

In Boston, Paul Pierce scored 27 points to lead the Boston to a comfortable 104-80 win over Charlotte.

Boston’s Nate Robinson had 16 points, including three 3-pointers in a 90-second span bridging the first and second quarters to key a 16-0 run. The Celtics have easily beaten the Bobcats in all three clashes this season.

Tyrus Thomas had 15 points and 10 rebounds to lead Charlotte, losers of five of six.

In Los Angeles, Phoenix breezed to its second rout in six days against the Clippers, 127-101, sweeping the four-game season series for the second straight year.

Amare Stoudemire had 30 points and 14 rebounds and Channing Frye scored 23 points, including four 3-pointers in the fourth quarter to help Phoenix build its margin to 29 points with 6:45 remaining. The Suns shot 56 percent.

Chris Kaman had 24 points and nine rebounds for the Clippers.

In New Orleans, Memphis notched a franchise-record fifth straight road win by edging New Orleans, 104-100.

Mike Conley scored a season-high 26 points, including nine in the final quarter as the Grizzlies overcame a nine-point deficit. Conley missed two free throws with 11 seconds left that gave the Hornets a chance to tie it, but James Posey turned the ball over and Rudy Gay dunked as time expired.(AP)