Trade Pays Off Fast for Raptors

Donyell Marshall and Jalen Rose helped the NBA’s worst offense look much better.

Marshall scored a season-high 27 points and Rose had eight assists in their Toronto debuts to help the Raptors beat the 76ers, 95-88, Tuesday night at Philadelphia.

Vince Carter added 21 points and a career-high 12 assists as the Raptors -- averaging only 78 points -- reached 90 points for only the fourth time this season.

“We have so many guys who can stroke the ball, guys who can draw double teams. We’re bound to score more points,” said Carter of the players acquired from Chicago in a weekend trade.

Allen Iverson, making only eight of 32 shots, led the 76ers with 35 points.

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Denver 115, Cleveland 103 -- Carmelo Anthony scored 20 of his 26 points in the second half at Denver to lead the Nuggets to victory in a rematch of the NBA’s top two rookies.

The Nuggets (11-6) have won eight of 10 overall and are off to their best start since 1989-90.

LeBron James had 19 points, six rebounds and five assists as the Cavaliers lost their 32nd straight road game -- 0-11 this season -- tying for the third-longest streak in league history.

Denver won the first meeting, 93-89, on Nov. 5.

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New Orleans 100, Orlando 91 -- Baron Davis had 21 points and 11 assists at Orlando, Fla., to help send the Magic to its 16th consecutive loss.

One more loss will match the franchise record for futility. Orlando lost 17 in a row in 1991-92.

Tracy McGrady had 15 rebounds but scored only 16 points on six-of-19 shooting.

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Dallas 97, Washington 72 -- Antawn Jamison scored 21 points as the Mavericks improved to 10-0 at home.

The Mavericks were again without leading scorer Dirk Nowitzki (sprained ankle). He is doubtful for Thursday’s game against the Lakers.

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Milwaukee 106, Atlanta 94 -- Dan Gadzuric made all six of his shots and scored a career-high 15 points to help the Bucks win at Atlanta.

Michael Redd led the Bucks with 25 points.