Nuggets stumble but hold off Suns

DENVER -- The Denver Nuggets frittered away a big lead over Phoenix for the second time in 24 hours, but unlike their drubbing a night earlier, they recovered for a crucial 126-120 victory over the Suns on Tuesday night.

Carmelo Anthony grabbed two key rebounds and made two free throws in the final 27 seconds and finished with 25 points. Allen Iverson had 31 points for Denver, which blew a 22-point lead and lost, 132-117, to Phoenix on Monday.

Denver, which blew a 14-point lead in the final minutes Tuesday, pulled half a game ahead of Golden State for the final Western Conference playoff spot and stayed half a game behind seventh-place Dallas.

Leandro Barbosa had 27 points for Phoenix, denied sole possession of the Pacific Division lead.