Nuggets hang on after blowing big lead

Carmelo Anthony scored 22 points, including a layup with 56 seconds left, and the Denver Nuggets recovered after blowing a 26-point third-quarter lead to beat the New Orleans Hornets, 105-100, on Saturday night.

J.R. Smith scored 11 of his 17 points in the fourth quarter for Denver.

Chris Paul had 30 points and 11 assists, and David West scored 21 points for the Hornets, whose winning streak ended at four games.

The Nuggets led 77-51 before New Orleans rallied, outscoring Denver 20-6 to end the third quarter and then scoring the first nine points of the fourth to cut it to 83-80.

James Posey’s three-pointer with 1:10 to go put the Hornets ahead, 100-99, their only lead of the game. But Anthony’s layup and four Chauncey Billups free throws pulled Denver to safety.