The Raptors put together an 11-point lead in the second quarter, but they settled for a 64-64 halftime tie. Nene scored eight points and 'Melo seven during Denver's 17-6 run to end the first half, which ended with Anthony's breakaway basket at the buzzer.

"We got together at halftime and told each other we didn't want to play like that," Anthony said. "That's their game."

So, they cranked up the defense to take control, then coasted.

Denver coach George Karl said this was the best passing game his team has had so far, and it showed in the paint, where the Nuggets outscored the Raptors 68-36.

"We had no answer for them inside," Toronto coach Jay Triano said. "They posted us up with 3s, and once you try to help on Carmelo, when he's making shots, you try to help, he picks you apart by hitting bigs diving to the basket. That second half got away from us."

Notes

Toronto claimed F Pops Mensah-Bonsu off waivers from Houston. ... Anthony has topped 30 points seven times in 11 games so far.