The NBA’s leading scorer played 34 minutes in his first appearance since missing five games because of a knee injury suffered on Dec. 28.
Anthony showed little sign of rust, making two straight three-pointers in the fourth quarter which helped seal victory.
“I felt pretty good” Anthony told reporters. “Early in the game, by me not playing five-on-five basketball, it was hard to figure what I can do and what I can’t do.
“I was trying to ease my way into the game… once I was able to do that it felt pretty good.”
Chauncey Billups added 18 points and 10 assists for the Nuggets (24-14), who stretched an eight-point halftime lead to an 85-70 advantage by the end of the third.
Minnesota (8-31) had defeated Denver (24-14) in their last meeting on Nov. 29 but could not repeat the feat despite 25 points from Corey Brewer as well as 22 and 15 boards from Al Jefferson. The Timberwolves defeated the Nuggets on Nov. 29 when they ended Denver’s 17-game home winning streak.
