Rockets Vs. Nuggets: Carmelo Anthony Scores 50, But It Comes In Vain As Houston Prevails

Carmelo Anthony exploded for 50 points in highly efficient fashion, but the Denver Nuggets still lost to the Houston Rockets 108-103 in a tough game to swallow. Anthony’s teammates shot a combined 19 of 53 from the field (36 percent). ‘Melo himself earned his 50 on 16-24 shooting, with 16-18 from the line. He also had 11 rebounds and three blocks.

Kevin Martin was the top scorer for the Rockets. Martin and ‘Melo score comparably in terms of per-minute volume, but Martin typically does so much more efficiently. But Anthony was indeed more frugal with his shots on this night, as Martin needed 26 field goal attempts and 12 free throws to get his 37 points.

The win moved the Rockets to 25-28 as Houston inches toward playoff contention. The Nuggets still look secure at 30-22, but nothing’s certain until the trade deadline passes. ‘Melo figures to keep his name on the tongues of rumor mongers and NBA execs alike with outbursts like this; I imagine a few hundred thousands people in New York salivate while looking at this particular box score.

Ty Lawson did score 19 off the bench for Denver, and did it without hitting a three-pointer. Houston got 25 points from Luis Scola, and as Aaron Brooks served a one-game suspension for leaving the court after being benched by Rick Adelman in Houston’s Saturday win, Kyle Lowry and Ish Smith combined for 13 assists and two turnovers.