NBA HIGHLIGHTS: Nuggets stay hot, rout Nets

Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony woke up the unbeaten Nuggets in a 44-point third quarter, and Denver continued its best start since 1985-86 with a 122-94 romp past the winless Nets on Wednesday night in East Rutherford, N.J.

Billups scored all 12 of his points in the third quarter, and Anthony -- who was 1-for-11 in the first half -- scored 11 of his 22 in the third, which was the Nets' worst defensive effort in a quarter since giving up 49 points vs. Atlanta in 1985. The Nuggets hit 17 of 25 shots in the quarter.

The win was the fifth straight for Denver, one shy of the '85-'86 start, and it was the Nets' fifth straight loss, tying the worst start (1996-97) in franchise history.

Peja Stojakovic hit a game-tying three-pointer in the final seconds of regulation, and Chris Paul scored six of his 39 points in overtime, lifting New Orleans to a 114-107 victory over visiting Dallas.

Jason Terry had 35 points for the Mavericks, who led 97-94 lead with 10 seconds left -- but Jason Terry missed a technical free throw and Jose Barea missed two more foul shots, setting up Stojakovic's dramatic three.

Andrea Bargnani (22 points, 12 rebounds) and Chris Bosh (25 points) powered the Raptors past the visiting Pistons 110-99 as Toronto became the first team this season to top 100 points vs. Detroit. Ben Gordon had a season-high 30 points for the Pistons.

Monta Ellis and Anthony Morrow each scored 24, and the Warriors got their first victory, 113-105 over the visiting Grizzlies. Memphis' Allen Iverson (18 points) became the 16th NBA player to reach 24,000 for his career.•

• Playing without injured Vince Carter and suspended Rashard Lewis, the Magic shot 52.2 percent from three-point range and 52.3 percent from the field while handing the visiting Suns their first loss, 122-100.

• The Pacers notched their first victory by holding the host Knicks without a field goal for the final 9-plus minutes. New York shot 2-for-17 in the fourth quarter, and Indiana won 101-89.•

•Kobe Bryant scored 41, Andrew Bynum added 17 points and 17 rebounds and the Lakers prevailed in overtime, trimming the Rockets 103-102 in Houston.

AP