Allen Iverson is experiencing a Rocky Mountain high.

The seven-time All-Star and four-time NBA scoring champ is having a good time with the Denver Nuggets.

"If there's a better word than fun, then use that one," Iverson said. "It's been real fun for me."

Though Friday night's 116-111 loss to Utah in the EnergySolutions Arena wasn't all that enjoyable for Iverson, he did score 33 points and make things interesting down the stretch — hitting a 3-point shot and a fast-break layup to give the Nuggets a lead in the final minute.

After more than 10 seasons in Philadelphia, Iverson is quickly adjusting to life in the Western Conference. Rivalries with teams in the East have been replaced with Northwest Division foes like Utah.

"It's different, but it's the same mind-set. I approach every game the same way," Iverson said. "That's no different. It's just the team that's different."

One difference, however, is the tempo.

"The West runs up and down a little bit more than the East," said Jazz veteran Matt Harpring, a former teammate of Iverson's in Philadelphia. "I think the West actually fits his style probably better than the East."

Denver coach George Karl agrees. The Nuggets, he added, are a team that tries to get extra possessions by speeding things up.

It's a style Iverson appreciates.

"There's a lot more scoring out here in the West and scoring is something that I definitely want to do," Iverson said. "I don't have any problem with it at all."

Though it remains to be seen if he'll be able to coexist with league scoring leader Carmelo Anthony, who finished with a game-high 37 points, Iverson is fitting in just fine. The Nuggets had won five straight games before losing to the Jazz.

"He's been fantastic," said Karl, who acknowledges both parties are still in the honeymoon stage.

Utah coach Jerry Sloan said things may work out in Denver.

"Great players can do anything. They can change if they get in a situation," he explained while noting that Iverson was counted on to score a lot of points for a long period of time in Philadelphia. The Nuggets, however, provide other viable options such as Anthony.

"Iverson can pick his spots and really take advantage of it," said Sloan, who added that teams must still concentrate on him for 48 minutes.

The addition of Iverson, he continued, was a tremendous thing the Nuggets did — a move to challenge the Jazz and other contenders.

"That's why they made the trade," Sloan said. " ... They moved their team up in the upper echelon when they brought in Iverson."

It's also raised interest in the Nuggets around the league.

"I know he is very popular," Karl said. "I was talking to somebody in Seattle. They sold 2,900 walk-up tickets. He brings people to the building."

Friday's game was sold out, Utah's sixth in 23 home dates this season.

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E-mail: dirk@desnews.com