NBA roundup: Nuggets outpace Indiana

INDIANAPOLIS — Carmelo Anthony scored 25 points and Chauncey Billups added 24 to help Denver beat the Indiana Pacers 111-93 on Tuesday night, lifting the Nuggets to their best start in 24 years.

Anthony, who was averaging 38 points, shot just 6-for-17 from the field but made 11 of 14 free throws. Nene added 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Nuggets (4-0), who are off to their best start since the 1985-86 season.

Former Denver guard Dahntay Jones led the Pacers with 20 points, and Danny Granger added 18 for Indiana (0-3).

Pacers forward Troy Murphy bruised his lower back when he fell hard to the floor in the first quarter and did not return. He was second in the league in rebounding and third in 3-point percentage last season.

CELTICS 105, 76ERS 74: At Philadelphia, Paul Pierce scored 21 points, Rasheed Wallace had 20 and Boston remained unbeaten with a victory over the 76ers. The Celtics improved to 5-0 even without the usual standout performances from Kevin Garnett and Ray Allen. Allen didn't score his first field goal until the third quarter and had five points. Garnett made just one basket on seven shots and scored three points when he was yanked with the game out of hand. Wallace was about the only Celtic who had his normal night, even getting whistled for a technical foul for arguing with the refs in the third quarter. Andre Iguodala led the Sixers with 17 points. Philadelphia missed 15-of-16 3-point attempts.

CAVALIERS 102, WIZARDS 90: At Cleveland, LeBron James scored 27 points, Shaquille O'Neal added a season-high 21 while wearing out Washington's big men and the Cavaliers won their third straight, beating the Wizards. The Cavs trailed by 18 in the second quarter before turning up their defense and relying on their superstar combo of James and O'Neal to win their sixth straight at home over the Wizards. Mo Williams scored 15 and Daniel Gibson 14 for the Cavs, who made nine 3-pointers in the second half — four in the fourth quarter when James was out. Williams and Gibson were a combined 7-for-9 on 3s. Caron Butler and Gilbert Arenas scored 22 apiece to lead the Wizards.