Listless Nuggets lose to Hornets as Carmelo Anthony trade looms

Nuggets lose as Carmelo Anthony trade looms

In what could have been Carmelo Anthony's last game in Denver, the New Orleans Hornets rolled to an easy win over a lethargic Denver squad on Sunday night, 96-87. It was Denver's third straight loss.

Anthony, who is expected to be traded to the New Jersey Nets anytime according to multiple sources, scored just eight points for the night which may be his last for the only team he has played for in more than 7 seasons of his NBA career. He finished 3 for 11 from the field in 34 minutes.

The trade would reportedly involve more than ten players and a third team aside from the Nuggets and Nets. That third team was later known to be the Detroit Pistons who agreed to help facilitate the deal in exchange for unloading Rip Hamilton's contract.

Anthony was in early foul trouble in Sunday's game and his first basket did not come until midway through the third quarter which put the score at 65-49. Despite a half-baked effort to rally, the Denver crowd booed the home team for its uninspiring play. The large deficit showed how this team had finally come to its lowest point after enduring endless speculation about its franchise player for much of the season.

The Nuggets attempted a short run but the Hornets made sure they had this one. Chris Paul paced the Hornets with 20 points while big man David West added 19.

Anthony's teammate Chauncey Billups is said to be part of the imminent deal which will also reunite Billups with former Pistons teammate Rip Hamilton in New Jersey. The trade depends upon the willingness of Anthony to sign an extension with the Nets.

Posted by Andre Monohan on Monday January 10 2011, 3:00 AM EDT. Ref: Washington Post. All trademarks acknowledged. Filed under Featured News. Comments and Trackbacks closed. Follow responses: RSS 2.0