But no longer.

Anthony was held to 14 points in Monday's 93-83 win at Philadelphia, ending a streak of 20 straight games. The last NBA player to do that for so many games at the start of a season was Allen Iverson, who did it in the first 21 games in 2005-06 for Philadelphia. Interestingly, Iverson returned Monday to the 76ers, nearly three years after being traded to Denver.

The streak had been a source of pride for Anthony.

"A cool streak," he said.

But it's over. Anthony shot just 5-of-21. He took several late shots, trying to make a run at 20, but never got close.

"You can't expect a guy to have 82 good nights offensively," said Nuggets coach George Karl. "Offensively, for whatever reason, Melo (didn't have) a good night."

It was a frustrating night all around. Anthony was whistled for a technical in the third quarter.

During his 20-game run, Anthony only four times had less than 25 points and only once had less than 22. He entered Monday averaging an NBA-high 30.4 points.

NUGGETS 93, 76ERS 83: The Nuggets had looked sluggish in some recent games against NBA bottom-feeders, falling to the Clippers and Minnesota.

It looked as if it might happen again Monday when the Nuggets (16-5) trailed host Philadelphia (5-16) by as many as 10 points. They were still down by seven late in the third quarter.

But the Nuggets roared back for the win. The key was a 17-0 run that turned a 65-60 deficit late in the third quarter into a 77-65 lead early in the fourth.

Guard Chauncey Billups led the Nuggets with 31 points and handed out eight assists.

"When Chauncey plays like he plays (Monday), it's easy to push the buttons," said Nuggets coach George Karl.

Forward Carmelo Anthony added 14 points.

Guard Andre Iguodala led the 76ers, who have lost 10 straight, with 31 points, and forward Thaddues Young added 21. Guard Allen Iverson, returning to the 76ers after nearly a three-year absence, totaled 11 points and six assists.