Martin joked before the season that, if the NBA used replacement officials, he might get 16 technicals in the first month, which would result in a suspension.

It hasn't been that bad. But Martin does have five this season, and three came in the two games prior to Saturday's at San Antonio.

--F Carmelo Anthony has been named Western Conference Player of the Month. While the award is for November, it includes two games Anthony played in October.

In the season's first 17 games, 15 in November, Anthony averaged 31.0 points, 6.0 rebounds and 3.5 assists. He scored 30 or more points 11 times, including three times hitting 40 or more. The highlight was a career-high 50 points Anthony scored Nov. 27 against New York.

"I'm feeling better than I ever have, and I'm excited about what's ahead of us," Anthony said. "We've gotten off to a good start, but this is just the beginning for us."

Anthony has pretty much picked up in December where he left off. He's averaged 27.0 points in the first three games of the month and would have scored more had he not taken a seat early during two routs.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "There's always something going on, so George and I have a good relationship. We talk about different things we want to get accomplished with the team or in the game." -- PG Chauncey Billups, who almost is like an assistant coach the way he often talks to Denver coach George Karl, especially after practices.