When Anthony caught the ball on the block, or just off the block, he immediately turned to face the defender. It gave him clear vision of any impending double-teams and the ability to make a crisper play than he could with his back to the basket. The Nuggets sent cutters through the lane, and he hit them for layups and dunks. Other times, his face-up slowed or stopped the double-team, allowing him to get a clearer look at a shot.

Details like this are what coach George Karl, Anthony and the team are addressing to help their best scorer lift himself from an early-season shooting slump.

His per-game average of 19.8 points is a single-season low since coming to the NBA in 2003, nearly five points lower than his career average entering the season of 24.4.

Additionally, Anthony is shooting a career-low 39 percent from the field, 10 percent lower than he shot last season and 7 percent lower than his career average of 46 percent.

"When you have a scorer like him that can score in so many ways, you look at the ways that he's not scoring and if it's some of his fault or if it's the defenses' fault," guard Chauncey Billups said.

In the open court, look for Anthony to work more at getting ahead of the ball, beating the defense down the court for easy shots. That was part of his game last season when he shot a career-high 49 percent from the field but largely has been missing this season.

In addition?

"Just easy stuff," Anthony said. "Offensive rebounding, free-throw line. Just little things I know can help me come along."

Points have never been a huge concern, Anthony said. He admits that scoring fewer points and averaging more rebounds and assists will benefit the team, but the Nuggets also walk the thin line of having their best player slip to being a nonfactor on offense.

"My whole thing with Melo is relax on your scoring," Karl said. "The scoring will come. He's too talented not to."

Sunday's game was a start. Anthony scored 21 points and made 6-of-11 shots (54.5 percent), his best shooting of the season. And he had a season-high-tying 13 rebounds and a season-high eight assists.

"Melo can do almost anything at an all-star level," Karl said. "He doesn't have to score to be successful."

But the Nuggets remain a better team when he's a top scoring threat. Karl acknowledged that Kenyon Martin's 10-for-10 night from the floor against the Bulls was fueled in part by his ability to be an outlet for Anthony on double teams. Martin got several open looks.

"He's going to be the focal point regardless because the guy can do so many things," guard Chucky Atkins said of Anthony. "He can handle the ball, he can shoot the ball, he has a great IQ for the game. He'll be fine."

Footnotes. Forward Chris Andersen (rib) said he has been told he can return Saturday, when the Nuggets play at Minnesota. He has missed eight games. ? Martin did not practice Monday because of a sore wrist. He said it's painful, but he will not miss any game action.

Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com