"Every game, including the preseason, we struggle in the third quarter," Najera said. "I don't know what it is but we have to figure it out. We can't come out every third quarter and basically let the other team do whatever they want. We have to learn and stay patient. It's not going to happen overnight."

Former Net Kenyon Martin added 18 points and 10 rebounds for the Nuggets. Rookie Ty Lawson added a season-high 23 points on 9 of 10 shooting. Nene had 16 and nine rebounds, while Aaron Afflalo had 15.

Billups, who was in foul trouble in the first half and didn't score, hit two free throws, a drive and a 3-pointer in the opening 1:11 to give the Nuggets a 57-51 lead. Nene added two free throw and a big jam and Anthony had an alley-oop, a reverse layup and a drive to cap the 21-6 spurt that put Denver ahead 71-57.

New Jersey never got close after that.

NOTES: The Nets dressed 10 players with Tony Battie, Keyon Dooling, Jarvis Hayes and Yi Jianlian out with injuries. ... Denver's Joey Graham missed the game with sprained right big toe. ... The 22 points were Anthony's lowest output of the season. He came in averaging a league-high 34.5 points. ... Denver has scored at least 110 points in 11 of its last 14 regular-season games dating to last season. ... Billups had scored at least 20 points in each of the Nuggets first four games.