"Tian Gua" is heading back to Beijing.
That's what the Chinese called the Nuggets' Carmelo Anthony - translation: "Sweet Melon" - during his historic run with Team USA to the 2008 Olympic gold medal. His Nuggets will play an Oct. 11 exhibition game at Beijing's Wukesong Arena, site of the Olympic Basketball tournament. Denver will play Indiana, the same team it will face in an Oct. 8 exhibition game in Taipei. The game in Beijing will be the third NBA exhibition held there.
"The third NBA game in Beijing demonstrates our commitment to bringing world-
class sporting events to Beijing and will give passionate Basketball fans the opportunity to see some of the best players in the NBA compete live," said Sun Kanglin, president of the Beijing Municipal Bureau of Sport, in a statement.
The Nuggets Dancers and mascot Rocky will accompany the team to China.
Benjamin Hochman: 303-954-1294 or bhochman@denverpost.com
