Anthony scored a season-high 45 points in Denver's 116-105 win over Minnesota on Wednesday, with 33 of his points coming in the third quarter. His third-quarter performance matched George Gervin's league mark for points in a quarter, set April 9, 1978.

"I've never been a part of a quarter like that before," said Anthony, who had scored 32 points in his previous two games combined. "I just felt that good. I can't explain it. My 3-ball was going in, driving to the basket, getting fouled. Just the complete game tonight."

Anthony finished four points shy of his career high of 49, set against Washington last February. He scored 25 straight points at one juncture for Denver (15-7), which has won two straight games, five of six and seven of 10.

"I've played against some great ones and played with some great ones," said Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups, who added 24 points. "That's the best I've ever seen in a 12-minute span. He was awesome. He got us back in the game, got us a nice lead. Single-handedly put us on his back tonight and did what a lot of great players do."

The performance also likely quieted concerns about Anthony's right elbow, which has given him trouble this month. Anthony is averaging 20.9 points this season, but had been averaging 14.3 points in his previous five games entering Wednesday.

On Saturday, Anthony will face a Warriors (7-16) team that he's averaged 26.5 points against in his career - his highest average against any Western Conference opponent.

Golden State is also one of the league's worst defensive teams, giving up 111.1 points per game, which has helped contribute to the team's worst start since opening 6-17 in 2000-01.

The Warriors failed to record a season-high third straight win Friday night, losing 119-108 at home to the Houston Rockets. It marked a step back for Golden State, which had held Milwaukee to 96 points two nights earlier - only the fourth time this season it limited a team to fewer than 100.

Andris Biedrins had 18 points and 12 rebounds in Friday's loss, while Anthony Randolph recorded his first career double-double with 15 points and 10 rebounds.

Before winning back-to-back games, the Warriors had lost nine in a row, with seven of those losses coming on the road. They are 3-10 away from home this season.

This is the second meeting in the season series, with Golden State winning 111-101 at home on Nov. 5. Denver, though, has won eight of nine on its home court against the Warriors.