LOS ANGELES, 7 November 2003 — Carmelo Anthony got the best of LeBron James in the much-hyped rookie showdown but it was tiny Earl Boykins who grabbed the spotlight.
Boykins scored 18-point all in the second half as the Denver Nuggets spoiled James’ home debut Wednesday night with a 93-89 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers.
“I’m kind of glad Earl stole the show,” said Anthony, who outpointed James 14-7 in the first NBA career match-up of two of the most celebrated picks in last summer’s NBA Draft.
“That keeps the pressure off me.” While the sellout crowd of more than 20,000 eager fans at Gund Arena waiting for the two youngsters to take over, the 5-foot-5 Boykins, netted 10 third-quarter points as the Nuggets outscored the Cavs, 22-9, to gain control of the contest.
Boykins, who twice had stints with the Cavs, added eight more points in the fourth, and Andre Miller sank two game-clinching free throws with 23 seconds left as the Nuggets held off a late rally.
James, the top overall pick in the draft, saw his team Cleveland fall to 0-4 on the young season.
Elsewhere:
Wizards 100 Mavericks 90: Newcomer Gilbert Arenas had 25 points, 12 rebounds and 10 assists as the host Wizards took advantage to a shoulder injury by All-Star guard Steve Nash to stop the Mavericks’ three-game winning streak.
Kings 125 Minnesota Timberwolves 121 (OT): Peja Stojakovic scored 26 of his 34 points in the second half as the visiting Kings outlasted the Timberwolves.
Chicago Bulls 106, Orlando Magic 100:Jamal Crawford scored 30 points, while Donyell Marshall added 25 points and 11 rebounds as the as the visiting Bulls sent the Magic to their fourth straight loss.
Hornets 106, Philadelphia 76ers 99 (OT): Baron Davis scored 37 points and reserve Steve Smith added 16 as the Hornets outlasted the host 76ers. Allen Iverson scored 29 and Glenn Robinson added 20 in his home debut to pace the 76ers.
Detroit Pistons 96, Boston Celtics 88:Chauncey Billups scored 11 of 27 points in the fourth quarter as the hosts Pistons notched their third straight win. Paul Pierce and Vin Baker led Boston with 20 points apiece.
Bucks 106 New York Knicks 90: Tim Thomas scored 19 of his 22 points after intermission and Toni Kukoc had 21 as the Bucks rallied past the host Knicks. Allan Houston led New York with a game-high 35 points despite a sore back.
