Minneapolis, MN (My Sportsbook) - Chauncey Billups recorded a game-high 27 points, including hitting all 12 free throw attempts, and the Denver Nuggets rolled to a 106-97 victory over the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Carmelo Anthony shot just 9-of-23 from the floor but finished with 25 points and 10 rebounds for Denver, which has won three of four. Linas Kleiza chipped in 15 points, while fellow reserve Anthony Carter posted 12 points, nine rebounds and four assists.

Randy Foye logged a solid 25-point, six-assist effort for Minnesota, which has alternated wins and losses over its last seven games. Al Jefferson added 20 points and a game-high 13 boards, while rookie Kevin Love contributed 18 points and 12 rebounds in the loss.

The Nuggets led 66-63 three minutes into the third quarter before exploding for 14 straight points. Anthony started the spurt with a layup and Dahntay Jones ended it with a jumper.

Minnesota went scoreless for six-plus minutes and trailed 87-70 with 12 minutes to play.

"We didn't match their energy," Jefferson said. "They turned it up in the third quarter...and we just didn't match their energy."

A Carter steal and slam gave the Nuggets a commanding 96-78 lead midway through the fourth. Foye's three-pointer with 3 1/2 minutes remaining cut the lead to 15, but it was not enough to ignite a comeback for the T-Wolves.

Jefferson and Foye combined to score the first nine points of the game, helping the T-Wolves take a 31-25 lead after one period.

The Nuggets answered with seven straight to open the second, and Carter's jumper just before halftime gave Denver a 60-54 lead.

"We kind of got into a rhythm in the second quarter," Billups said. "We got a little momentum, and the third quarter was the ultimate quarter for us and we never looked back."

Game Notes

The Nuggets have won seven straight against Minnesota..Mike Miller missed all six of his three-point attempts, as Minnesota shot 6-of-23 (26.1 percent) from behind the arc as a whole.