Anthony's 26 leads Nuggets past Clippers, 109-104

DENVER (AP) -- Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points, J.R. Smith had 21 and the Denver Nuggets held off the Los Angeles Clippers 109-104 Friday night to win their sixth straight and give coach George Karl his 998th career win.

Eric Gordon had 24 points and rookie Blake Griffin had 17 points and 12 rebounds for the Clippers.

Karl, seventh on the career wins list and fourth among active coaches, said before the game he hopes to sign an extension with the Nuggets soon. His deal expires at the end of the season and he is in negotiations with the team for an extension.

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