Nets Overcome Yao, Rockets

Vince Carter scored 18 of his 29 points in the second half Monday night to lead the New Jersey Nets to a 90-77 victory over the Houston Rockets despite Yao Ming’s 36 points at Houston.

The Nets’ Jason Kidd added 11 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists for his 73rd career triple-double, leaving him five behind Wilt Chamberlain for third all time.

Denver 108, New York 96 -- Carmelo Anthony scored 35 points, including 12 in the pivotal third quarter, to help the Nuggets improve to 3-1 on their season-high seven-game trip. Stephon Marbury scored 25 points for the Knicks.

Indiana 97, Orlando 83 -- Danny Granger led five Pacers in double figures with 21 points and added 12 rebounds in a victory at Indianapolis. Dwight Howard had 22 and 11 rebounds for Orlando.

Milwaukee 88, Atlanta 87 -- Bobby Simmons had 18 points to help the Bucks rally after blowing a 17-point lead, ending their longest home losing streak in six years at five games. Josh Smith had 25 points for Atlanta.