Carmelo Anthony scored 30 points, including eight in the pivotal third quarter, as the host Denver Nuggets defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 111-104 on Friday night.

Anthony was 14-of-20 from the floor, including 3-for-3 in the final 2:07, as the Nuggets (3-2) continued their pattern of alternating wins and losses this season. Anthony also had six assists and five rebounds.

Blake Griffin had 26 points and 10 rebounds, Eric Gordon had 21 points, five rebounds and five assists and Eric Bledsoe had 12 points and 13 assists for the Clippers (1-5), who were 2-for-15 from 3-point range.

The Clippers led 51-41 with 4:08 left in the second quarter before the Nuggets closed the half with a 12-3 run. The Nuggets took the lead for good on Chauncey Billups’ layup 1:29 into the second half, then outscored the Clippers 29-17 in the third quarter.

Harrington finished with 18 points and eight rebounds for Denver, which was 20-for-22 from the free-throw line and shot 52 percent from the floor.

Nuggets center Nene missed his second straight game with a strained groin, while Clippers guard Baron Davis missed his third straight game with an injured left knee.