Phoenix, AZ (Sports Network) - Even without using a top-flight roster, the Denver Nuggets placed five players with at least 20 points in a 144-106 rout of the Phoenix Suns in the preseason finale for both clubs.
Ty Lawson led the way with 29 points off the bench and Gary Forbes added 25, also in a reserve role. The duo combined to go 18-of-25 from the field, part of a 64.1 percent shooting effort for the Nuggets.
Shelden Williams ended with 27 points, while Arron Afflalo narrowly missed a triple-double with 24 points, 10 assists and nine rebounds. Anthony Carter notched 20 points.
Lawson had 22 points during a ridiculous 49-point second quarter for the Nuggets, who went 16-of-22 from the field in the period.
The Nuggets, who sat out Carmelo Anthony, Chauncey Billups and Nene went 5-3 in the preseason. They will open the regular season at home against Utah on Wednesday.
Denver's J.R. Smith suffered a left quadriceps contusion in the second quarter, but returned later in the period. He didn't play in the second half and is considered day-to-day.
Jared Dudley had 17 points for Phoenix, which ended 2-6 in exhibition play. Steve Nash chipped in 11 points and 12 assists for the Suns, who begin the 2010-11 campaign on Tuesday in Portland.
