MIAMI - The Denver Nuggets beat Miami 112-105 on Tuesday to record their third straight win and pile on the problems for the NBA champion Heat.

Denver Nuggets guard Carmelo Anthony (R) shoots against Miami Heat forward Udonis Haslem during NBA basketball action in Miami, Florida November 14, 2006. [Reuters]

Miami's Dwyane Wade won his personal scoring duel with fellow 2003 draft pick Carmelo Anthony, outscoring him 37 to 33, but the Heat failed to overcome the absence of Shaquille O'Neal, who missed the game with a hyperextended knee.

O'Neal has played in just four of Miami's seven games to date, with the Heat falling to 3-4 with the latest loss and second straight at home.

Denver trailed 52-48 at the end of the first half but took command in the second to improve to 3-3 after an 0-3 start.

"A week ago the media had us buried," Denver coach George Karl told reporters. "Now we're good."

Andre Miller added a season-high 29 points for Denver and had 10 assists and eight rebounds.

Antoine Walker had 22 points for the Heat, while Udonis Haslem had 12 points and 10 rebounds.

*Michael Redd notched 30 points as the Milwaukee Bucks edged the Atlanta Hawks 103-101. Tyronn Lue and Joe Johnson both had 29 for the Hawks.

*Peja Stojakovic scored a career-high 42 points as the New Orleans Hornets beat the Charlotte Bobcats 94-85.

*Dirk Nowitzki had 31 points and 10 rebounds as the Dallas Mavericks clubbed the Chicago Bulls 111-99.