On the day after NBA commissioner David Stern banned Anthony for 15 games, the Nuggets acquired Iverson, a seven-time All-Star, from the Philadelphia 76ers.

That begged the question: Was there enough room in this town for two superstars who are used to having the ball in their hands when victory is in their grasp?

Anthony came in with a league-leading 31.6-point average with Iverson third at 29.5.

Iverson swears he's had his fill of carrying the load during his 11 NBA seasons and is eager to serve as wingman to the 22-year-old Anthony ¡ª and he showed it the first chance he got.

With 7:30 left in the first quarter, Iverson had a breakaway for an easy basket but flipped the ball instead to Anthony running alongside him for a finger-roll that rocked the Pepsi Center, the first of many big moments for them.

Anthony's biggest ovation came when he took a seat with 4:11 left after totaling 28 points, five rebounds and six assists in 32 minutes.

Marcus Camby had 17 points and 17 boards and J.R. Smith scored 19 points for the energized Nuggets, who raced to a 38-18 lead after one quarter and led 59-47 at the half.

The Nuggets, who went 7-8 during Anthony's absence, parted with Andre Miller to get Iverson, then dealt Earl Boykins to Milwaukee for Steve Blake, a pass-first point guard, perfect for the new dynamite duo.

Anthony said in an open letter of apology to fans and the team on Sunday that he'll return a better player and a better person. He also returned to a lineup that looked little like the one he last saw on Dec. 16, when he struck Collins for collaring Smith on the way to the basket.

Anthony made all his baskets on drives and jams, missing all eight of his jump shots.

"It shows what an incredible work ethic he has," Grizzlies coach Tony Barone said. "Coming onto the court and what does he do to try to win the game? He tries to go to the offensive glass, he runs the court and finished the break and does tries to be a pig. To me that's the mark of a good player.

"They will be a very good team as the season progresses with Allen, who was very unselfish tonight."

Iverson said he's out for much more than just showing the world he and Anthony can get along without butting heads.

"If I didn't feel like I could win a championship, I would retire," Iverson insisted. "If I didn't think we had a shot to win it, then I would hang my sneakers up. Obviously, I believe we can win it. Get us in a seven-game series, and you have to beat us four times."

And with Anthony by his side, he likes his chances.

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