BASKETBALL

ANTHONY, IVERSON LEAD NUGGETS OVER SPURS

This is what the Denver Nuggets had in mind when they acquired Allen Iverson to go with Carmelo Anthony.

The high-scoring All-Star duo provided the offense and the Nuggets were tough defensively too, as they beat the San Antonio Spurs 95–89 in Game 1 of their Western Conference playoff series last night.

Iverson scored 29 of his 31 after the first quarter and Anthony added 30 points for the sixth-seed ed Nuggets, who haven’t won a playoff series since 1994.

Nene added 13 points and 12 re bounds and Marcus Camby grabbed 10 boards for Denver. The big guys also made things difficult for Tim Duncan, who scored 14 points and had 10 rebounds for the Spurs.

Tony Parker led third-seeded San Antonio with 19 points, followed by Michael Finley with 15 and Robert Horry with 14.

TENNIS

TEENAGE SUB FOR SERENA CLINCHES U.S. WIN IN FED CUP

With Serena Williams sidelined Fed Cup teammate Vania King showed she can do more than sing

The 18-year-old King won raves for her rendition of the national anthem to start the weekend, then substituted Sunday for Williams and sealed the U.S. team’s victory over Belgium.

King beat Kirsten Flipkens 4–6 6–4, 7–5, giving the Americans an insurmountable 3–0 lead en route to a 5–0 victory. They’ll face Russia in the semifinals after Wimble don.

Serena and Venus Williams won in singles Saturday, then became cheerleaders rooting from the bench for King.

“It’s a great feeling, because they’re champions I really look up to,” King said. “It’s really honoring.”

BASEBALL

METS FAN PLEADS NOT GUILTY TO TRYING TO DISTRACT PLAYERS

A Mets fan pleaded not guilty Sunday to shining a high-powered flashlight at an Atlanta Braves pitcher and shortstop during a game at Shea Stadium.

Frank Martinez was arraigned in Queens criminal court on charges of interfering with a professional sporting event and second-degree reckless endangerment. He was held on $1,000 bail and is due back in court May 1.

Authorities said the 40-year-old Martinez flashed the light at the players in the bottom of the eighth inning Friday from his seat behind home plate. He quickly was ejected from the game.

“The defendant’s alleged actions recklessly endangered the lives of players and spectators and caused a temporary delay to the game,” Queens District Attorney Richard Brown said.

GOLF

WATNEY WINS ZURICH CLASSIC FOR FIRST PGA TOUR TITLE

Nick Watney offered a slight wave to the applauding crowd as he walked away from his par putt on the 17th hole, then took a deep breath, his cheeks puffing as he exhaled.

There was only one hole to go for his first career PGA triumph, not to mention a check for nearly $1.1 million.

He was nervous, he admitted later, but not that nervous.

“I loved being in this position,” Watney said. “That’s one of the funnest things about it is to be in position and pull it off and conquer your nerves.”

Five strokes later, the lanky, clean-cut Californian tapped in for another par on no. 18, smiled broadly as he raised his arms, then hugged his caddie. The 25-year-old, now in his third year on the tour, had prolonged a recent pattern of first-time winners at the Zurich Classic.