The weekend gave the Denver Nuggets a reprieve from the Melo-drama headlines to refocus on hoops. Still, on Friday night, the Nuggets fell short to the defending champion Los Angeles Lakers, 107-97, at the Pepsi Center (via the Denver Post). Arron Afflalo shot hot for Denver, but the Nuggets couldn’t keep up with the Lakers’ big men, as has so often been the case in recent years.

But Denver changed course yesterday with an all-around dominating win over the Indiana Pacers, 121-107. ESPN reports that after Denver fans had been booing Carmelo Anthony over his potential trade and departure from Denver, he earned his cheers Saturday with 36 points, including a career-high six three-point baskets. The win vanquishes an embarrassing loss to Indiana earlier this season and brings the Nuggets to 25-18 as they head off on a five-game road trip. Meanwhile, coach George Karl tells the Denver Post he isn’t opposed to any attempts that might sway Melo into staying with the Nuggets, saying, “if that could be worked out, I would love to have that conversation.”