DENVER – The Denver Nuggets used a balanced offensive effort for a 121-96 blowout win over the New Jersey Nets on Monday, avenging their worst defeat of the season.

J.R. Smith and Nene Hilario scored 19 points apiece to lead six teammates in double-figures as they helped make amends for a 114-70 defeat to the Nets on February 7.

The Nets were without high-scoring point guard Devin Harris, who suffered a strained shoulder against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday.

Vince Carter carried the load with a game-high 32 points and guard Keyon Dooling filled in with 17 but it was not enough as the Nets lost their fourth straight game and slipped further in the Eastern Conference playoff race.

At 28-39, New Jersey is two games out of a conference playoff spot with 15 games remaining.

Denver, on the other hand, kept pace in the competitive West. The Northwest Division-leading Nuggets (43-25) are one-half game behind the Houston Rockets for the third best record in the conference.