The Denver Nuggets matched a postseason record as they thumped the Hornets by 58 points to grab a 3-1 advantage.

The Hornets got back into the series with a 95-93 victory on Saturday but Denver took complete command at the start of game four, scoring 27 of the game's first 33 points to lead 36-15 at the end of the first quarter.

The Nuggets led 61-39 at half-time and pulled away with an 11-0 run early in the third quarter.

Carmelo Anthony scored 26 points and Chauncey Billups had 17 as Denver built up a 38-point lead at the end of three quarters before resting their starters for the final period.

Their reserves did not let up though and helped the Nuggets to tie the record for the largest margin of victory in a play-off game, set by the Minneapolis Lakers in a 133-75 win over the St Louis Hawks in 1956.

The Hornets made 27 turnovers and shot only 31.5% as All-Star Chris Paul was restricted to only four points and six assists in his worst ever play-off performance.

David West led the scoring for New Orleans with 14 points.