Denver Nuggets secured a dramatic 118-116 overtime victory at the Cleveland Cavaliers in the NBA on Thursday.

All-Star forward Carmelo Anthony poured in 40 points for the Nuggets.

Anthony's haul included the winning basket with 1.9 seconds remaining in overtime, which served to end the Eastern Conference-leading Cavs' 13-game unbeaten streak.

LeBron James had secured his third triple-double of the season by the end of regulation, and went on to post game highs of 43 points and 15 assists, along with 13 rebounds.

The NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers, who lead the Western Conference standings from Denver, also suffered a narrow defeat.

Ray Allen had a game-high 24 points as the Boston Celtics triumphed 87-86 at the Staples Center to inflict a first defeat on the Lakers since they lost Kobe Bryant to an ankle injury.

Pau Gasol led the Lakers with 22 points but they could not they could not peg back their visitors despite a spirited late surge and saw their four-game winning run snapped.