Amy Weis

Guest Reporter

 

DENVER -— Chauncey Billups laced up his shoes and stepped out onto the court Friday night with confidence. Playing against his former team must have added a bit of inspiration for “Mr. Big Shot,” as the unlucky nature for the Denver Nuggets against the Detroit Pistons was finally reversed. Billups lit up the scoreboard, leading all players with 25 points.          

“He just has a knack of finding a winning way,” said Nuggets head coach George Karl. 

After losing seven straight games to the Pistons, the Nuggets posted a 107-102 victory at the Pepsi Center, improving their overall record to 39-19. The triumph bridged the gap behind the Los Angeles Lakers to only 4.5 games in positioning for the first seed in the Western Conference. With the win, the Nuggets are also riding high on a three game winning streak.   

Even though the baby blue and yellow pulled out the victory, the game was extremely close throughout. The Nuggets and Pistons battled back and forth with 14 lead changes and 9 times tied.  With 5:04 left to play in the second quarter, Chauncey Billups netted a finger roll shot, expanding Denver’s lead to a game-high eight points. The Nuggets edged out Detroit with a 53-49 halftime lead.

The Denver bench came out of the locker room ready to add some pressure to the Pistons defensive scheme. J.R. Smith gave the Nuggets a huge boost as he caught fire for Denver, scoring 12 of his 15 points in the final two quarters. 

“I thought J.R. was really good in the second half for us. Without our bench we wouldn’t have won this game,” said Karl.

Chris “Birdman” Anderson also contributed for the Nuggets bench, especially during the fourth quarter. The Nuggets power forward set the tone early with two influential slam dunks within the first three minutes of the fourth quarter. Anthony was consistent during the game and managed to make 6 of his 24 points from the free throw line during the final quarter. The Nuggets defense was able to control the Pistons late attempt to steal the game.

The Nuggets had the task of playing the Lakers on Sunday and Karl knew it would be a test.

“I’m sure the Lakers are ready to play us,” Karl said.

The game ended up being close, with the Nuggets blowing an early lead. After Carmello Anthony fouled out with 2:13 left in the game, the Nuggets were unable to make up a four point deficit, losing 95-89.

Depite the loss, the Nuggets are still in a tight race and the hopes of home court advantage in the playoffs, Denver looks to put as many games in the win column as possible.

“I think we’ve proven we can win on the road,” Karl said.  “There’s no question the goal is to have the home court in as many playoff series as we can.”

 

aweis@mesastate.edu