The Denver Nuggets got off to a fast start against the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night. Point guard Chauncey Billups returned to the starting lineup and scored 18 first-quarter points to give the Nuggets a 33-19 lead. Billups has three assists, two rebounds and two steals as well. Twelve of his 18 points have come on three-point shots. Carmelo Anthony is the next closest with six points.

Tyson Chandler is the leading scorer for the Mavericks with eight points, while Dirk Nowitzki has only four points. Jason Kidd had three points and is 1-of-5 for shooting so far.