The Denver Nuggets are now 2-0 on their five-game road trip following their 109-100 victory over the Detroit Pistons. Point guard Chauncey Billups returned to the Motor City, a place he spent six seasons in the 00s, and had a team-high 26 points on Wednesday night. He made four key three-points shot down the stretch in the fourth quarter to preserve the Nuggets' chances of victory.
Carmelo Anthony put up a double-double tonight of 18 points and 10 rebounds, but he was 5-of-16 from the field (8-of-8 from the free throw line, though). He fell three assists short of having a triple-double.
Al Harrington drew a start with both Nene and Kenyon Martin ruled out for the game. He scored 16 points and pulled down seven rebounds. Even Shelden Williams, who started because of the injuries, contributed 13 points and five rebounds. Arron Afflalo' 17 points had all five starters in double digits.
Will Bynum led the Pistons with 19 points off the bench, while Greg Monroe and Tracy McGrady each added 14 points. In addition, McGrady grabbed six rebounds and dished the ball out eight times. Ben Wallace was around the boards all night, finishing with 10 rebounds and no points.
Richard Hamilton, who would have gone to the New Jersey Nets in the failed three-team deal for Carmelo Anthony, did not play because of the stomach flu. He has not played since Jan. 10, a span of nine games.
The Nuggets (27-18, 7-13 away) head to Cleveland for a Friday night game on Jan. 28 against the Cavaliers (8-37).