Chauncey and the Nuggets too much for the Pistons

Chauncey Billups scored 26 points, including a trio of 3-pointers late in the game, and the Denver Nuggets beat the Detroit Pistons 109-100.

Carmelo Anthony had 18 points, 10 rebounds and seven assists—shaking off trade talk for another day—to help the Nuggets win for the seventh time in nine games.

Detroit reserves Will Bynum and Ben Gordon scored 19 and 15 points, respectively, while Tracy McGrady and rookie Greg Monroe each had 10 points.

The Pistons, who had won five of seven, trailed by one with a few minutes left in the game. Anthony converted a three-point play and Billups found his range from deep as Denver ended a 14-game losing streak at The Palace.