Anthony, Billups Combine For 56, Nuggets Upend Suns 105-99

Posted by Stephen Rhodes under NBA Game Recap

The Denver Nuggets, in their game against the Phoenix Suns at Pepsi Center Saturday night, looked as good as dead in the first half as guard Chauncey Billups was truly struggling as he was scoreless along with three turnovers and 3 fouls. But it’s funny how things can turn around in a half as he recovered to score 24 second-half points, helping Denver defeat Phoenix 105-99.

Steve Nash converted a pair of free throws to give the Suns a 13-5 lead but a Carmelo Anthony layup gave the Nuggets the lead at 18-15; an Anthony 3-pointer put Denver up 26-21 with 2:02 left in the period and would take a 29-26 edge going into the second quarter. Phoenix would go on a 16-2 run, capped by a Louis Amundson tip-in, which gave them a 42-31 lead; Channing Frye’s three-pointer with 4:01 remaining in the half put the Suns up by 17 and would take a 60-47 lead into halftime.

The Nuggets would chip away at the Suns’ lead and would get to within 70-61 on a Billups trey and Phoenix would take a timeout. With 45 seconds left in the third quarter, Anthony made two free throws, giving the Nuggets a slim 77-76 lead until Nash’s free throw tied the game at 77 going into the final quarter. The period went nip-and-tuck before a Chris Andersen free throw with 5:50 remaining gave the Nuggets a 92-87 lead; but it nearly went down the drain as Billups threw the ball away with 30 seconds left and Denver ahead 101-99.

Nash drove past Nene Hilario but missed a layup with 7 seconds left on the game clock; Anthony ended up with the ball and was fouled with two seconds left. Suns coach Alvin Gentry argued that a whistle should have been blown on Hilario, putting Nash on the line. Apparently, Gentry had had enough of the alleged “no-calls” as he was ejected after getting assessed a second technical; Anthony would make all four free throws, sealing the win for the Nuggets.

Anthony led the Nuggets with 32 points, 8 rebounds, 3 assists and 2 steals while Billups added 24 (including 5 three-pointers) with a rebound, 8 assists and 2 steals; Hilario poured in 15 with 5 rebounds, 2 assists and 4 steals. The Suns were led by Nash with 28 points, 2 rebounds, 7 assists and a block while Grant Hill and Amare Stoudemire added 13 apiece – with Hill grabbing 3 rebounds and dishing out 4 assists while Stoudemire grabbed 8 boards al;ong with 2 steals but committed 7 turnovers.

Denver (17-7) plays again on Monday when they continue their home stand, hosting the Oklahoma City Thunder while Phoenix (16-8) returns home to host the San Antonio Spurs on Tuesday.

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One Response to “Anthony, Billups Combine For 56, Nuggets Upend Suns 105-99”

Tweets that mention Anthony, Billups Combine For 56, Nuggets Upend Suns 105-99 » Slam Dunk Central -- Topsy.com on December 15th, 2009 12:33 am

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