Chauncey Billups' scored 18 points 7 assists and Carmelo Anthony notched another double-double (18 points, 13 rebounds) as the Nuggs' knocked off the C's 94-85.

Nene also had 14 points, 7 rebounds, and 5 steals for the 5-4 Nuggets.

Ray Allen led the Celtics' with 26 points, Kevin Garnett had 16 points, 9 rebounds, and 2 blocks, and Paul Pierce chipped in 19-7-4.

The Celtics opened the game on an 8-0 run but had 8 turnovers in the first quarter, which resuscitated the Nuggets as Denver went on a 13-5 run to knot the game at 13-13. 

However the C's managed to hang onto the lead thanks to the hot shooting Ray Allen. Allen went 6-of-7 in the 1st, and scored 18 points to lead Boston.

Chauncey Billups went 4-of-5 from the field and scored 9 points in the opening 12 minutes to keep Denver in the game.

The 2nd quarter proved to be the deciding portion of the contest. 

The Nuggets went on a 19-2 run that seized the Celtics lead and made it 48-36, distancing themselves from the C's. Boston helped Denver by converting on only 1 field goal with 6:21 left in the 2nd.

Hoping to stop the bleeding, the Celtics went on a 6-0 run to close out the half, as Denver lead 48-42 at intermission.

Nene had 10 points, Billups had 9 points and 4 assists, and Carmelo had 8 points and 8 rebounds.

Ray Allen had 18 points (0 in the 2nd), Garnett had 9 points and 4 boards, and Pierce contributed 7 points and 4 rebounds for the Celtics at halftime.

Denver out-rebounded Boston 24-17 at halftime, including 11 offensive rebounds to Boston's 7.

The Nuggets continued their assault on the Celtics by opening the 3rd on a 9-0 run that pushed their lead to 59-44. However, Boston countered the Nuggets' run by executing a 21-5 tear that handed them the lead 65-64 going into the 4th via an Eddy House three pointer.

In the 4th though, Denver regained the lead thanks to the antics of J.R. Smith, Anthony Carter, and Linas Kleiza. Smith scored 6 crucial points for the Nuggets featuring a three-point play that tied it at 67 and a three pointer over Ray Allen that knotted the score at 70. As for Kleiza, Linas knifed around Ray Allen for a transition lay-up that gave Denver its first lead since the 3rd (72-70) and then converted on another three point play moments later that pushed the lead to 75-70 Denver. Moments later, J.R. Smith swished another bomb, making it 78-70. And what about Anthony Carter? He was the ring leader doling out 

After the two teams traded baskets, the game was once again deadlocked at 84. However, the Nuggets went on a late 8-0 run to close out the game and give Boston their first home loss this season (5-1). 

Kenyon Martin made a driving lay-up, Nene stripped Kendrick Perkins and Billups' gobbled up the ball and drove the ball to the basket. Chauncey was then fouled by House and completed a three-point play that pushed the lead to 89-84. A series later, Carmelo drained a three pointer sealing Denver's win.

A very impressive win for the 5-4 Denver Nuggets as they defeated the defending World Champs.

When the Denver Nuggets and Detroit Pistons executed the most monumental trade since February, no one quite expected the results.

 

Allen Iverson 1-2 with Detroit and Chauncey Billups 3-0 with Denver a lightning rod for The Nuggets’ latest surge.

 

However as correctly predicted, Billups’ has upgraded Denver with his captain and his exceptional floor vision.

 

Denver forced a season best 22 turnovers against the Mavs’ in Billups’ debut, Chauncey posted his first double-double with the Nuggets’ in over a decade and contributed in a all-around team effort, halting the Charlotte Bobcats to a season best 80 points on Sunday.

 

Opponents are only shooting 39.6% against the Nuggets and Denver has a +4 rebound margin.

 

In the 2^nd quarter over the past three games, Denver holds a 72-64 advantage points-wise but that feat is inferior compared to their 3^rd quarter accomplishments.

 

The Nuggets have outscored their opponents in the 3^rd quarter of every game with Billups’ as the new overseer, by a combined 26 points translating into three consecutive victories.

 

He’s also transcended the play of his teammates. Take Nene and Carmelo Anthony for example.

 

Since the trade Melo’ is averaging 25.6 PPG, 7.3 RPG, 3.6 APG and Nene not to be out done, has posted 19.6 PPG, 9 RPG, 3 BPG, and 1.6 SPG in the last 12 quarters.

 

Billups’ himself has registered 15.6 PPG, 6 APG, and 2.6 SPG since his awaited arrival.

 

But there other things that have been sparked by Denver’s new found success. Carmelo Anthony’s hustle has not gone un-noticed as he gravitated to loose balls against the Mavs’ on Friday. With 7:13 left in the first quarter against Dallas, Anthony missed a three pointer but hustled and collected his offensive rebound and slammed the ball through the net. Laziness cured. Melo was greeted with a slap on the rear and a word of acknowledgement by Chauncey and Kenyon Martin as Carmelo hustled back on defense.

 

Denver is now 4-3 and tied with the Portland Trail Blazers for 2^nd in the NBA Northwest, with their next game against Lebron James and the Cleveland Cavaliers.

Carmelo Anthony had 28 points, 8 rebounds, and 6 assists and newcomer Chauncey Billups had 15 points and 4 rebounds to lead the Nuggets' over the Mavs' 108-105.

Dirk Nowitzki had 23 points, Jason Kidd has 22 points and 9 assists, and Jason Terry added 20 for the losers.

On the game's opening possession, Billups came up with a steal, advanced the ball up the floor and launched a three pointer that rimmed out, his first shot in a decade since playing for the Nuggets.

His second shot on the Nuggs' next possession however, did go in. Billups criss-crossed behind a Nene screen before stepping back and burying a three pointer.

Dirk Nowitzki lead the Mavs first quarter charge, producing 9 points and 3 rebounds to keep the Mavs' close.

However both Erick Dampier and Desagna Diop obtained 2 fouls and the Nuggets capitalized by attacking the paint, translating into 12 free throw attempts by Denver in the opening period.

Kleiza led the-new-look Nuggets with 8 points in the 1st including  5 points in which he scored in :42 to give Denver the slim lead heading into the 2nd, 26-25

The Nuggs' engineered an 8-0 run early in the 2nd quarter, thanks to contributions by Anthony Carter and Nene. The spurt pushed the Nuggs' lead to six, 36-30, as superstars Chauncey Billups and Carmelo Anthony absorbed rest.

Dallas however would counter Denver's run by going on a 10-0 spree, to grasp control of the lead 42-38, spearheaded by Jason Terry's 5 point contribution.

Denver and Dallas battled and the Mavs took a one-point lead going into halftime, 59-58.

Nene led Denver with 13 points on 5-of-7 shooting and Chauncey Billups had 5 points on 1-of-7 shooting at the half for the home team. 

Jason Terry scored 12 points and snatched 2 steals for the Mavs' and Dirk Nowitzki added 11 points and 5 rebounds for the visitors, after the first 24 minutes.

Billups scored 7 points and doled out an assist in the 3rd to repair his tarnished performance.

Midway through the third, Dirk Nowitzki knocked knees with Nene, sending the Brazilian into an instant fit of anguish. Two seasons ago, Nene missed 81 games because of a torn meniscus in his left knee.

The Nuggets went on a 11-2 run sparked by Melo's 6 points and 4 assists in the quarter helped Denver reach the biggest lead of the game, 77-67.

The 3rd quarter ended with the Nuggets' holding on to a marginal lead 79-72.

 

The 4th was filled with excitement and antics. Both the Mavs and Nuggets fought for the lead and it came down to the closing moments. After a Denver field goal made it 99-98, Jason Kidd advanced the ball down the court and drove in for a layup while getting fouled by Carmelo Anthony.

The basket made it 103-102 DEN, but Jason Kidd's free throw clanked off the front of the rim and Carmelo Anthony grabbed the rebound.

Chauncey Billups was then fouled and made 1-of-2 to make it 104-102 DEN.

On the ensuing Dallas possession, Nene slapped the ball away from Brandon Bass and Carmelo alertly found the ball, got fouled, and nailed a pair of free throws to secure the win for newcomer Chauncey Billups, 108-105.

With the Iverson debacle concluded and his name extradited from the Nuggets' locker room, Denver can finally begin rebuilding—thanks to Chauncey Billups.

Billups is a truer image of a point guard, and will begin to purify and instill pass-first initiatives, whereas Allen Iverson failed.

Iverson created a schism between George Karl's methods and his own personal ideologies and style of play.

He also was incapable of playing defense, electing to dogtrot until the offense resumed.

Iverson's lack of size hurt the Nuggets on defense. His six-foot stature at shooting guard was by far the most diminished in the league at the position.

Along with Anthony Carter, Denver had the shortest guards in the league, with Carter ironically being the taller of the pair.

Many fail to realize that with Chauncey, the Nuggs' now have the tandem of Billups (6'4") and presumably J.R. Smith (6'6") at shooting guard, boosting their backcourt size to one of the tallest in the league.

Billups has made three consecutive All-Star appearances (dating back to 2006) and averaged 17 ppg, 6.8 apg, 1.3 spg, and shot free throws at a 91.8 percent rate last season.

Because of the newfound growth spurt, Denver will improve on defense and be able to effectively match up against opponents—as opposed to the Lakers-Nuggets first round matchup in which Iverson was bullied by Kobe Bryant and Derek Fisher.

Lethal guard J.R. Smith will see an increase in his role in Denver's rotation as the starting shooting guard. Given the proper amount of playing time, Smith is an explosive, multifarious assassin that can reduce the effect of The Answer's departure.

Newly-shaven superstar Carmelo Anthony will also benefit from the arrival of the Denver native. Anthony will be able to choose his own shots and where they're positioned at on the floor, no longer forced to be stationed on the outskirts of the perimeter. He will feed off of Billups immaculate leadership and passing.

The benefits though will also trickle down to the remaining starters—Kenyon Martin and Nene. Both are agile big men who will learn to be more efficient in a more tranquil offense.

Nuggets Vice President of Basketball Operations Mark Warkienstein orchestrated the trade after only 144 minutes into Denver's season, though many thought ideas of an Iverson trade wouldn't begin brewing until weeks before February's trade deadline.

Luckily, Mark executed the deal early in the year, allocating ample amount of time for Billups to undergo team-bonding and chemistry.

Billups makes his first start in a Nuggets uniform since the '98-99 season Friday at home against the Mavericks.

Despite frigid temperatures and even frostier shooting percentages, the Denver Nuggets beat the Phoenix Suns 77-72, in the league's first outdoor exhibition game in over three decades.

Shooting guard J.R. Smith led the Nuggets in scoring with 14 for the second consecutive game as the team improved to 2-0 in exhibition matchups.

Steve Nash led the Suns with 16 points as Phoenix fell to 1-2 in preseason competition.

With the And 1 apparent style setting, the freshet squads adapted to their surroundings nicely and provided a entertaining game by preseason standards, despite Carmelo Anthony, Allen Iverson, and Amare Stoudemire all adjacent.

As expected, Nene seemed stale and sluggish in the opening minutes, but mustered enough courage to post seven points and three rebounds in the first.

Lumberjack Robin Lopez was a fixture in the paint, blocking two shots within 50 seconds after being inserted into the game early in the opening quarter and he proceeded to disallow any attempts along the baseline.

He produced two points, a rebound, and two blocks in six minutes—a lion-hearted effort.

Lopez concluded the first half with 10 points, five rebounds, and four blocks (PHX 6 total) on 4-7 FG shooting. The 15th overall selection in the June draft finished the evening with 10 points, five rebounds, and six blocks.

The Nuggets executed a 12-1 run in a three minute span, regaining them the lead. Linas Kleiza's six points while camp invitee Ruben Patterson and Chris Andersen accounted for the other half. Kleiza, did however, miss four free throws, pertaining to a point of emphasis when their practice resumes.

Phoenix responded by going on a 13-0 spree, grasping the lead into halftime, 41-37.

As the third quarter began, the Nuggets desire to win emerged and swallowed the loping Suns on both ends of the floor.

Disorientated Shaquille O'Neal swapped spots with Robin Lopez in the starting lineup, as the big cactus sat down with two points and five fouls with 6:43 left in the third. Shaq later fouled out with 9:46 remaining, having collected two points and seven rebounds.

Surprisingly, the Nuggets defense stifled (contrary to lackluster allegations) the Suns offense, holding them to 11 points in the third, while producing 23 of their own.

At the end of the third quarter, the Nuggets led 60-52.

George Karl's team continued to maintain their lead throughout the final portion of the game, but almost faltered down the stretch as their defense turned ghostly and their offense turned sour.

Raja Bell's three-pointer in the fourth snipped the deficit to a basket—65-63 with 6:36 remaining.

Denver however managed to survive the late run and hung on 77-72.

After a much-anticipated offseason for the Nuggets, they once again disappointed loyal fans across the country.An uneventful summer is heading toward a conclusion, and a beginning to the 2008-09 season is rapidly drawing near.Unlike in my previous articles, I won't make any predictions and simply relax and watch the events occur.Here is what I expect from the Nuggets in the upcoming months.My projection of the 2008-09 Nuggets roster looks like this:

Starting Lineup
PG—Allen IversonSG—J.R. SmithSF—Carmelo AnthonyPF—Kenyon MartinC—Nene
BenchPG—Anthony CarterSG—Dahntay JonesSG—Sonny WeemsSG/SF—Linas KleizaPF—Chris AndersenC—Stephen Hunter

DOMINO EFFECTS OF RE-SIGNING JR SMITH
The re-signing of JR Smith should play a role in a number of decisions over the next couple years. Let's take a look at the three major areas impacted.

1. Linas Kleiza will soon be traded or let go..........

Three of the five shooting guards on the Nuggets roster signed new deals this offseason, leaving Kleiza and Allen Iverson the only two guards on the team with expiring contracts after this season.
Sonny Weems, Iverson, Dahntay Jones, Kleiza, and JR Smith are the fearsome five Denver shooting guards.The chances the Nuggets resign both Kleiza and A.I. are non-existent, with the loaded free-agent core coming up in 2009.

That free-agent class includes Lamar Odom, Rasheed Wallace, Carlos Boozer, Shawn Marion, Richard Hamilton, and Kobe Bryant. Additionally, role players Paul Millsap, Kyle Korver, Jamario Moon, Jamal Crawford, Charlie Villanueva, Quentin Richardson and Brandon Bass will be available.

Not to mention Josh Childress’s possible return from Greece.If Denver allows Iverson and Kleiza to walk, they will have more than $22 million open to entertain with.Bittersweet with the loss of Kleiza, but a consolation of prize of perhaps Mike Bibby will smooth things out.

2. The Nuggets will draft a...
With the 2 and 3 spots in the lineup locked for the next three years (Smith three years, Carmelo Anthony four years), the primary focus of the Nuggets front office will be to shop for a point guard, whether through the 2009 NBA Draft or through next year’s free-agent pool.

Initially, many thought that was the goal of this offseason, but, after presumed point guard of the future Ty Lawson withdrew from the draft, the plan was deemed a failure.Denver has two first-round draft picks next season via the Bobcats and the team's own selection.

Stephan Curry, Ty Lawson, Jeremy Pargo, Brandon Jennings, Ricky Rubio, Edgar Sosa, Levance Fields, Lester Hudson, Ronald Steele, and Darren Collison are the premier point guards that will be available in the draft, and all would be welcomed in Denver.

Or perhaps the Nuggets will go another route and select a big man in the draft. Hasheem Thabeet, Blake Griffin, Al-Faroq Aminu, Tyler Hansbrough, Jarvis Varnado, BJ Mullens, Patrick Patterson, and Jordan Hill are the headliners in this category.

However, only about two of the possible selections will most likely still be on the board when the Nuggets make their selection.

The odds are heavily in favor of the ball-handlers.

Or the Nuggets could easily take both positions.

3. The center position remains a question mark Because the Nuggets failed to sign an effective big man to compensate for Marcus Camby's departure, they will suffer greatly inside.

Nene will finally be placed on center stage, and one more injury could mean the end of his tour.

The Brazilian averaged 5.3 points, 5.4 rebounds, and 0.8 blocks per game in 16 contests for the Nuggets before missing 62 games due to a testicular tumor.

If there is any indication of talent, Nene has career averages of 10.7 points, 6.3 rebounds, and 1.2 steals per game.

It's safe to say that the no-identity Nuggets developments will be an enjoyable bunch to watch in the future.

After the Ty Lawson mishap in June and Anthony Carter's resigning a little over 2 weeks ago, the Denver Nuggets are making headway towards obtaining a respectable floor general.

The Nuggets have been in talk with former New Orleans Hornets backup point guard Jannero Pargo.

Pargo was scheduled to make $1.08 million in the 2008-09 season had he not opted out of his contract with the Hornets.

The speedster also has been in talks with the San Antonio Spurs, the team who ousted New Orleans in Game 7 of the Western Conference Semifinals.

In 5 seasons, he's averaged 6.9 PPG, 2.1 APG, 1.6 RPG, and 0.5 SPG featuring brief tenures with the Lakers, Bulls, Raptors, and most recently the Hornets.

Jannero had a career year, averaging 8.1 PPG, 2.4 APG, 0.6 SPG backing up star Chris Paul at point guard during the 2007-08 season. In addition, #2 shot an applaudable 87.7% from the free throw line last year.

Pargo's finest hour as a member of the Hornets came against the Dallas Mavericks in the postseason, averaging 14.4 PPG, 2.4 APG, 2.4 RPG, and 1 SPG. He also shot 50.9% from the field and 45% from behind the arc.

The Chicago product relies on his excellent agility to dictate tempo, score a large percentage of his points, and on defense in his efforts to disrupt other ball-handlers.

If the Nuggets signed Pargo, their starting line-up would resemble this:

PG Jannero Pargo
SG Allen Iverson
SF Carmelo Anthony
PF Kenyon Martin
C Nene

Pargo’s younger brother Jeremy, who’s the starting point guard on the Gonzaga Bulldogs, is also expected to be on the Nuggets radar during the season until the upcoming 2009 NBA Draft in which the Nuggets have two first round draft choices.