NBA: Detroit 98, Denver 93

Chauncey Billups scored 20 points -- nine in the fourth quarter -- to lead the Detroit Pistons past Denver 98-93 Monday.

Billups went 7 for 7 from the free-throw line and had eight assists. Tayshaun Prince had 20 points and nine assists; Richard Hamilton finished with 20 points, eight rebounds and six assists; and Antonio McDyess had 16 points and 13 rebounds for the Pistons, who won their third straight and their 13th out of 15.

Allen Iverson scored 28 points and added seven assists for Denver. Carmelo Anthony had 23 points and 11 rebounds for the Nuggets, who lost their third straight.

The Nuggets trailed late, but cut the deficit to 86-85 with 3:43 left to play when J.R. Smith hit a three-pointer. Billups scored on the other end, and then McDyess ran the Detroit lead back to five with another jumper.

Billups hit a big three with 1:50 remaining to put Detroit up 93-86.

Copyright 2008 by United Press International