Detroit defeats Denver for fourth consecutive victory
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Auburn Hills, Mich. — Charlie Villanueva scored 27 points, and Rodney Stuckey had 26 to help the banged-up Detroit Pistons hold on for a 101-99 victory over former teammate Chauncey Billups and the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.
Billups missed a layup in the final seconds, allowing the Pistons to run their winning streak to a season-best four games.
Carmelo Anthony scored 40 points for Denver, Billups had 21 and reserve J.R. Smith had 14. The Northwest Division-leading Nuggets have lost consecutive games for only the second time this season after winning four straight games and eight of 10.
Anthony scored 30-plus points for the 14th time this season, one more than all of last season.
Detroit led 52-50 at halftime after 15 lead changes and nine ties.
-- associated press
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