If the Nuggets thought the Suns were going to roll over on the second night of a back-to-back set, they were greatly mistaken.
The surprising Suns were more than ready to knock off the Nuggets, but Mr. Big Shot simply wouldn’t let it happen.
Chauncey Billups hit two 3-point shots late in the fourth quarter to help the Nuggets outlast the Suns 105-99 Saturday at the Pepsi Center. Phoenix guard Steve Nash missed a layup with 7.9 seconds left that would have tied the game and wanted a foul. Phoenix coach Alvin Gentry picked up two technical fouls arguing the call. The free throws sealed the win, which snapped a Nuggets’ two-game losing streak.
It was as hard-fought a victory as they come.
The Suns sprinted out to a 17-point lead in the first half before the Nuggets found themselves on the defensive end. But when they did, a massive turnaround ensued.
Once again, the third quarter was gold. The Nuggets turned up the defensive intensity — and even inserted Anthony Carter, his first action in five games, to help matters on that end. The result was a 30-17 quarter that erased a 13-point halftime deficit and started the fourth tied at 77.
Both teams went shot for shot in the fourth. But the Nuggets were able to get out to a five-point lead when Billups hit back-to-back 3-pointers at 3:02 and 2:19. A Billups free throw made it a personal seven-point run and the Nuggets had a 101-97 lead as a result. They held on to win from there.
Carmelo Anthony led the Nuggets with 32 points and eight rebounds. Billups finished with 23 points and eight assists. Nash led Phoenix with 28 points and seven assists.
Chris Dempsey: 303-954-1279 or cdempsey@denverpost.com
