[Box score] You got the feeling watching this one that it might have saw a couple of overtimes because it seemed like neither team could pull away. The game saw 22 ties and 19 lead changes. Luckily the Pistons did pull away after J.R. Smith wasn’t able to convert on free throws that would have tied the game after being fouled by Chauncey on a three pointer with 6.5 seconds to play in the game.

So, if you’re keeping track the Pistons have won three straight after losing two straight on the heels of winning 10 straight. Pretty streaky guys.

Denver native Chauncey Billups (8 asts, 7/7 FT), Tayshuan Prince (9 asts, 6 rbs) and Rip Hamilton (6 asts, 8 rbs) all scored 20 points a piece. All Piston’s starters scored in double figures with Antonio McDyess recording a 16 point, 13 rebound double-double.

With the starters getting a lot of rest courtesy of blowing out the Suns the day before in Phoenix, they had the fresh legs to hang on and eventually finish off Denver. That’s not to say the Zoo Crew didn’t put in work and provide energy, but it was the main guys closing out the game for the ‘Stonz.

Garrett Ellwood / Getty

NOTES: Former Piston (1986-89) Adrian Dantley sat in the first seat for the Nuggets filling in for George Karl who was out with the Flu. This was Dantley’s second shot at head coaching, the first coming in a 111-105 win at the Los Angeles Lakers on April 3, 2007…Allen Iverson & Carmelo Anthony combined for 51 of Denver’s points…The Pistons had 29 team assists and shot 17/19 from the free-throw line…Best Damn Sports Show was playing in the Pistons’ locker room before the game and they were replaying Allen Iverson’s “Practice?” meltdown. It’s amazing how that never gets old. Rasheed, Chauncey, Dyess, Tayshaun, they were all cracking up like they were seeing it for the first time.(source)