Chauncy Billups

Whatever ultimately happens in the Lakers-Nuggets series, this much can be said:

Chauncy Billups has been a point guard on teams in Conference Finals for seven straight years -- six straight with the Pistons, and now this season with the Nuggets.

Last night, the Nuggets tied the series at 2-2, defeating the Lakers, 120-101.

Billups' line:

24 points, 3 assists, 3 rebounds, 0 turnovers, 1 steal. Only 7-16 from the field, but 9-9 from the free-throw line.

Not spectacular. Billups only shot 1-6 from 3-point range. But "Mr. Big Shot" still came up big. His one three-pointer came on a pull-up jumper following a J.R. Smith steal with 10 minutes left, giving the Nuggets an 83-70 lead. Dagger.

Before Billups came to Denver, the Nuggets were lucky to make playoffs. After Billups left Detroit, the Pistons were ousted in the first round this season.

"Mr. Big Shot." Chauncy Billups. Future Hall-of-Famer.