Chauncey Billups returned from a groin injury last night with 23 points as the Denver Nuggets held off the Cleveland Cavaliers for a 99-97 victory.
LeBron James had a big night with 35 points but the Nuggets did a good job defensively on James' team-mates.
With Carmelo Anthony still on the sidelines, Billups took control early with eight first quarter points but it was in the third quarter that he was most integral as he scored 11 points to hold off a spurt from James.
Cleveland still held the upper hand, though, heading into the fourth with a four-point lead and were up 91-88 late on. But Denver - a different team with their leader back on the court - rallied and a huge 3-pointer from JR Smith left the Cavs too much to do.
With Utah falling to the Grizzlies and Dallas sinking the Spurs, it was important that George Karl's team tightened their grip on a top seeding and their gritty performance achieved just that.
James and company continue their five-game road trip in Portland on Sunday while the Nuggets visit the Kings in Sacramento tonight.
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