Nuggets struggle without Billups

Without star point guard and floor general Chauncey Billups for the fourth game of the year, the Nuggets struggled in a loss to the Dallas Mavericks on Sunday night at the Pepsi Center.

In its 104-96 loss, Denver falls to 20-11 and is in serious trouble of losing its lead in the Northwest Division. The Nuggets also have to travel and take on the young and talented Sacramento Kings on Monday night for a back-to-back road game without Billups.

Superstars Carmelo Anthony and Dirk Nowitzki both struggled Sunday night. Melo suffered from foul troubles and eventually fouled out midway through the fourth quarter. He finished with 16 points and 12 rebounds.

Nowitzki struggled to find his shot and finished with 13 points and 11 rebounds. It was the seven Mavericks who scored in double figures who led to the win. Power forward Drew Gooden led the way with 19 points.

The best player for the Nuggets on Sunday night was Kenyon Martin, who scored 18 points and grabbed 11 rebounds. His defense was superior on Nowitzki.

Rookie point guard Ty Lawson got the start again and had a productive game. Lawson finished with 16 points and 4 assists. Anthony Carter, the other point guard, didn’t have such a great game.

Carter finished with 8 points and 4 turnovers. Carter’s turnovers were ridiculous and very avoidable. The turnovers were costly, and Carter’s 4-10 shooting didn’t help his cause. Inexcusably, he missed open shots that were within 6 feet of the.

The loss was disappointing, especially since this was the second of a back-to-back for the Mavericks and a home loss for the Nuggets, who have been almost unstoppable at home.

Denver will try to regain its composure when it plays the Kings on Monday night. After that, the Nuggets will have five days off.

Stay tuned for another article on possible Nuggets trade activity after Monday’s game.