Without Billups, Nuggets can’t dodge Hornets’ sting

Well, Nuggets fans, you got to see the best point guard in his 30s sit on the bench Friday night with a groin injury while watching the best point guard in his 20s absolutely pick the Nuggets apart.

Chris Paul, folks, also known as CP3, is the real deal. Watching the game, even Nuggets fans couldn’t help but whisper “woooooow” under their breath when Paul hit a circus layup or popped up a mid-range jumper in Nene’s face.

If you didn’t catch the game, Paul’s 30 points, 19 assists and 9 rebounds should be enough to tell you who owned whom. The (12-13) Hornets got by Denver (19-8) in New Orleans, 98-92.

The other star on the floor didn’t have such a nice night. Carmelo Anthony had 17 points on 5-16 shooting. Anthony had four consecutive games of 30 points or more before Friday night.

The player who did show up for Denver was J.R. Smith. Smith had his third consecutive high-scoring game, netting 25 points. Smith is well-known for his streaky play, and the Nuggets need him to be hot, especially with Chauncey Billups out with a groin pull.

Billups’ replacements, Ty Lawson and Anthony Carter, both had decent games. Carter started and scored 9 points with 5 assists. Lawson played a bit better with 14 points.

The Nuggets lost to a sub .500 team, which is rare. Last year, Denver had the best record against sub .500 teams.

This may have been only a hiccup on the road, or the loss of Billups may prove more severe than first anticipated. Regardless, the Nuggets will look to bounce back Sunday afternoon when they play the Memphis Grizzlies in Memphis.