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Billups Comes Up Big In Playoff Opener
By Jeremy Wagner | TrueHoop Network
When he introduced Chauncey Billups earlier this season, George Karl proclaimed, "Our next step has been to win in the playoffs and anybody who has been in the Eastern Conference championships six years in a row, knows how to win in the playoffs."
On a night where the Nuggets clearly came out tight to start the game, Billups showed them how to win. He was the only Nugget unfazed by the pressure. During the first quarter, Billups shot 5-for-6 while the rest of the Denver players were 2-for-12.
As the game wore on Billups' play allowed the other Nuggets to relax and that led to an offensive barrage, including a 21-0 second-half run, that blew the game open.
More important than the baskets he made was his vocal leadership. Billups was constantly communicating with his teammates on the court giving encouragement and instruction. He was teaching this perennial playoff flop how to win.
While most of the attention will be on Billups' brilliant offensive performance, the Nuggets' incredible defense should not be overlooked. Chris Paul was "held" to his season averages and Kenyon Martin absolutely dominated David West, who shot 4-for-16 and struggled to get an open look. Billups' shot will come and go, but if the Nuggets can continue to play defense like that, the rest of the West better take notice.
