--The Nuggets ran into an old friend Monday at Philadelphia. Philadelphia guard Allen Iverson made his first appearance with the 76ers since returning to the team after nearly a three-year absence. Iverson had 11 points and six assists in a 93-83 loss against his former team. "We knew it was going to be an emotional game with A.I. returning," said guard Chauncey Billups, who was acquired by the Nuggets on Nov. 3, 2008 in a deal in which they sent Iverson to Detroit. Iverson had been shipped from the 76ers to the Nuggets on Dec. 19, 2006. After being traded by them nearly two years later, Iverson made just his second appearance against Denver.
Iverson's first came last January with Detroit in a win at Denver. But Iverson didn't play when the Pistons faced the Nuggets late last season and also didn't play earlier this season in Memphis' Nov. 1 game at Denver. Iverson eventually parted ways with the Grizzlies and joined the 76ers.
--The Nuggets are starting to play point guards Chauncey Billups and Ty Lawson a good bit together, and it's working.
"It gives us a lot of playmakers," Billups said of the three-guard lineup.
In a 93-83 win Monday over Philadelphia, Billups played 42 minutes and Lawson 24. They were on the floor together for 18 minutes.
Billups said one key is Lawson's underrated defensive ability.
"He's a really good defender," Billups said. "He doesn't get the credit. He's stronger than people think ... He's a good defender. Real pesky. Great hands."
QUOTE TO NOTE: "This is a great win, especially since we didn't play so well at the start of the game." -- Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups on his team coming back from a 10-point first-half deficit to defeat Philadelphia.
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