--G Chauncey Billups had what looked to be a banner night Friday against New York with a season-high 32 points. But there was one thing Billups didn't like at all. He shot just 10 of 14 from the foul line, and his seasonal percentage dropped from 91.8 to 88.9. Billups' misses could have proved costly, but the Nuggets held on for a 128-125 win.

--G Anthony Carter didn't play Friday against New York. He has sat out six of the past seven games, although two of the missed games came when he didn't dress due to a left hip strain. Carter, last season's backup at point guard, has fallen to third string behind starter Chauncey Billups and rookie Ty Lawson.

--G J.R. Smith, after some struggles, is starting to regain his 3-point stroke. Smith was 4 of 6 from beyond the arc Friday against New York, making him 6 of 10 in his past two games. Before that, Smith went 4 of 18 over three games. Smith, who hit three key 3-pointers in the fourth quarter Friday in a 128-125 win, has raised his percentage to 36.4.

MEDICAL WATCH:

--No significant injuries.