Billups delivers in time for the Pistons

For three quarters, Chauncey Billups was missing.

Mr. Big Shot arrived in the fourth.

Billups made his first three jump shots of the final period, leading the visiting Detroit Pistons to an 87-71 victory over the Cleveland Cavaliers on Thursday night in the first matchup between the clubs since last season’s Eastern Conference semifinals won in six games by Detroit.

Billups, only one of nine from the field after three quarters, dropped three jump shots -- two of them three-point baskets -- in the first 3 minutes 2 seconds of the fourth as the Pistons went on a 14-3 run to take an unshakeable 71-58 lead.

Billups scored 17 points, including 12 in the fourth, and had 10 assists.

“They saw me missing shots early and let their guard down a little,” he said. “That’s when I attacked. That’s how I play.”

LeBron James had 26 points for the Cavaliers.

Washington 126, Sacramento 119 -- Antawn Jamison had 33 points, Gilbert Arenas scored 30 and the Wizards won the third quarter, 44-24, to send the Kings to the ninth loss in their last 11 games. Sacramento’s Ron Artest (knee injury) didn’t play.

Kevin Martin had a career-high 40 points for the Kings, who also lost their third straight at home.

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Boston Celtics forward Paul Pierce will be sidelined for two to three weeks because of a stress reaction in his left foot, the team said.... Seattle SuperSonics forward Rashard Lewis underwent an MRI exam on his injured right hand, but the team said results wouldn’t be known until this morning. He was hurt in the opening minute of Wednesday’s loss to Dallas while attempting to block a shot. X-rays were negative.... Denver Nuggets forward Carmelo Anthony won’t appeal his 15-game suspension for his role in the brawl with the New York Knicks last weekend, his agent said.