Pistons ruin Chauncey Billups’ return

at Detroit 100, Denver 95: Detroit fans rose to their feet for a former favorite, then had a reason to cheer the current Pistons, too. Chauncey Billups scored a season-high 34 points in his return to the Palace, but the Pistons came away with the win against the Nuggets, who were without Carmelo Anthony. The Pistons have won three straight for the first time in two months in a season that was stunted by a trade that sent Billups to Denver for Allen Iverson.

Indiana 117, at Sacramento 109: Jarrett Jack scored 26 points to lead the Pacers, who pulled within two games of Milwaukee for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.

New Jersey 99, at Milwaukee 95: Brook Lopez scored 24 points and Jarvis Hayes made a tiebreaking three-pointer with 18 seconds left. It was the Nets’ third win in the last four games after a five-game losing streak.

at Houston 107, Toronto 97: Carl Landry matched a career high with 22 points, Luis Scola had 16 rebounds and the Rockets extended their home-court winning streak to 10 games.

Golden State 118, at Minnesota 94: Stephen Jackson had 23 points, seven rebounds and six assists to lead the Warriors. Kevin Love had 18 points and 14 rebounds for the Timberwolves, who trailed by 31 points in the first half.

at Charlotte 96, Chicago 80: Raymond Felton had 18 points and nine assists and Raja Bell also scored 18 points as the Bobcats won their season-high fourth in a row.

at Lakers 99, Memphis 89: Kobe Bryant scores 31 points as the Lakers end a two-game skid.