Pistons beat Nuggets to spoil Anthony's 40-point performance

Charlie Villanueva scored 27 points as Detroit beat Denver 101-99 on Thursday, spoiling a 40-point performance by Nuggets ace Carmelo Anthony.

Charlie Villanueva scored 27 points as Detroit beat Denver 101-99 on Thursday, spoiling a 40-point performance by Nuggets ace Carmelo Anthony.

Rodney Stuckey added 26 points for the Pistons who extended their season-best win streak to four-consecutive National Basketball Association games.

Villanueva also had five rebounds and five assists coming off the bench.

Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups had 21 points against his former team. JR Smith also scored 14 points for the first-place Nuggets who lost back-to-back games for just the second time.

Before those losses, the Nuggets had won eight of 10 games and four straight.

Several Detroit players missed Thursday's game because of injuries, including Tayshaun Prince, Richard Hamilton and Ben Gordon with a left ankle injury. Prince has a bad back and Hamilton has an injured right ankle.

Kenyon Martin did not play for Denver because of a dislocated pinkie finger.

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!