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Billups seeks better shooting performance vs. Grizzlies

Nov 9, 2008 - 7:49 AM Memphis (3-3) at Denver (2-3) 8:00 pm. EST

DENVER (Ticker) -- Chauncey Billups was triumphant in his homecoming, but there is work to be done. Billups aims for a better shooting performance on Sunday when the Denver Nuggets host the Memphis Grizzlies.

Acquired from Detroit for Allen Iverson earlier in the week, Billups recorded 15 points, four rebounds and three assists in a 108-105 win over Dallas on Friday. It was the first game in a Nuggets uniform in nine years for Billups, who shot just 5-of-17 from the floor.

The former University of Colorado star spoke before the game and told the crowd he hopes to make the Nuggets a championship contender. He has some experience in that category, having won a NBA title with the Pistons in 2003-04.

"No doubt, no matter what happens, I'm always happy to be home. Always," Billups said.

Of his poor night he said, "I had some good looks. ... Just didn't knock them down."

Billups is averaging 22.0 points and 8.8 assists in his last six games against Memphis, and will try to help the Nuggets continue their mastery of the young Grizzlies. Denver went 4-0 against Memphis last season, and has won 20 of the last 21 meetings here.

The Grizzlies are led by the combination of Rudy Gay and rookie O.J. Mayo. Gay scored 23 points to power Memphis to a 109-104 win over Golden State on Friday. The third overall pick of June's draft, Mayo added 20 points. He is second in the league in scoring among rookies (17.3 ppg).