The AP reports: Chauncey Billups took his coach up on the challenge and took over for the Nuggets. Billups scored 17 of his 22 points in the third quarter and rallied Denver back from a 16-point deficit to lead the Nuggets to their third straight win, 101-89 over the Philadelphia 76ers on Wednesday night… Carmelo Anthony had 26 points and 14 rebounds, and Nene scored 17 for the Northwest Division leaders. Denver looked sluggish in the first half and its poor shooting seemed indicative of a team coming off a lengthy All-Star break… Andre Miller gave him a good push with 17 points through the first 2-plus quarters, but strained his right calf with about 7 1/2 minutes left in the third.
