Chauncey Billups Bests Reigning MVP Steve Nash (27 Points, Clutch 3) in Pistons Win

November 10, 2005 - Chauncey Billups' MVP-level 2005-06 season began in earnest with a 27-point performance in a 111-104 win over the Phoenix Suns, pushing the Pistons to their first 5-0 start since 1996. Nash, the two-time reigning MVP, finished with 18 points (6-of-17 shooting), 8 assists, and 6 turnovers as he and his fellow Suns continued to acclimate to the absence of all-star forward Amar'e Stoudemire. Despite his team's early success, Billups struggled to find his shot, averaging less than 14 points per game on 37 percent shooting from the field during Detroit's first four games. Billups' big night in Phoenix, as it turned out, uncorked his best season as a Piston, in which he'd go on to average close to 19 points and 9 assists in leading his club to a franchise-best 64 wins. For his efforts, Billups finished fifth in MVP voting—the highest finish of any Piston during the Going to Work era—just behind Kobe Bryant. Box Score: https://www.basketball-reference.com/...