Mr.Big Shot is Back!

Chauncey Billups, up until last night was mentioned as a "throw in" in the deal that made Carmelo Anthony a Knick. He was sent out of Denver for two main reasons, to give Ty Lawson more playing time, because he is the Nuggets point guard of the future, and to get the Nuggets under the luxury tax threshold.

Although he is a bit older, this is a guy that won an NBA Finals MVP while playing for Larry Brown, who is notoriously tough on his point guards. He went to seven straight conference finals, that's something only Magic Johnson has done. He isn't a marquee star. His jersey wasn't flying off the shelves when he was with Detroit or Denver, it may not even with the Knicks. But he is a veteran leader. He may not be a Knick past next year because of the possibility of acquiring Chris Paul or maybe even Deron Williams. He is the type of player that every team needs. A straight up leader.

In his first game as a Knick, Billups was seen talking to Toney Douglas and Bill Walker, giving them advice and both responded by having big games. Knicks GM Donnie Walsh said they lucked out in getting Billups. Nuggets head coach George Karl said he was sad to lose Chauncey which at the time I thought was a snide remark towards Carmelo Anthony, but now I'm thinking it was genuine.

Last night, he had a game in which the box score wouldn't tell you he was good, but, if you watch the game he was definitely a difference maker. He was balling out of his mind. He hit several big shots. One 3 pointer that begun a 16-0 run to closeout the first half and two bug shots within the last three minutes of the game. He had two big steals during that time as well.

I do miss Raymond Felton and wish him the best in Denver and anywhere else he goes, but, before him, the point guards for the Knicks were Stephon Marbury and Chris Duhon. Billups is a general on the floor. I may be speaking a little early but my bro, Chris, said to me this morning that the Knicks might have their own "Big Three".

Melo and Stat also had big games. Anthony put up 29 points and played great defense on LeBron, which is something he is not known for. Amare had 16 points and 10 boards. He also may have had the play of the night by blocking James's layup with 7 seconds left. The bench came up big with strong play by Shawne Williams, Anthony Carter, Toney Douglas, and Bill Walker.

The game last night has me excited for not only the rest of the season but also the playoffs. This team does not look like the easy first round exit analysts project them to be.