Los Angeles  - Chauncey Billups received the love, but the Detroit Pistons spoiled his emotional homecoming.

Tayshaun Prince scored 23 points, Richard Hamilton had 21 and the Pistons overcame a season-high 34 from Billups to beat the Denver Nuggets, 100-95 on Tuesday night.

Billups was given a warm reception filled with hugs and handshakes from former teammates in his first appearance at the Palace since being traded for Allen Iverson on November 3.

Meanwhile, the more than 20,000 fans gave the popular Billups a well-deserved standing ovation, and blew kisses his way in appreciation for leading their beloved Pistons to six consecutive Eastern Conference finals and the 2004 NBA title for which he was named the Finals Most Valuable Player.

"I may forget the game and what happened," Billups said. "But the ovation and warm welcome the fans gave me, I'll never forget.

"There is really no words that can explain how good it made me feel. I felt appreciated. I felt very, very appreciated for my years here and the way I was treated."

Rodney Stuckey scored 17, Antonio McDyess had 16 points with 12 rebounds for the Pistons (30-29) who without Iverson (stiff back) have won three in a row following a season-high eight straight losses.

"Definitely, good things happened here," said Rasheed Wallace, after a 16-point, 10-rebound effort. "I know a lot of people came to pay homage for the things Chauncey had done here. He got his shots, he did his thing, but we just needed the win more than they did."

Brazilian native Nene had 20 points, J. R. Smith added 16 for Denver (39-22) which was outscored 56-41 in the second half

"I thought it was a great night for Chauncey, other than not getting the win," Nuggets coach George Karl said. "We just didn't have enough help for him offensively."

The Nuggets were without its leading scorer Carmelo Anthony, who was serving a one-game suspension for refusing to come out of Sunday's game against Indiana when Karl tried to remove him.

Billups scored 21 and the Nuggets led 54-44 halftime, but were knotted at 74 after three quarters.

The Pistons took control with a 12-3 run to start the final frame. Prince hit a pair of jumpers to bookend the burst, and McDyess buried three straight jumpers for an 86-79 advantage.

Smith's jumper drew Denver within 94-90 with 2:10 left. Hamilton, however, hit six free throws in the final 29 seconds to wrap up the victory.

"You've got to give them credit, they did a good job down the stretch," Billups said. "I wish they didn't but they did." (dpa)