Denver Nuggets vs. Los Angeles Clippers: 4 Takeaways from Nuggets' 109-105 Loss

The Nuggets played good enough to win as they are the better team overall, but Sunday night, the Clippers were able to put it all together, making Denver's loss a tough one to swallow.

The Nuggets ran into a steely-eyed Chauncey Billups, who oozed determination and ferocity, along with a clutch Chris Paul, who virtually scored everything he threw up.

Three pointers were raining all night for the Clippers as they drained 14 in all, with many being low-percentage shots.

It was tough going in the paint for the Nuggets against the Clippers' two shot blocking and rebounding machines.

However, there is no time for head hanging, with three tough games on the horizon.

The Nuggets need to learn from this game and move on so they can regroup, get healthy and return to their winning ways against the Memphis Grizzlies on Tuesday.

Chauncey Billups Sticks It

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The "welcome home" reception to Park Hill's favorite son was fun for about five minutes until Chauncey Billups began inflicting pain upon his old team.

Actions speak louder than words, and Billups' performance spoke volumes about how he really feels about being shipped away.

He neatly wrapped up a game-high 32 points on 11-of-20 shooting and 6-of-12 from downtown. This was clearly a statement game.

Billups was in a rhythm all night and was simply Chauncey at his best.

When Billups is firing on all cylinders as he was, it becomes imperative to deny him the ball.

I am just glad that since he is not wearing the Nuggets colors that he resides outside the Northwest division.

Block Party for Lob City

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Nine blocked shots and 26 rebounds from two players is just amazing.

Blake Griffin and DeAndre Jordan each pulled down 13 boards, with Jordan swatting away five and Griffin four.

Although the Nuggets managed 62 points in the paint, these two high-fliers made Denver work for every one and made players a bit hesitant about going to the rim.

Not Having Ty Lawson Hurt

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This was a game where Ty Lawson's speed was sorely missed.

The Clippers were big and powerful underneath where a somewhat slower and more deliberate pace was not beneficial.

Lawson would have been productive driving and slashing against slower big men.

His speed would also have been beneficial in defending against the Clipper guards.

Nuggets Stayed Themselves

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The Nuggets kept their identity on a night when they surely could have been caught up and sucked into a more individualistic and self-centered style.

The passing was crisp and timely, and the scoring was balanced with five players scoring in double figures.

Rebounding was balanced as well, but Andre Miller did not receive much help in the assist department. The loss of Lawson diminished more effectiveness with ball distribution.

Arron Afflalo has been dealing with a nagging groin injury which cost him two straight games last week. Perhaps he is hurting more than he is letting on, as his last two games now have been sub-par. Five points and three rebounds in the last two is not cutting it. The Nuggets need the real Arron Afflalo to re-appear.