Heat-Knicks Video: Watch Chauncey Billups Earn His Nickname, Mr. Big Shot

The New York Knicks needed a big win against the Miami Heat last night, not only to show that they could be an elite team in the East, but to shake off last Friday night's loss against the Cleveland Cavaliers. To get the big win, a few big plays were needed, and a playmaker emerged for the Knicks that night in Chauncey Billups.

The Knicks were down 84-80 late in the game. Billups moved past a couple defenders and got a shot off while moving sideways in the air. The shot went down, and he again got the ball with about a minute left. He jacked up a three and made it with a hand in his face. On the Heat's next possession, he made a key steal and pass to get a foul drawn.

Having a prolific scorer or a big man is one thing. They are essential pieces to any team with title hopes, and they are needed to get far. Perhaps the most important piece, however, is the guy who can unload in the clutch. Not too many teams have that because there are not too many players who can put the game on their shoulders.

Chauncey Billups is one of these players. When a game is on the line, he will make the tough shots fall. As great a scorer as Carmelo is, he has not proven himself as that guy just yet, so Billups could end up being more valuable for the Knicks come playoff time.

Does this mean the Knicks are among the favorites to win the NBA Finals? Knicks fans will certainly tell you they are, but this one game doesn't automatically put them up there. After all, the Heat are struggling against the top few teams in the East, including the Celtics and Bulls.

Those top teams are the only ones the Knicks have to worry about some playoff time though, and the Knicks know that. It doesn't matter if they lose to the Cavs, because they won't face them in the playoffs. They could very well face the Heat in the playoffs, and if they do, a lot of games could easily end up like this one did tonight.

If they do, the Knicks will be very glad to have Chauncey Billups on their side.