The free throw, Billups' 17th point, came after he was fouled while driving to the basket. After making the game-winning foul shot with less than a second to go, he intentionally missed the second.
The Bulls regained the ball, and Chicago's Brad Miller had time for a final field goal try. Miller's shot appeared good but after a long conference at the scorer's table, officials ruled the shot came after the buzzer sounded, allowing the Nuggets to squeak out the win.
Denver's Carmelo Anthony scored a team-high 20 points, with Kenyon Martin contributing 15 points and grabbing 10 rebounds. Nene had 11 points and 12 boards.
Derrick Rose led all scorers with 22 points for the Bulls.
Copyright 2009 by United Press International.
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