HEARTBREAKER IN CHICAGO

Chauncey Billups didn't just sink the game-winning free throw with 0.6 seconds left Tuesday night at the United Center. The Nuggets' guard also offered up a quote-of-the-year candidate when he colorfully dissed the Bulls' reaction to Brad Miller's subsequent game-winning shot attempt, which officials ruled came after the buzzer following a lengthy video review. "I was laughing because they were dancing and jumping around like they had just made the Sweet 16,"

Billups said. The wild ending to the Nuggets' 90-89 victory prevented the Bulls from winning their first four home games for the first time since the 1997-98 season. It also wasted Joakim Noah's career-high 21 rebounds, Derrick Rose returning to form with 22 points and a solid defensive effort that limited high-scoring Denver to 41.7 percent shooting as Carmelo Anthony scored only 20 points, 11 below his average. The Bulls spent five minutes celebrating what they believed was an unlikely victory after taking possession at halfcourt with 0.3 seconds left when Billups purposely missed the second of his two free throws. Miller caught the inbound pass from Kirk Hinrich, pivoted quickly and rushed up an awkward-looking jumper from the top of the key that found its mark. On the court, official Eric Dalen signaled two points. "(Officials) told us in the huddle you can catch and throw one up there because I asked," Hinrich said. "I wanted to know if my only option was to throw it up to the rim and have somebody tip it in or throw it to somebody else and have them quick-shoot it." Crew chief Mark Wunderlich didn't comment but relayed through a Bulls media relations official that the call is a judgment call. Apparently, a replay from an overhead camera angle convinced officials that Miller didn't get the shot off in time. (Chicago Tribune)