The Nuggets were eliminated by the Lakers on Friday night, but Chauncey Billups believes the best is still coming for the club.

"Obviously (Friday) is a tough day in losing," Billups said after the 119-92 loss. "But it's been absolutely the best year I've been a part of, outside of winning the championship in '04. Me coming home. Me being a proud Denver kid all my life. Me being able to help this team kind of turn that corner. It's just been awesome. I never would have imagined it."

Billups came to the Nuggets on Nov. 3 in the blockbuster trade that sent Allen Iverson to the Pistons.

"When we get a chance to sit back and reflect and look on the year, it was a historical year for us," Billups said. "And it wasn't just me, what I brought to the table. It was everybody as a unit. I think we grew up this year together.

"I think the culture has been changed in our locker room. It's something that they needed in the worst way before the season started. I think the proper adjustments have been made to try and make a run every single year now."